Book 1,027: Heartstopper, Vol. 5 (Hearstopper #5) – Alice Oseman

Where do I even start with this series. I’ve read the first four volumes multiple times. With each new release I hold my breath and cross my fingers that Oseman doesn’t somehow pull the rug out from under us. She definitely didn’t this time, it’s just more unadulterated queer joy and I am here for it.

In Volume 5, Nick and Charlie have to come to terms with the fact that Nick is wrapping up secondary school and has to start thinking about his future. And that future includes university options all over the country. What that means for their relationship has yet to be seen.

Oseman doesn’t make it too dramatic or over the top, but she does make it real. Both Nick and Charlie struggle to come to terms with this next step. Charlie wants to be supportive and is, but also is fearful of how great things have been the past couple of years and that coming to an end. Nick is worried about Charlie’s mental health and the impact him going to school far away may have on him and their relationship.

In the end, they have a mature conversation and talk about the unknowns and how they have to really communicate now and in the future to make sure they’re successful. This is important because Nick’s main choice is the University of Leeds. And y’all Oseman drew the Parkinson building spot on from coming up the hill from city center. I turned the page and new the exact perspective she was drawing it from and was like OMG I KNOW that building. I spent a lot of time in Brotherton Library (which Parkinson kind of sits on top of 😀 So of course I was biased and whooped when he made his decision. I was a little surprised Loughborough wasn’t on the list (or maybe it was unnamed) because if I learned anything it’s one of the big sports universities and Nick does love some sport.

They also take their physical relationship to the next step and Oseman does it with respect and her trademark awkward-adorable combination with them laughing while trying to figure things out. It just made me so happy to read this book.

Recommendation: Just when you think this series can’t get any more adorable than it already is, Oseman drops this one us—I mean SWOON. Charlie and Nick take the next step in their relationship, face a big hurdle of Nick choosing a university, and they come out the other side still solid, but knowing they’re going to have to work hard to keep their relationship successful. I’m so curious how the next book volume, being the last, is going to end. I really hope we get a jump forward like we’ve gotten to see with some of Oseman’s Instagram posts.