Heartstopper #5: A Graphic Novel

With ZERO hesitation, I would recommend this series to ANYONE/EVERYONE.Not to be overly hyperbolic, but Alice Osman's Heatstopper series is probably the most important literature of our day. Ignoring the fact that it is a "comic book" and "queer-themed," this series is relevant for ALL READERS of EVERY AGE.Key things that are expertly modeled in the series:1) Open and Authentic Communication! These characters communicate openly and honestly about their feelings, emotions, struggles, and joys.2) Trusted Friends and Family! The series explores the power and impact of trusted/supportive friend groups (as emotional pillars) and the power of family (positive and negative) to impact mental health.3) Trust in Relationships! The main characters (Nich & Charlie) are young people and they have a lot to discover about themselves and their feelings (emotional and physical). The series models healthy and supportive relationships that allow space for personal discovery, growth, and vulnerability.4) Many Levels of Intimacy! The characters (couples and non) display advanced emotional intelligence. They recognize, embrace, and celebrate the many different levels of intimacy - from making eye contact to pats on the arm to forehead kisses, passionate embraces, and even different forms of sexual intimacy. These are never overtly discussed, they just ARE the reality of this "Osmanverse" and it is beautiful.5) Honesty in Mental Health! Especially in Volume 4, Alice Osman has presented a gentle introduction to the complexities of mental health struggles and the impact on family, friends, and partners. More importantly, she has presented valuable outlines for communication that can open dialogs and aid in strengthening support systems that can productively address mental health.Some have complained that HEARTSTOPPER is a fantasy world where the characters do not experience the trauma and conflict that LGBTQ+ people experience in the real world, which may be true. But I would ask these critics to consider the fact that the characters are operating in a completely NEW emotionally authentic space, which is different from the "real world" people and most characters in literature. And maybe, just maybe, if we were to model our communications, relationships, intimacy, and emotional prioritization in the way the HEARTSTOPPER characters do, we could experience a better world.In so many ways, the HEARTSTOPPER story of Nick & Charlie (and all the people that surround them) is a refreshing depiction of the NEW youth culture that is emerging in the world. I love what these books represent and how they show the ways love, communication, trust, and authenticity can transform people.The entire HEARTSTOPPER series should be on your bookshelf, and you would be well-served to take them down and fall into this world from time to time. You may start to notice that the young people coming of age in the time of HEARTSTOPPER are transforming the world around them, and we are all the better for it.

I wish this sort of story was around when I was a teenager. It's so refreshingly written and explores it's topics with respect and care. The characters are easy to relate to and care about, and it's nice to read teen romance that recognizes the age of it's characters realistically.

I love love LOVE the Heartstopper series, the only thing that bothers me about this book is that it’s different from the other ones I own. (I own the UK editions.)

I love that Heartstopper exists and kids can grow up reading this series! I've found the issues in this volume particularly relevant as it is centered on college decisions and on the importance of prioritizing ourselves and our future, even on a relationship.I have only one small issue with this book, and it is what prevented it off receiving my 5 stars. Although contraception is only briefly mentioned, comprehensible on a M/M focused book, it follows the usual approach: "Can't girls just take the control pill? Well, yes, but that doesn't protect against STDs"There is an urgent need to change the narrative surrounding contraception, shifting the focus from people who menstruate, since ovulation is not a predictable and controllable event, to people who ejaculate, an event that is 100% predictable, controllable and preventable. Food for thought!Besides this, volume 5 it's a great addition to an already wonderful series, and I am glad we will have another volume until we need to say goodbye to Nick and Charlie. I couldn't recommend this series more!

Yas i crushed the entire series in two months so cute and inspiring hope the you love this as much as me

Growing up as a queer kid in 1980s Idaho, there was nothing like this. A series like this would have challenged every falsehood I was told about myself and others like me. I’m deeply grateful and thrilled that it exists today. It’s a beautiful resource for queer kids, middle-aged queer folks like me, and anyone who wants to understand that queer love is just as normal, thrilling, scary, and fulfilling as any other kind of love.

AMAZING BOOK!! Love the drama and the realistic problems in it, we should get more inclusive books like this one!

Love it