Heartstopper: Volume One

Heartstopper: Volume One

by Alice Oseman

5 out of 5

Synopsis
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, and he's sort of got a boyfriend, even if he's kind of mean and only wants to meet up in secret.

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. That is, until the start of January, in which Nick and Charlie are placed in the same form group and made to sit together.

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...



Review
Charlie and Nick are both students at the same school, a chance encounter means the boys become friends, and possibly more.

This was just so adorable. I started reading the webcomic (which is currently free), and I completely tore through everything. So please forgive me if my review drifts beyond Volume 1, as I think I'm currently in the middle of Volume 5.

Charlie is openly-gay, who has a sort-of boyfriend that only wants to hook up with him in secret.
He has to deal with bullies, and every day at school is difficult.

Nick is in the year above, so only meets Charlie when they have to work together on a project.
He's the star of the rugby team, and always surrounded by people, adored by the girls. His connection with Charlie helps him see the real value of his 'friends', and starts his journey to discovering that he's bi.

There's some fantastic LGBTQ+ rep throughout this series.
I love how supportive everyone is, as the whole supporting cast also come to terms with their sexuality, or gender dysphoria. The stress that's associated with being a teen, is suddenly multiplied when they're worried about being 'normal'.

This is incredibly sweet, and a slow-burn friendship to lovers story.

Goodreads
Amazon
Webcomic