4 stars
The Heartstopper boys are back! Loved catching up with Nick and Charlie. In this novella, Nick is excited to head off to university, but that enthusiasm makes Charlie feel left behind.
A fun story in which we get a bit of an update on the Heartstopper characters including Tao, Elle, Tori, Aled, Harry, and of course Nellie. The limits of Nick and Charlie’s relationship are pushed as big changes loom ahead. A nicely told story with a heartwarming resolution. Hits on themes of communication (even when it’s awkward), not comparing yourself to others, and doing what makes you happy, with a little more on Charlie’s eating disorder recovery.
Personally, this one didn’t resonate with me quite as much as the Heartstopper: Volume One graphic novels. It was a nice read, but Oseman’s illustrations tell so much. She gets her characters’ thoughts and emotions through so well visually. Having each character explain their thought process was entertaining, but less magical for me. I did enjoy the artwork throughout the book. The characters really shined in the visual environment.
At the end of the book is a “Some Bonus Explanations for American Readers” section by Oseman’s US editor, David Levithan. Honestly, this section bumped my rating up a star. It was hilarious and informative. It explains some mechanical and vocabulary differences between the UK and the US. This includes the terms for school grades and tests, certain stores and products, and words and phrases such as crisps, car park, and chucking it down. A really fun section to read.
Overall, a nice read for Heartstopper fans looking for an update on their favorite characters.