Another great installment in the series. Things are getting serious for Nick and Charlie as Nick starts to think about university and how that will affect their relationship. I remember very well the pressure to know exactly what you want to do with your life at that age, and it's probably worse now. I love the text conversations and the glimpses of side characters' storylines. ( )

I continue to adore this graphic novel series about a teen gay romance. Nick and Charlie are utterly charming. The series takes on serious subjects but it’s all done in a way that feels real. Case in point two conversations with mothers that are very different but both handled with love and in ways that seem true to the characters.

I’m happy that the author says there will be a sixth volume but sad that she says it will conclude the story. While I wait I might check out the TV adaptation and possibly some of the authors other books. ( )

Nick and Charlie continue to work on their relationship. They communicate about if they want to/ are ready to take their relationship to the next level physically. They have supportive friends and parents.
Nick is thinking a lot about his future as he is scheduled to go to university the next year. He wants to maintain this important relationship but also needs to do more exploring about where will be a good fit for him.
Charlie is dealing with some body images. He distracted. He's in love. And he is willing to to risk beyond his comfort zone to play drums onstage
Their friend group members are supportive and deal with their own issues. ( )

My review of this book can be found on my YouTube Vlog at:

https://youtu.be/N8uhuG_Otgw

Enjoy! ( )

In this volume, Charlie and Nick are having to confront upcoming changes in their lives. Nick is considering university options and the possibility of a long distance relationship with Charlie. Charlie is still working on his body image issues and his eating disorder, although he's doing much better. As he adjusts to the idea of school life without Nick around everyday, he also finds himself thinking about his and Nick's relationship. He thinks he's ready to take things to the next level, but is Nick?

After the bucketloads of anxiety that was volume 4, this volume was relatively low stress. Both Charlie and Nick are at a point in their lives where they're being forced to think about who they are outside of their relationship - especially Nick, who doesn't have a lot of people besides Charlie with whom he feels comfortable talking to honestly about his feelings. Luckily, both of the guys are better able to handle these issues than they initially realize. They also both have good and supportive people around them.

There's a bit of a subplot involving Tori, who comes out as asexual and has her own worries about relationships. I suspect that's fleshed out more in Oseman's Solitaire, which I haven't read.

All in all, a very good volume.

Extras:

An Osemanverse timeline that lays when various works in this world (Heartstopper volumes, Solitaire, "This Winter" novella) take place and how much time they cover.

(Original review posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.) ( )