February 14, 2022
Dear Mr. Hemingway,
Happy Valentine’s Day my friend! Roses, chocolates, conversational hearts, and sweet kisses fill this day of love. Today I am sharing with you one of my favorite graphic novel series that absolutely has all the feels and is perfect for this very special day or any day for that matter. Alice Oseman’s Heartstopper series is an all-encompassing story of friendship, first love, and coming out…all during the awkward time of being a teenager. I borrowed this series from the library to read and have officially decided to purchase all four Heartstopper books because they left such a huge impression on my heart and now need a permanent place on my bookshelf. This book series had me squealing with absolute delight. Let me give you the scoop.
Charlie and Nick are British High School students. Charlie is openly gay, while Nick is a star rugby player who appears to like girls. Heartstopper is their story of falling in love with each other during one of the most vulnerable times of life. This series has EVERYTHING and my heart literally doubled in size while reading. Heartstopper had me reliving that feeling you get when first glances are exchanged, cheeks are blushing, and the sheer excitement of a stolen kiss or two. Oseman not only writes about the exhilaration of first love but also explores the intricacies of labeling one’s sexuality and identity and accepting everyone’s differences. Oseman adds depth to the story by brilliantly weaving in themes of loyalty, friendship, bullying, mental illness and so much more.
Nick and Charlie experience a lot separately and collectively and how they navigate their relationship through the challenging times tugged at ALL my heartstrings. Their elation for one another was beyond palpable. The cast of characters helped shape their story by adding the perfect amount of relevance. Let me also mention that the illustrations are phenomenal! They are highly animated and capture all the emotions these two young gentlemen confronted one drawing at a time. I have not read many graphic novels as an adult and was ecstatic to discover just how smoothly the graphics and text flowed. I found myself frantically turning the pages to see what would happen next.
All I have to say is that Heartstopper brought so many smiles to my face and I will cherish all my feelings forever. It’s a series filled with comfort, goodness, and the beauty found inside two young beating hearts. This is a timeless story of true and innocent love that in my opinion is a gift to everyone who reads it. Nick and Charlie are my new favorite couple and I will be rooting for them with every re-read of this series while I wait with bated breath for book five to come out. It was a privilege to read this tale and I cannot recommend it enough to teens and adults alike. Give yourself the gift of love today and all the days to come and READ Heartstopper!
Until next time!
Your Biggest Fan,
Kelly
P.S. Rumor has it that NETFLIX is making this book series into a show. Click here to check it out!
