Heartstopper #1: A Graphic Novel (1)

Great quality book. Thank you

“Heartstopper, Volume 1” by Alice Oseman is a cute, sweet, adorable gay romance between two British boys that I absolutely devoured as quickly as I could. The art style has a tender simplicity to it & is illustrated in green hues, black, & white space. I especially like the way the creator draws the characters expressions & transitions between scenes / panels. The plot / romance is incredibly sweet but also realistic between someone who is out & someone who is still realizing their sexuality. I hope further volumes flesh out secondary characters, who seems interesting but haven’t gotten much time to shine given the main focus on Charlie & Nick. Definitely can’t wait for the Netflix series adaptation. Definitely recommend to anyone that wants a cute romance. Will definitely read again (& again). Reminds me a little of a slightly younger “Check, Please!” but British & with rugby. I also know a little about rugby. 😅😹💜😻

This deceptively simple tale of "a boy who falls for the campus jock" was so much more than I'd expected or hoped for. Anyone (queer or straight) who's felt the first pangs of first love (and then questioned whether those feelings could ever be returned) will find this story relatable and enjoyable. The author manages to capture in words and pictures the beauty, the awkwardness, joy, fear, doubt, and elation of young love. And they created something of a rarity these days: protagonists that are actually good people – the kind you'd want as friends. Ultimately, the book (as well as the Netflix series) left me feeling happy and hopeful. The books and the series have been as enjoyable the 10th time as the first. Lucky for me. I need all the happy and hopeful I can get.

4 stars - It was really good Trigger Warnings: Harassment by ex; forced kiss; references of bullying This is Chapters 1 and 2 from the Webcomic. Today I finished the first season of the Heartstopper tv show, which was amazing, but I needed more. So I decided a reread was in order and I would write a better review for this series while I was at it. Charlie and Nick are so stinkin cute! I can’t get enough of these two. Their relationship is filled with all the awkward, embarrassing, and very cute scenes that happen at the beginning of a relationship. I love how these two started as friends and it quickly started to become more. Charlie is already out as gay btu he is still dealing with bullying from classmates. He also is dealing with harassment by his ex, which is heartbreaking. I really love Charlie. He is adorable but also is clearly still struggling from the trauma of being bullied. He also doesn’t have great self-esteem because he is never really confident in himself. Nick is the popular sports player who is starting to realize that he isn’t straight. He is starting to question his sexuality but is also afraid of what that means. I really love how Nick is always trying to take care of Charlie, especially against his ex. This book ends on a cliffhanger with Charlie and Nick's relationship. I hate that there is strife but I know all relationships have their issues that have to be worked through. I am so happy I decided to reread this series and will be jumping right into volume 2.

Heartstopper Volume 1 marks the delightful start of Charlie and Nick's heartwarming story, offering readers a charming introduction to their friendship and the blossoming of something more. Alice Oseman's debut in the Heartstopper series lays the foundation for a narrative that is as touching as it is relatable. The characters come to life through Oseman's expressive illustrations, capturing the nuances of teenage life with authenticity. Volume 1 introduces us to Charlie and Nick, two characters who quickly become endearing with their genuine personalities and the magnetic pull of their connection. Oseman's storytelling shines through in this initial installment, effortlessly blending humor, friendship, and the tender moments that make readers fall in love with the characters. The simplicity of the narrative belies its emotional depth, creating a story that resonates on a profound level. The visual elements are a highlight, with the artwork adding layers of emotion and personality to the characters. Volume 1 is a testament to Oseman's talent for crafting narratives that tug at the heartstrings while providing a genuine and honest portrayal of relationships. Whether you're a seasoned graphic novel enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, Heartstopper Volume 1 is a delightful read that sets the stage for a series filled with love, friendship, and self-discovery. It earns a well-deserved five stars for its sweet beginning and the promise of more heartwarming moments to come!

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!

Amazing book(s), love this series!

