Heartstopper: Volume Five

Heartstopper #5

by Alice Oseman

Boy meets boy. Boys become friends. Boys fall in love. The bestselling LGBTQ+ graphic novel about life, love, and everything that happens in between: this is the fifth volume of the much-loved HEARTSTOPPER series.

Nick and Charlie are very much in love. They've finally said those three little words, and Charlie has almost persuaded his mum to let him sleep over at Nick's house ... But with Nick going off to university next year, is everything about to change?

By Alice Oseman, winner of the YA Book Prize, Heartstopper encompasses all the small moments of Nick and Charlie's lives that together make up something larger, which speaks to all of us.

Contains discussions around mental health and eating disorders, and sexual references.

Genres: Romance, Graphic Novels, LGBT, Young Adult, Queer, Contemporary, Comics

336 pages, Paperback

First published December 7, 2023

About the author

Alice Oseman is an award-winning author, illustrator, and screenwriter, and was born in 1994 in Kent, England. She has written four YA contemporary novels about teenage disasters: SOLITAIRE, RADIO SILENCE, I WAS BORN FOR THIS, and LOVELESS. She is the creator of LGBTQ+ YA romance webcomic HEARTSTOPPER, which is now published in physical form by Hachette Children's Books, and she is the writer, creator, and executive producer for the television adaptation of HEARTSTOPPER, which is set to be released on Netflix.

Alice’s first novel SOLITAIRE was published when she was nineteen. Her YA novels have been nominated for the YA Book Prize, the Inky Awards, the Carnegie Medal, and the Goodreads Choice Awards.

Alongside writing and drawing, Alice enjoys playing the piano semi-proficiently, Pokémon games, and purchasing too many Converse.

Find Alice on Twitter and Instagram @AliceOseman.

Reviews

[emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

i don't know how and don't ask me any followup questions but i'm pretty sure these books contain the power to bring about world peace.

the last few of these have gotten very serious and i have always doubted the ability of graphic novels to cover serious topics and sadly they proved my doubts. but i don't want to talk about that. i want to talk about how in THIS ONE, it had serious topics AND sweet moments AND was so cute AND was relatable AND reminded me why i loved this series in the first place.

just in time for it to end in the next one.

trauma.

bottom line: we should just get adorable graphic novels forever.

[persephone ☾ · Rating 4 out of 5]

update : i'm so happy to know that a sixth volume will be published but i want it in my hands right now at this second, i cannot wait for much longer !!!

FINAL INSTALLMENT ?? 🤨 Alice Oseman this is not going to work, do you not understand that I cherish this series more than my own (miserable) life ?

[chai (thelibrairie on tiktok) ♡ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m overwhelmed with so much tenderness for these characters. I’ve been reading Heartstopper since I was 17 and it has brought me so much joy, comfort, and solace over the years. It was a companion and an integral part of my journey of queer becoming. And as we’re inching towards the end of the series—there is only one volume left—I can’t help but miss it already :(

[Kai Spellmeier]

God has spoken and she says yes to more wholesomeness and queer kids in these trying times

[Alice Oseman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is Volume 5 of Heartstopper!
(Contains chapter 7 of the comic)

See you in the final volume...

[Rashi]

Me: I think you have something of mine.
2022: I believe not, miss.
Me: Yes, you do. Don't deny it!
2022: Well then, you'll have to wait for a year to get it from me.
Me: No. I'm smarter than that.
*gets into a time machine*

[s.penkevich [mental health hiatus] · Rating 4 out of 5]

**WINNER of the 2024 Goodreads Choice Award for Best YA Fiction**

Get ready to sob and love every moment of it because Heartstopper is back! Alice Oseman continues to deliver queer joy and charming storytelling with an adorable balance of cute romance and earnest investigations of heavy, complex emotions. It feels like it has been forever but it’s so lovely to be back with this crew.

