Book Review | Heartstopper Volume One by Alice Oseman

Heartstopper Volume One had me giggling, kicking my feet, and hoping I get tackled by a rugby lad right this very instant (in the best way possible).

I first found out about the Heartstopper series from Tumblr! The cast did a Q&A on Tumblr a few weeks before the release of the Netflix adaptation. I didn't think too much about it because I didn't really care at that point but then the Netflix adaptation came out last April, and that's when I really got into it!

I watched the show in a day, then proceeded to binge watch it again another three more times. Talk about being healthily attached to something.

The Heartstopper graphic novel series had been on my TBR list for a while (I'd forgotten about it prior to the show) but I pushed away picking it up because I don't usually read graphic novels. For the longest time I didn't consider graphic novels to be "proper books" because I felt that they didn't have enough words to be considered a book... Oh, how wrong I was.

But I am fully smitten with the Netflix series that I had to go and pick up the book. It took a while because it was sold out in most places. But the show is seriously so good; I could go on and on about this show. Enough about the adaptation though; today, we're talking about the book.

An accurate representation of me whenever I think of Heartstopper.

About Heartstopper Volume One

Probably the most adorable thing I've ever read, Heartstopper Volume One is a story about two schoolmates. Charles 'Charlie' Spring and Nicholas 'Nick' Nelson are studying at Truham Grammar School for Boys, but they've never met. They quickly become good after being made to sit together in form group. Charlie finds himself falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance.

But love works in surprising ways, and the boys soon find themselves developing a close relationship.

Heartstopper Volume One Review

Honestly, this book was not what I expected.

Usually when there is a book adaptation to a film/ show, they stray away from the main plot of the story and there is a huge difference in the different forms of media. I was pleasantly surprised to find that majority (about 90% I would say) are the same! So if you've watched the show then read the book like me, it's nice to be able to see and hear Joe Lock as Charlie and Kit Connor as Nick on my pages. If I wanted to take it a step further, I think I could also hear the music that was playing those scenes.

The main difference would be that Imogen, Isaac and Elle are not in the books. Or in the first book anyway. I haven't read the other books yet so I'm not sure if they appear in the sequels.

Like the show, Heartstopper Volume One was an absolute joy to experience. It was so chill and carefree and I loved the dynamics between the characters. It also helped that the characters were realistic portrayals of teenagers. Oseman has a knack for penning down the behaviours and communication between these young adults. I especially appreciated the awkward conversations that these characters have.

Not only is the storyline wonderful, but the characters are so diverse. Obviously, there is positive representation of the LGBTQ+ folks in Heartstopper Volume One and the characters come from different ethnic backgrounds.

The novel is so cutely illustrated. As one who can barely draw a smiley face, I am in awe of Alice Oseman's skills! There is so much detail that goes into each drawing and it's insane how she managed to do all that. The detail really adds onto the storyline as well because you can really tell the emotions of the characters from their facial expressions. I also couldn't help but laugh at the little tap tap taps and pat pats. They surprisingly added a lot to the story to show the dynamic between characters. Plus, it was a great humorous touch.

My Recommendation

★★★★★ (5/5)

Heartstopper Volume One is perfect for everyone. It's cute and wholesome and would bring a smile to anyone's face. The book is not a heartstopper; it's a heartwarmer.

Plus there are Nick and Nellie scenes which makes it extra wholesome and adorable.

I hope I have convinced you on how amazing this book is so please go read it right now! It's free on Tumblr, Tapas and Webtoon. Once you're done, watch the show already streaming on Netflix. I promise you won't regret it.

And I'll have a new friend to share this insane obsession with.