* Spoilerfreie Rezension! * Inhalt Die ganze Schule weiß, dass Charlie schwul ist. Zum Glück hat das Mobbing endlich aufgehört. Eines Tages wird Charlie ein neuer Sitzplatz zugewiesen; er sitzt ab jetzt neben Nick, dem Rugbystar der Schule. Die beiden verstehen sich super, haben den gleichen Humor, befreunden sich. Zarte Gefühle für Nick regen sich in Charlie. Aber das kann er sich gleich aus dem Kopf schlagen, denn Nick – da sind sich alle seine Freund·innen einig – ist ganz sicher hetero und Charlie hat keine Chance bei ihm. Oder? Übersicht Einzelband oder Reihe: Band #1 von 4 Perspektive: männliche Perspektive Kapitellänge: lang Tiere im Buch: + Im Buch werden keine Tiere verletzt, gequält oder getötet. Triggerwarnung: (sexualisierte) Gewalt, Mobbing, Diskriminierung, Homophobie Bechdel-Test (zwei Frauen mit Namen sprechen miteinander über etwas anderes als einen Mann): nicht bestanden! Frauenfeindliche / gegenderte Beleidigungen: --- Warum dieses Buch? Kurz: weil ich auf Instagram tagelang mit dem Buch und der Serie bombardiert wurde und es kein Entkommen für mich gab! ;) Kurzrezension Das mochte ich… + die zauberhafte, zuckersüße queere Liebesgeschichte, die sich langsam und glaubwürdig entwickelt, die mich berührt hat und mir immer wieder ein Lächeln ins Gesicht gezaubert hat. + die Tatsache, dass das Buch frei von Kitsch ist – und wenn ich das sage, könnte ihr mir das wirklich glauben, denn ich bin praktisch allergisch gegen jede Art von Kitsch! + die herzerwärmende Wohlfühlatmosphäre im Buch und die Tatsache, dass man immer neugierig ist, wie es weitergeht. + die zwei Protagonisten, die liebevoll ausgearbeitet wurden und dreidimensional und greifbar sind. Ich fand sie beide sehr sympathisch, konnte mich mit ihnen identifizieren und habe mir für beide ein Happy End gewünscht! + die ernsten, wichtigen, modernen Themen (Mobbing, Coming-out, Liebe, Freundschaft, Schule, Homophobie, sexualisierte Gewalt), die altersgemäß und tiefgründig behandelt werden. Deshalb eignet sich das Buch auch (wie vom Verlag angegeben) sehr gut für Jugendliche ab 13 Jahren – und es wäre sicher auch eine interessante Schullektüre, die genug Diskussionsstoff bietet. + der verspielte, wunderschöne Zeichenstil, der die Graphic Novel auch zum Augenschmaus macht. Oft werden Gesichter in Nahaufnahme gezeigt, wodurch sich sehr gut Emotionen vermitteln lassen. + die Diversität und den Feminismus. Im Buch treffen wir auf eine große Bandbreite von Hautfarben und sexuellen Orientierungen, auf starke Frauen/Mädchen und sensible Männer/Jungen, wodurch sich das Buch sehr modern und zeitgemäß präsentiert. Aufgrund des Settings (Jungenschule) gibt es allerdings einen Frauenmangel und die Graphic Novel besteht den Bechdel-Test nicht. Dafür ziehe ich einen Punkt ab. + das Ende, das einen sehr gemeinen Cliffhanger bereithält, sodass man gar nicht anders kann, als die Fortsetzung zu lesen (was ich bereits getan habe, ich konnte nicht widerstehen!). + die neu erschienene, ebenfalls sehr divers gecastete Netflix-Serie zum Buch. Auch wenn ich mich an die Schauspieler von Nick und Charlie erst gewöhnen musste, hat mich die Wohlfühl-Serie am Ende doch auf ganzer Linie überzeugt! „Charlie, you need to give up on him.” “I can’t.” E-Book, Seite 124 Das lässt mich zwiegespalten zurück… ~ die Nebenfiguren, die im ersten Band nur ganz kleine Nebenrollen spielen und dadurch etwas blass bleiben. Ich hätte gerne mehr über sie erfahren (besonders über Charlies Schwester Tori, die ich sehr cool und sympathisch fand) – das kommt dann sicher in den Folgebänden, auf die ich mich jetzt schon freue! Das hat mir nicht gefallen… --- Mein Fazit „Heartstopper 1“ ist DIE Liebesgeschichte für alle, die (wie ich) keine kitschigen Liebesgeschichten mögen. Der Hype ist absolut berechtigt! Wer nach einer Wohlfühl-Graphic-Novel sucht, die aber auch ernste Themen tiefgründig bespricht, die einen berührt, mitfiebern lässt, zum Lächeln bringt und einem das Herz wärmt, der ist hier goldrichtig! Große Leseempfehlung – auch für Jugendliche & als Schullektüre! Bewertung Idee: 4 Lilien Inhalt, Themen, Botschaft: 5 Lilien ♥ Tiefe: 4 Lilien Umsetzung: 5 Lilien ♥ Worldbuilding: 4 Lilien Einstieg: 4 Lilien Ende: 5 Lilien ♥ Erzählstil: 5 Lilien ♥ Hauptfiguren: 5 Lilien ♥ Nebenfiguren: 3 Lilien Spannung: 4 Lilien Tempo: 5 Lilien ♥ Wendungen: 3 Lilien Atmosphäre: 5 Lilien ♥ Emotionale Involviertheit: 5 Lilien ♥ Feministischer Blickwinkel: 4 Lilien Einzigartigkeit: 4 Lilien Insgesamt: ❀❀❀❀❀♥ Lilien Dieses Buch bekommt von mir 5 Lilien und ein Herz – und damit den Lieblingsbuchstatus!