Heartstopper has always plunged into difficult yet relatable subjects and this fifth volume is no different. Oseman has always done an excellent job at crafting her characters to feel like authentic teenagers and here we get to witness them growing up a bit more and heading into the next stage of life: college. We also get to experience Nick setting out in the world on his own while Charlie is back at home and even after 5 marvelous volumes I’m always thrilled to find the characters reading as increasingly nuanced yet still familiar. Going away to college issues were addressed in Oseman’s much earlier novella Nick and Charlie, and while this touches on some similar themes this is a completely different story.

Though college isn’t the only hurdle here, as anxieties about sex dominate a lot of Charlie’s narrative. As always, Oseman does a great job at representing these issues in an age-authentic way and the character’s emotions practically jump right off the page. There’s some other interesting dynamics to this story too, from discussions on asexuality and also a peek into Charlie’s mom’s childhood. While some of the side characters are a bit more in the background, I’ve always found the series does a good job of making them all rather dynamic and interesting instead of all just extensions of the main characters.

All in all, this is another heartwarming edition to an already endearing series. I can’t wait for the next volume, though *gasp* I hear it is to be the final episode in the Heartstopper saga.
5/5

[₊ ˚ ale ࿓ ♡ ⋆｡˚]

wAIT, WHY IT SAYS 2023 AND FINAL INSTALMENT? I thought this was going to go forever. I mean, I need them more than the air itself. They're my air. What is happening??!?!?!?!
-
Dear Alice Oseman: dO YOU UNDERSTAND THAT I NEED THIS MORE THAN ANYTHING ELSE IN THE WORLD? RIGHT. NOW. I CAN'T WAIT UNTIL 2022, I'M GONNA CRY

[Bel Rodrigues · Rating 5 out of 5]

sweet nothing - taylor swift.

[shei · Rating 4 out of 5]

—— 4. ✰ stars.

This was so cute 😭 I love them so much. This volume shows a more mature Nick and Charlie, meanwhile they still deal with mental health, sexuality and the struggle of going to university and long distance relationships.

Just wholesome as fuck, give it a chance 💗


𝓹𝓻𝓮-𝓻𝓮𝓪𝓭:
18/02💗: FINALLY 😭😭😭😭 let’s do it for the gays 🫶🏼🏳️‍🌈 ( I’m the gays )

why I feel like I have been waiting for this for 3 years ? I LITERALLY CANT NOT WAIT TO HAVE IT ON MY LITTLE GAY HANDS 😭

ALSO. This cover is the cutest one so far and I will die on that hill.

[Fereshte · Rating 5 out of 5]

edit: ATTENTION PEOPLE!!!!!
alice just announced this volume is not going to be the last! there's gonna be a sixth one. i'm so happy rn 🥹🥹🥹

WhAT dO yOU mEAN FiNAl inSTalMent??!!!

------------------

istg alice oseman manges to cure my depression in every way humanly possible all. the. time! i honest to god don't know how she does it! 😭

[Gabby · Rating 4 out of 5]

Reading this was the best way to kick off the new year!! 🥹😭 I love Nick and Charlie so much. They’re adorable and they give me all the feels. I especially loved this volume, the way they navigate their feelings for each other and communicate is just precious!!! I can’t wait for the final volume!

[Carolyn Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is pure joy :’)

[Krysta ꕤ · Rating 5 out of 5]

i will never get tired of seeing Nick and Charlie’s relationship progress🥹. the open communication and love they have for each other will always be my favorite thing on planet earth honestly. the way all topics in this series are handled with such care in a way that manages to be relatable regardless of your own age and sexuality is amazing to me💘. also, shout out to Elle in this volume cause she’s the type of friend that i’m the most similar to irl and i loved her straight forward approach lol🤝🏽

side note: the first journal entry of this volume is actually dated on my birthday!! so obviously i’m taking that as a direct gift to me since i love this series.. tysm🥰

[lily · Rating 3 out of 5]

i think i outgrew these :(

[Snjez · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first volume I've read without reading it online first, so everything was new to me. I still managed to read it too fast, though. 😅

I love Nick and Charlie, and their friends, so much. They have come a long way since the beginning of the story and they have really grown as characters, especially Charlie. I loved how some more serious and mature topics are handled here. As with the previous volumes, a lot can be learned here about communication, being supportive and accepting people for who they are.

