Heartstopper #4: A Graphic Novel

“Heartstopper Volume 4” by Alice Oseman is still full of queer joy, friendship, & romance, but also a bit more focused on mental health & recovery. It’s very careful in how it approaches sensitive topics, like anorexia, self-harm, disordered eating, & recovery. These could be triggering topics, but I think Alice generally does a good job at presenting them in a way without sensationalizing or making them seem unsolvable or easily solvable. It’s definitely a volume that makes one think & has made me personally think I need to do more (& maybe even ask for help 😬) myself.But also. It’s still sweet. & romantic. & shows that we all need lots of people & relationships in our lives (not just the romantic kind). I think especially given the last few years, this is more important than ever to read.Also, also. It’s just a truly beautiful series. Please pick it up (or watch the show too, as it’s the best of adaptions, Oseman was very involved wrote for it too)! I can’t express how much I would recommend this series for EVERYONE.Now I just have to wait for Volume 5. Plus get “Solitaire” & it’s two spin-off novellas “This Winter” & “Nick & Charlie,” which touch on the main couple (or feature them) but also flesh out Tori (best big sister, full of big sister magic) one of my favorite secondary characters. Also “Radio Silence” which takes place a bit after & feature Aled, another secondary friend character.Also, also, also… two of the teachers are my favorite & I love that there’s a reminder than one can find love at any age (especially for those of us who missed out on youthful love).Read it! Watch it! Fall in love!

the heartstopper series is adorable, wholesome, warm, topical, inclusive and all of this is encapsulated in the 4th novel. charlie and nick finally get to focus on relationship milestones/issues that aren’t necessarily lgbtq+ focused. this is an important series for queer teens with amazing writing and the book arrived perfectly! 10/10

Heartstopper Volume 4 continues to enchant readers with the heartwarming and beautifully crafted story of Charlie and Nick's evolving relationship. As a fan of the series, I found this installment to be a compelling and emotional continuation of their journey.Alice Oseman's storytelling prowess shines once again, seamlessly weaving together moments of joy, vulnerability, and growth. The characters feel authentic, and their struggles and triumphs resonate with a universal charm that keeps readers emotionally invested.The artwork by Oseman complements the narrative impeccably, capturing the subtleties of expressions and emotions. The visual storytelling adds a layer of depth to the already engaging plot, making it a truly immersive experience.Volume 4 delves deeper into the complexities of self-discovery, friendship, and love, showcasing Oseman's ability to tackle sensitive topics with grace and authenticity. The pacing is spot-on, allowing readers to savor each moment while eagerly anticipating what comes next.Whether you're a longtime fan of Heartstopper or new to the series, Volume 4 is a delightful addition that delivers on its promise of warmth and relatability. It leaves readers eagerly anticipating the next chapter in Charlie and Nick's journey. Five stars for another captivating installment that tugs at the heartstrings!

It is so wonderful to see a gay love story be handled as wholesomely and tenderly as this novel. This book is pure joy. This would have been a game-changer for me 10 years ago, I am elated that teens and adults today can grow up with something like this.A lot of queer novels tend to talk about dark topics: HIV, homophobic parents, drugs, ostracization etc. It's probably because the people writing and producing the content were young during an era when it was tougher to be queer than now.Heartstopper does not shy away from the tough issues but always the main theme is a loving relationship! A tender and beautiful romance between two boys. I would have loved this during my high school days.Get the books! they are a quick read filled with beautiful comic like drawings and then see the show on Netflix!

Nick and Charlie are my absolute sons! I will protect them at all costs! After watching heartstopper on Netflix I had to find out more about them. I just fell in love with their story and can never stop smiling seeing them. I think nick and Charlie are so well liked because of how relatable they are. The heartstopper series as well as the nick and Charlie sequel also have great LGBTQ+ representation in them. There’s a character for everyone and representation in literature and in media matter. Do yourself a favor and purchase these books and fall in love with them yourselves. I will say my only downside is for all of the volumes 1-4, they all can be read in about 30 min each. The books are big and a bit heavy but it’s graphic novel style so it’s mostly pictures and the dialogue is minimal. I got through the entire set of 4 books in about 2 hours

How can I object to compassionate portrayals of mental illness? Bringing awareness and destigmatizing depression, OCD, self-harm and more is important. But reading this volume, I found myself taken out of the narrative and the characters, waiting for the statement-making to end. I wish Alice Oseman would have woven it in more naturally so it didn't seem like a preachy digression. But...I still LOVE this series and I can't wait for Volume 5!

My son has thoroughly enjoyed this series.