Book 902: Heartstopper, Vol. 1 (Heartstopper #1) – Alice Oseman

I decided with the release of the fourth volume in physical form this year to go back and re-read the series again. I probably should’ve waited until Volume 5, but oh well I didn’t.

Reading this again was like visiting an old friend. Oseman’s illustration style is so whimsical and she does so much with just a couple of blush lines on Charlie and Nick’s faces. I like how she plays with perspectives and as their relationship evolves so does the way she draws them because they’ve relaxed and started to show each other who they really are without fear or judgment.

The biggest thing I noticed in this read is how much Charlie has internalized the hatred and “othering” he’s experienced being the only gay kid at his school. He really doesn’t expect to find happiness or love and when he does, he’s almost afraid of it and not because he thinks Nick is straight. The way Ben and Harry treat Charlie is horrible, but common when it comes to younger guys being dicks. Ben is a sad story and I hope he finds himself, but Harry I don’t think will ever grow up.

And in contrast, the best parts of the graphic novel for me are all the little moments where Nick and Charlie both go to reach for or touch each other but don’t because they’re both in their own heads. Charlie doesn’t do it because he doesn’t want to scare off the person who is fast becoming his best friend and Nick doesn’t because he doesn’t want to give Charlie false hope and the little awkward moments are just so swoon-worthy.

The end of Vol. 1 was horrible when I first read it and I could never have forgiven Oseman if she didn’t include the teaser for Vol. 2. If I would’ve been hung out to dry on that cliffhanger I would’ve been so mad!

Recommendation: This is one of those graphic novels I could go back and read again and again and again. I re-read it in about an hour and absorbed every ounce of it because of how adorably sweet and romantic it is as Charlie and Nick get to know each other. Their story is so well written and I’m excited to finally read Vol. 4, but am sad that Vol. 5, the final installment, is almost here. I’m not sure what I’ll do when I don’t have another to look forward to! READ THIS STORY!!!!!