But what I loved the most is that, despite facing new challenges, Nick and Charlie are still so sweet and adorable with each other. This was just as heartwarming as the rest of the series.
Looking forward to volume 6!

[Bryce Rocks My Socks · Rating 5 out of 5]

future generations are so lucky to grow up with these books 🥰🥰🥰

[not my high · Rating 5 out of 5]

Uważam, że każdy tom Heartstoppera jest coraz dojrzalszy, co ma sens, bo w pewien sposób historia dopasowuje się do bohaterów i tego, co aktualnie przeżywają. Ten tom wyjątkowo mocno skupia się na s3ksualności, co jest mega ważnym elementem bycia człowiekiem. Pojawiają się tu głosy nastolatków, osób które już coś robiły, które się tym stresują, które są aseksualne i które nie wiedzą jak podejść do tematu. Bardzo budująca i pozytywna część ⭐️

TW rany po SH, tr4uma, przem0c (wspomnienie), spożywanie alkoholu

[Zoë]

emotionally destroyed me in a good way......always in a good way

[Katie Colson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The representation in this book is unmatched.
Let me list off just the things I *remember* being represented through the series…
(‼️Some of these things are self discoveries the characters have throughout the series. If you haven’t read them yet, this may be spoilers. Though I don’t think someone’s sexuality should be considered a spoiler but that’s a conversation for another day…)

Charlie is gay, has an ED and extreme anxiety.
Nick is bisexual.
Tao is Chinese, straight and dating a trans woman.
Tori is asexual and heteroromantic.
Elle is half Egyptian and a trans woman.
Tara is Black and a lesbian.
Darcy is a lesbian.
Aled is demisexual.
Sahar is Arabian, plump and bisexual.
Michael is pansexual.
Mr. Farouk is Arabic and gay.
Mr. Ajayi is Black and gay.
Coach Singh is a lesbian (not stated but I believe she is of Indian decent).
Otis is Black.
Aleena wears a hijab.
Jay is nonbinary.

This being my first read of 2024 was such a fantastic idea. I love these characters and this world and the art style and the vibes and EVERYTHING. It’s just so heartwarming.

I can’t recommend this series enough to any and everyone. This will mend your broken heart. I’m a doctor and I know this to be true 👩🏻‍⚕️🫡

[Reading_ Tamishly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Am a wink disappointed as I read this volume so fast and it ended so soon 😭😭😄😄😄🥲🥲🥲

I just didn’t give myself a moment to feel, cry or laugh. Whose fault?! MINE!



Want. ***Am already celebrating the Season 2 adaptation*** 💖

[Emma Griffioen · Rating 5 out of 5]

A heartwarming first 5-star read of 2024! This series does a beautiful job at discussing important and universal teenage experiences in such a loving, accessible and healthy way. I will forever adore and recommend this series, I can't wait for the last and final volume!

[stu · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'M SAD!
WHY CAN'T THIS COME OUT NOW!



I HAVE TO WAIT TILL FEB 2ND 2023 TO READ THIS, IT'S RIDICULOUS



Unless by some chance Webtoon gets it earlier, i'M COUNTING ON YOU WEBTOON

[Imme van Gorp · Rating 3 out of 5]

|| 2.5 stars ||

These graphic novels are obviously cute, but they’re getting a little boring and repetitive to me.

Sometimes this series kind of feels like an after-school special that’s trying to lecture me on teenage or woke topics in a slightly infantilizing way. That’s not to say that that’s always bad (certainly not!), but it doesn’t really lead to a particularly good story for people above a certain age.

Also, considering the childish, wholesome vibe of the overall series, I found it a little awkward that the whole plot of this installment was about Nick and Charlie wanting to have sex. It just felt a bit out-of-place in my eyes, but that could just be a me thing.


