Oseman’s graphic novel series puts me in such a happy and nostalgic mood; the beautiful and blossoming relationship between Nick and Charlie just melts my heart! The third volume is my FAVOURITE in the series so far … the change in scenery was a really fun surprise! And the focus on more of the side characters really brought the story to life! I NEED MORE!

Title: Heartstopper: Volume Three

Series: Heartstopper, Book Three

Author: Alice Oseman

Published on February 6th, 2020 by Hodder Children’s Books

Format: Paperback, 384 pages

Genre / Themes: Contemporary | LGBTQIA+ | Realistic Fiction | Romance

Synopsis: In this volume, we’ll see the Heartstopper gang go on a school trip to Paris! Not only are Nick and Charlie navigating a new city, but also telling more people about their relationship AND learning more about the challenges each other are facing in private…

Meanwhile, Tao and Elle will face their feelings for each other, Tara and Darcy share more about their relationship origin story, and the teachers supervising the trip seem… rather close…?

Source: Goodreads

ONE. Oseman’s Heartstopper: Volume Three explores a lot of serious issues regarding mental health, such as self-harm, depression, anxiety, and eating disorders. But the novel also explores the importance of seeking help and confiding in those around you, helping readers see that mental health struggles are nothing to be ashamed of. Oseman’s own experiences on mental health and her research into this area are evident throughout the novel, making the characters’ struggles feel so real. Though a lot of the serious moments aren’t resolved by the end, Oseman alludes at the end of the novel that the next volume will continue to explore them in more detail.

TWO. As much as it’s great to explore such serious topics, Oseman does a great job of easing off the tension with a lot of comical moments! Nick and Charlie’s trip to Paris is FULL of adventure and fun, an incredible amount of silly moments with their friends, and lots of FIRST TIMES high school experiences. The bed arrangements and the introduction of alcohol are two of my FAVOURITE comic relief scenes!

THREE. Oseman’s Heartstopper series is well-known for its diversity, covering a wide array of representation, such as bi, gay, lesbian, trans, and characters of colour. And I’m pretty sure I missed one or two others. Even though biphobia and homophobia are explored in this novel, there’s a constant lightness to the novel, showing the majority of characters accepting everyone’s sexual orientation. It’s a rather beautiful message.

FOUR. If there’s ONE thing I could gush about the most in this novel, it’s the friendships and relationships … I ADORE Oseman’s focus on healthy and loyal relationships, both among friends and romantic partners. Nick and Charlie’s friends are constantly supporting one another, providing a safe space for them all to be themselves with no judgment. Even the romantic relationships are rather mature, even during tense and serious moments. The relationships are the kind of relationships we should all strive for, setting good examples for all audiences.

OVERALL

Oseman’s Heartstopper: Volume Three is a BEAUTIFUL continuation to Oseman’s romance graphic novel series. There are so many great things about this novel, making this a really hard review to write. Oseman explores so much, making this almost an educational experience. And I LOVED getting to know the side characters more, making the story feel so much bigger than when it was originally focused on Nick and Charlie. Tara and Darcy have slowly become my new favourite couple, full of laughter and love. And getting to know more about Tao and Elle was really exciting. Honestly, I can’t wait to see where everyone’s story continue in the next volume of Heartstopper.

I recommend this novel if you enjoy: LGBTQ+ representation; ethnic diversity; racial diversity; healthy friendships and relationships; focus on mental health; series based graphic novels.

Discussion time!

I’m SO sad that I have to wait until early 2021 for volume four … but I’m also so excited!! I need more!! Have you read any of Oseman’s Heartstopper series? What are your thoughts? Who are some of your favourite characters?

 

 

 

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