Review: Heartstopper Novellas: This Winter and Nick and Charlie
This Winter
By Alice Oseman
Published By: Harper Collins
Publication Date: October 15, 2020
Date Read: June 2, 2022
Genre: YA – Contemporary
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 102
From Goodreads:
I used to think that difficult was better than boring, but I know better now…I’m not going to think about the past few months, about Charlie and me, and all of the sad. I’m going to block it all out. Just for today.
“Happy Christmas, ” I say.The festive season isn’t always happy for Tori and her brother Charlie. And this year’s going to be harder than most.
“We all get along fine, but I don’t feel like we talk about anything important.”
After devouring the Heartstopper graphic novels and re-reading Solitaire, I thought it was about time I finally read the novellas surrounding our favourite Heartstopper characters. This Winter shows an emotional insight into the Spring family dynamic after Charlie’s hospitalisation due to his eating disorder. As with most Alice Oseman books it was equal parts sad, emotional and uplifting. I love how she tackles such real and hard hitting issues but in such a hopeful and optimistic way. Even if things look bleak for the characters right now, she writes it in a way where recovery is inevitable… and I adore that! If you’re a fan of Heartstopper, this amazing novella is a must-read!
“When people know you’re mentally ill, most either want to ignore it completely or treat you like you’re strange, scary or fascinating.”
Nick and Charlie
By Alice Oseman
Published By: Harper Collins
Publication Date: July 16, 2015
Date Read: June 2, 2022
Genre: YA – Contemporary
Source: Bought
Format: Paperback
Pages: 120
From Goodreads:
CHARLIE: “I have been going out with Nick Nelson for two years. He likes rugby, Formula 1, dogs, the Marvel universe, the sound felt-tips make on paper, rain and drawing on shoes. He also likes me.”NICK: “Things me and Charlie Spring do together include: Watch films. Sit in the same room on different laptops. Text each other from different rooms. Make out. Make food. Make drinks. Get drunk. Talk. Argue. Laugh. Maybe we’re kind of boring. But that’s fine with us.”
Everyone knows that Nick and Charlie are the perfect couple – that they’re inseparable. But now Nick is leaving for university, and Charlie will be left behind at Sixth Form. Everyone’s asking if they’re staying together, which is a stupid question – they’re ‘Nick and Charlie’, for God’s sake!
But as the time to say goodbye gets inevitably closer, both Nick and Charlie question whether their love is strong enough to survive being apart. Or are they delaying the inevitable? Because everyone knows that first loves rarely last forever…
I’m pretty sure I read this novella when it was first released as an ebook years ago, but as I have just read all of Alice’s books again, I decided to read it again. As with all of the Heartstopper graphic novels, this book was ridiculously cute and adorable. I seriously cannot get enough of the adorable love story between Nick and Charlie. I really loved seeing Nick and Charlie a couple of years down the line from when Heartstopper begins. It was a lovely insight into their future and how they are dealing with their upcoming long distance reality. I loved every moment of it and I will forever be waiting for more Nick and Charlie.
“You’re… it’s hard to explain. It’s like, if you had to provide evidence for soul mates, everyone would pick you two.”
K-Books
I’m Kayleigh, a teacher and blogger who is obsessed with all things bookish. I love reading YA books of all genres and I am happiest when sharing my love and passion for books.
One Comment
Hope Griffin Diaz
Not in a good place for anything mental health related … Which is why I’m reading Grady Hendrix The Final Girls Support Group.