'Heartstopper' series:
Volume One - 3.0 stars
Volume Two - 4.0 stars
Volume Three - 2.5 stars
Volume Four - 4.0 stars
Volume Five - 2.5 stars

Companion Novels:
Nick and Charlie - 3.0 stars
The Heartstopper Yearbook - 1.5 stars

[Gillian · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book so much! It’s such a beautiful and wholesome story about friendship, love, mental health, and being true to yourself. I love Charlie and Nick so much! I love how their relationship has developed and that they have grown closer especially in the face of challenges. Charlie is so inspiring, he’s been through a great deal, but he’s grown stronger and more resilient. I love how much Nick cares for Charlie and they both make sure to communicate when they are dealing with a tough situation. I really like the side characters as well especially Elle, Darcy, Tara and Tori. I immensely enjoy the interactions between Charlie and Nick and their friends. I appreciate that the author discusses important topics such as sexuality, mental health and bullying. This story and the characters will stay in my heart for a long time.

[em · Rating 5 out of 5]

I need it now. Would sell my left arm to get this book early.

[Virginia Ronan ♥ Herondale ♥ · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m on BookTube now! =)

”are you flirting with me or something Nicholas”
“Maybe I am, Charles …….”
“you are terrible at it”

This volume was great again and by now I think my love for the “Heartstopper” series knows no boundaries. It always feels so good to come back to this world and to be part of the amazing queer found family Alice Oseman created. By now they feel like real people and the mere thought of Volume 6 being the last feels kinda overwhelming. I know this series has to end, but after being a fan of Nick and Charlie for years (I read Volume 1 on tumblr long before it was even released as a paperback and when Alice’s name was still a whisper in the queer community on the net) I just can’t wrap my head around the idea of this series being finished. It feels so surreal, but it is the way it is. *sigh* I’ll miss those two and their friends. T_T Anyway! Let’s not be maudlin and talk about Volume 5 instead!

”Why? You know I, like … really fancy you”
“I know, it – it’s not really anything to do with you, I just … It’s just all in my head.”
“Is there anything I can do to help?”

This time around we tackle the important topic of trust and sexual intercourse and I think Alice did an amazing job of conveying Charlie’s as well as Nick’s struggles. Both boys feel more and more ready to take their relationship to the next level, yet at the same time they are both scared of this huge step. What I really liked was that Oseman stayed true to her characters and showed how different their reasons of being scared were. For Charlie being intimate with Nick was a struggle, not because he didn’t love him or didn’t want to be with him in that way, but because of his mental health and the thoughts that invaded his mind whenever they got close to being intimate. Charlie knew that he could trust Nick completely, yet his mind still interfered and got in the way. OCD and the impulse to control things is not something you can turn off and I love that Alice Oseman was able to portray this so well.

”A part of intimacy is trusting someone enough to let go of that control a little. And that can be very difficult sometimes. But it’s important to remember that as long as you and Nick trust and respect each other, and are listening and communicating with each other, then you’re safe, and there’s nothing to worry about.”

I loved Mr. Geoff for saying this and I loved him even more for having an open ear for Charlie and trying to help him to get to the solution on his own. And I fully agree with him: Charlie is strong! I think he doesn’t even realize how far he’s come and I’m so proud of him for tackling his problems heads-on and addressing the things that are important to him. He’s come such a long way! Also the way he stood up to his mum and didn’t allow her to get away with trying to control him again. Awesome! That’s my boy! I think his mum played a very big role in Charlie’s and Tori’s mental health getting worse and worse and a lot of their problems stemmed from her being too strict and controlling, so it’s good for them to speak up for themselves and to set some boundaries.

”I’m not a child.
And if I want to spend time with my boyfriend, then I will. You can’t stop me.”

Nick’s mum is the complete opposite of Charlie’s and I love Mrs. Nelson so much, you have no idea!!! This woman is made of awesomesauce. Period! The casual way she offered Nick to go to the pharmacy if he and Charlie needed something. Acceptance and absolutely no judgement! This is a mum, who truly cares about her son and supports him no matter what! Gosh, the world needs more mums like that! Even though Nick felt very embarrassed by her offer, which is understandable but damn, is he lucky to have her. <3

”If you need me to get you anything, I can always stop at the pharmacy on my way home from work.”
“Mum please stop talking.”
“Okay”

I think Nick’s fear of taking the next step comes from being embarrassed by the topic of having sex in general and the fact that he doesn’t feel secure in who he is. There were so many things he figured out about himself in those last couple of volumes and it was just a lot. Plus he always had Charlie at his side who helped him along and emboldened him to be true to himself and to find his own way and voice. Nick kept so many things to himself before he became friends with Charlie and that almost makes him a completely different person to the first volume. Well, at least to his family and former friends. Deep down he was always the way he’s now but he never truly showed it and kept that part to himself.