J’ADORE!!! I ABSOLUTELY LOVE IT

💚 You can't tell whether people are gay by what they look like. And gay or straight aren't the only two options 💚 💚 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? 💚 💚 How cute are Nick and Charlie!! 🥰 Just two people being friends and being relatable 💚 This was a really easy read because it was such a nice friends-to-crush story and the illustrations were so relaxed and cute 💚 This romance felt very easy going and wholesome while being an authentic way of people coming together 💚 I felt bad this sat on my shelf for a month or two before I read it coz I read this in a few hours, and was smiling the whole time 💚

Came in good condition and an amazing book!

"Heartstopper": The Pure Joy and Comfort We All Need Right Now (Especially in Dinnington!) In a world that often feels a bit too chaotic, Alice Oseman's "Heartstopper" graphic novel series (and its equally beloved Netflix adaptation) is an absolute balm for the soul. If you haven't yet dipped into the world of Charlie Spring and Nick Nelson, now is the perfect time, and I can't recommend it enough. This is a solid, unequivocal five-star experience that transcends age and truly resonates. "Heartstopper" is, at its core, a story about kindness, self-discovery, and the beautiful, often messy, journey of first love. We follow Charlie, an openly gay, anxious overthinker, and Nick, a gentle, rugby-loving boy who finds himself questioning his sexuality after befriending Charlie. Their relationship unfolds with a tenderness and authenticity that is incredibly refreshing. What makes "Heartstopper" so uniquely wonderful is its unwavering positivity and optimism. While it doesn't shy away from important, often challenging themes like mental health struggles, homophobia, and coming out, it always approaches them with empathy and a hopeful lens. It's a series that champions love, friendship, and acceptance above all else, leaving you with a warm, fuzzy feeling and a genuine smile on your face. The art style is simple yet incredibly expressive, perfectly capturing the nuances of adolescent emotions – the awkward glances, the blossoming blushes, the supportive hugs. Each panel is filled with a warmth that pulls you deeper into their world. Whether you're reading the graphic novels or watching the adaptation (both are phenomenal and complement each other beautifully), you become utterly invested in the lives of these characters and their wonderful support network of friends. "Heartstopper" is more than just a queer love story; it's a vital, comforting reminder that it's okay to be yourself, to explore your feelings, and that love in all its forms is something to be celebrated. For anyone in Dinnington looking for a dose of pure, unadulterated joy, a story that will make you feel seen and happy, or simply a beautifully told romance, "Heartstopper" is an absolute must-read/watch. It's truly a series for everyone.