Heartstopper #3 {spoiler free}

This book review contains spoilers for Heartstopper #2!

Author: Alice Oseman

Series: Heartstopper

Audience: YA

Rating: ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ 

Synopsis

Charlie didn’t think Nick could ever like him back, but now they’re officially boyfriends. Nick’s even found the courage to come out to his mum.

But coming out isn’t just something that happens once – there’s Nick’s older brother, and a school trip to Paris, not to mention all the other friends and family – and life can be hard, even with someone who loves you by your side. As their feelings get more serious, Charlie and Nick will need each other more than ever before.

– Goodreads

 

Writing Style

This is a graphic novel. That means that the book contains a lot of pictures and not so much text. This makes it a quick read.

Characters

Charlie

Charlie is the main character. He came out last year. He is now a couple with Nick.

Nick

Nick is a rugby player and Charlie’s classmate. He recently found out that he is bisexual. He is now a couple with Charlie.

Romance

The blurb already betrays it. Love plays the leading role here.

What I liked the most

I think it’s very good of Alice Oseman that she highlights some heavier subjects in Heartstopper. Life is unfortunately not always easy. Due to the combination with some light and sweet moments, Heartstopper 3 remains in balance.

Conclusion

Best of YA books was kind enough to send me a review copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

The third volume is definitely a bit heavier than the previous volumes. Charlie and Nick are now officially a couple but are still learning a lot about each other. Alice Oseman emphasizes in this volume that it’s okay not to be okay. She is very good with mental health and mental illness. It’s part of this book, but she manages to keep it from feeling too heavy by focusing more on support, healing and recovery. Fortunately, there are also enough light and sweet moments in this book so that Heartstopper 3 remains nicely balanced.

Warning: this book contains heavy topics such as bullying, eating disorder and self harm