Heartstopper Vol 1 book review
Heartstopper: Volume 1 by Alice Oseman Series: Heartstopper #1
Published by Selfpublished Pages: 288
Goodreads
Charlie, a highly-strung, openly gay over-thinker, and Nick, a cheerful, soft-hearted rugby player, meet at a British all-boys grammar school. Friendship blooms quickly, but could there be something more...?
Charlie Spring is in Year 10 at Truham Grammar School for Boys. The past year hasn't been too great, but at least he's not being bullied anymore. Nick Nelson is in Year 11 and on the school rugby team. He's heard a little about Charlie - the kid who was outed last year and bullied for a few months - but he's never had the opportunity to talk to him.
They quickly become friends, and soon Charlie is falling hard for Nick, even though he doesn't think he has a chance. But love works in surprising ways, and sometimes good things are waiting just around the corner...
I wanted to start Heartstopper Vol 1 because once again I won’t watch the TV show without reading the books. There has been so much hype surrounding this book, but I had no idea what it was about or actually what it was based on. I understand it was based on characters from Solitaire, which I read yonks ago and can’t remember anything about. What I will say is that it didn’t impact my enjoyment of it at all!
Characters in Heartstopper Vol 1
Heartstopper Vol 1 introduces us to Charlie and Nick as they navigate their life in high school. Plus a potential relationship blooms. I couldn’t remember any of the characters from their stint in Solitaire. However it definitely didn’t ruin my experience. I think the way the story is told it holds its own and is a great standalone. I loved how everything seems to develop throughout this book. There was an easiness to the characters which I think all good romances need, especially as a feel good story. I think they were really well suited and I loved how natural it all was.
I do see the characters as lacking a little bit of depth. But I think that was more to do with the medium rather than the storytelling. Plus I think with there being multiple volumes the story telling can be a little slower and there can be more of a slow burn when it comes to the characters and their stories. I do want to read the next couple of volumes and see whether the character development grows throughout. But as a foundation this book has set up some brilliant people who I am excited to get to know more.
Bad Bits in Heartstopper Vol 1
There weren’t too many bits that left me with a bad taste in my mouth in Heartstopper Vol 1. I think I would have liked for a little more depth and explanation all the way through. There were moments that felt a little shallow and surface level. Especially with some of the issues this book looks at dealing with. I really think if there had been just a little more all the way through this could have been a five star read for me.
Good Bits
For me the good bits was just how easy this was to read. I adored the pacing of the story and everything seemed natural and relaxed. It was overall a really great book to dive into and enjoy. One thing I really struggle with is the high school student trope. You know the one where the kids are either really popular or so awkward they can’t do anything? Well Heartstopper Vol 1 didn’t fall into that trap. In fact the kids all the way through were so realistically written it meant that the plot wasn’t a complete shambles either.
What next?
I need to get my hands on the other volumes. I really enjoyed my time in this world and definitely see myself loving the characters more and more. Plus I want to make sure that my romance reading is a little more varied and diverse and see if I can find some new favourites!
If you have read Heartstopper, what would you recommend I read next? Have you got any recommendations for other books with great characters? Let me know!
