Not me crying while reading this series again lol. This volume might be my favorite so far. What an incredible depiction of couple navigating mental illness together. This was very healing as someone who has watched people they love struggle to heal and cope with mental illness. I loved it! I can't wait to read the next one.

So, heartstopper 4. We are at this one now. It’s a hefty one, heavier than the previous novels, but just as important. The shift in tone is from that of sexuality and identity (although tribulations still ensue) to one of Mental Health. Still highly stigmatised and a topic that is important to be healthily and respectfully represented and discussed, especially for kids and teens! It is so important to encourage good mental health literacy, and it’s so good to see it in this form- a form that is digestible and relatable to the readers, from young to old.

I think this novel is particularly powerful and the more I read this series the more I appreciate this instalment. To begin with I was taken aback, or more so, missed all the bright shenanigans of falling in love and going to Paris! First dates and first kisses, love confessions, what not- all the things you see in movies. But more and more as I have grown, I realise that this novel is truly a statement- this is what loving each other means, it is what being there for a person means. This is the deepest and truest love that Nick and Charlie and Charlie’s parents and friends and teachers have shown to each other. Because it’s about the hard days, it’s about being there, listening, offering yourself to another- while also knowing that it’s okay for you to not be able to fix things. That you can love someone through their growth and healing!

It’s such an important conversation to have, and a difficult one: but this book tackles many topics related to mental illness and mental health in such a tactful, education and graceful way. It is realistic, not perfect and messy- but there is growth and love and beauty too. I think as well that in this novel getting to see more of other characters in these scenarios is just as equally important. Tori, for example, I almost cried when she hugged Charlie at the end of the novel because I find myself reflected in Charlie and reflected in Tori. I know exactly how she feels and after reading this winter understand even more so (another good read highly recommend because it adds more depth to this story) how important it is to have all voices accounted for [and I will forever praise Oseman for her representation, from sexuality to gender identity to race and religion etc. she knows how important it is for all readers and especially young ones].

I think that this novel is going places, places that need to be seen and heard and destigmatised. Places where people can know they aren’t alone and experiences shared. It is teaching people about life and love and learning and I just adored this instalment, seeing these two boys settle down and find their rhythm. And Charlie’s own experiences are so important too, it’s so refreshing to hear a writer say: ‘you won’t just magically be fixed,’ mental wellness is a scale and sometimes it tips and sometimes it equals- having good mental wellness is what we aim for in life, people can choose to work for or believe in; and normalising bad days, and not instant gratification, but work and love and support is so important, because sometimes there is so much pressure to just be ok, and having a novel speak so many truths, to reveal the realism of life is a necessity. It is a reflection of life this series and when reflecting life, having the good and the bad, the ugly and the beautiful, the gorgeousness of life and the harsh but shared reality is so crucial, because no one is alone. And this book can make anyone feel a little less alone, that it’s okay not to be okay, and that you can get better, you can feel better, and it’s okay if it doesn’t happen straight away. But if you try, you can. And people are with you all the way.

I just really love no.4 and am so keen to see where it goes.
Because again: I love, LOVE. I love all these couples!

Anyway, my rant isn’t very well spoken- and probably doesn’t make much sense- but just know, these novels are good.