Heartstopper

I rarely write about books that are so popular, but I loved the Heartstopper series and I can’t wait to see what happens next! Unlike most other books I’ve read, I came to the series through Netflix. I watched both seasons and was so drawn to the characters that I had to read the books. And the books were just as gorgeous. Yes, just as gorgeous, not more so–and again, this differs from my usual opinion on book to screen adaptations!

Heartstopper traces the heart-warming relationship between Nick and Charlie, two high school students. Charlie is openly gay, but Nick has always thought of himself as heterosexual. What, then, is he to do with these feelings he’s developing for Charlie?

An authentic coming-of-age story, Heartstopper addresses heavy themes from sexuality to eating disorders and mental health, without ever seeming like a story with multiple agendas. As author Alice Oseman said during an interview, what draws us to the story is the sense of optimism and joy. Yes, homophobia, transphobia and bullying are all real. Yes, mental health issues are real. But through it all, there is space for joy, if we can find the right people and forge safe, strong relationships. Nick and Charlie, and the entire Heartstopper gang make me rejoice in the all the possibilities of kindness and love that exist in the world!