Book Review: Heartstopper Volume 5 by Alice Oseman

Okay this was probably the first or second book I finished reading this year… and it’s definitely my favorite volume of Heartstopper so far. It’s very sweet and I wish this type of book had been more popular when I was a teenager because I think it would have kind of helped me deal with some feelings about growing up and dating and stuff.

So to catch you up- the Heartstopper books are a queer love story about Nick- A popular jock at the school and Charlie- the only openly gay student at the school they go to. So they become friends and Charlie gets a crush on Nick immediately but Nick has never had feelings for a boy before so he’s a little confused but Charlie is adorable and he they kiss and then they start dating. Charlie goes through a hard time and Nick stays with him and they love each other… but now Nick is getting ready to go to college and he’s scared of being away from Charlie and… things are also getting a little more serious with them and in this book they want to take the next step.

There’s a lot I like about the book… one thing is that there is no shame towards anyone’s sexuality in this book. They have gay couples, a trans woman, bisexual characters, asexual characters, there’s a lesbian couple- and it just shows all of these characters as regular teenagers. There’s no shaming for these characters for wanting or not wanting to have sex, there’s no shaming for couples that have or haven’t done it yet… and for teenagers I think that’s a big deal. It’s easy to be shamed for what you do or what you don’t do when you’re a teenager and I feel like if I read this as a teenager it would have made me feel more comfortable being myself.

This one was also cute because after reading Volume 4 and knowing everything Charlie went through- Its good to see him kind of getting some self confidence. Plus I feel like we get to know Nick a little bit better in this one and it’s just nice to see. We also see some of the family relationships between Charlie and his parents… it’s all very cute and sweet.

I think it’s important for teens to have access to books like that. Not even just for teens that are part of the LGBTQ+ community- but teens in general can benefit from reading books about teens just being teens. All the insecurities and feelings these teens are having are relatable no matter what you’re identity is.

I also have to say I love Alice Oseman’s art style and I think they incorporate their handwriting in this also… and I really love that. It’s so interesting to look at and just a beautiful graphic novel.

I hope you guys like this review!

Bye!

-Shannon