”When I realised I was bi … I feel like I woke up. Because I was repressing so much of myself before then. Not just my sexuality, but, like, my thoughts and feelings and personality.”

Thankfully, he has a great support system of friends now, and Elle and Tara who aren’t afraid of nudging him in the right direction. Gently and with a lot of understanding and patience. I had to laugh so much when Elle addressed the elephant in the room and her and Tara accompanied Nick while he bought some “precautions”! Haha! Seriously, you need friends like this! Especially Elle! I love that fierce and bold girl that tackles everything heads-on and is never afraid to speak her thoughts and opinion! No wonder Tao is besotted with her. *lol* <3

”Could we not have gone through like self-checkout?”
“Nope.”
“That’s £ 15.99 please.”
“I hate you both”
“You’ll be thanking us when you and Charlie get to –“
“ELLE!!”

They spoke about Nick’s wishes as well and I thought that scene was so important for him. Nick was always more some sort of a people pleaser and just went along with his friends, and even now that he found his own voice he’s still struggling with going for what HE truly wants. I’m so glad Elle spoke up and was able to get through to him because she’s right. Of course Nick loves Charlie, but his future is important too and he needed to hear that. At that age you have to put yourself first and the people that truly love you will support you no matter what. I’m sure Charlie and him will figure it out.

Elle: ”Nick, you always put everyone else’s feeling above your own. And I know you and Charlie love each other, but this is your future. Like, I know how you feel. I’m in the same boat. But … I have to put myself first right now.”
Tara: “Charlie would support you! He wants you to be happy! Putting yourself first for once wouldn’t make him hate you!”
Nick: “It – It’s not just about him. I’m scared to be away from him. I don’t know who I am without him.”
Tara: “Maybe it’s time to find out.”

Also, one of my favourite moments in this Volume was when Charlie and Tori took that Ferris wheel ride and spoke about Tori struggling with her sexuality and her love for Michael. The way Tori broke the news to Charlie that neither her nor Michael are straight was kinda funny but also serious at the same time?! I just loved the fine line between humour and severity in this scene. And can we, just for one second, acknowledge how relatable Michael Holden is?! I mean that quote below?! Pedro Pascal is awesome and the fact Michael loves him too, and is a fellow pansexual, only caused me to love him even more. I adore Michael Holden more and more. <333

”Neither of us is straight, Charlie. I’m surprised you didn’t notice with Michael.”
Michael: “Oh, are you guys watching “Normal People”? Paul Mescal is soooo sexy.
Is that Pedro Pascal’s Instagram? I’m obsessed with him”

Plus the sibling relationship between Charlie and Tori is one of the best things in this series. They truly care about each other and it made me so happy that Tori knew she could confide in Charlie and that he would listen to her. She might be his big sister but Charlie knew she had troubles and it was so heart-warming to see she trusted him enough to come out to him as asexual. And don’t even get me started on Charlie’s awesome reaction and the way he acknowledged her fears but also managed to give her the necessary support to confront them and encouraged her to talk about her feelings with Michael. It’s so wholesome to see them both supporting each other in that way and I need to see more of their sibling bond in the next volume. <3

”FUCK what anyone thinks.
Your relationship can be whatever you want. Girlfriend and boyfriend, or not. Who cares. I said to Nick once that if he didn’t ever want to have sex then that would be fine. Like, yes, I really want to do that with him, but if he didn’t, I wouldn’t break up with him. I love him. I know not everyone feels that way about their relationships, and that’s fine, but I do. Maybe Michael does too.”
“A lot of people would think you’re weird for saying that.”
“I don’t give a fuck.”

Conclusion:

I’m always in awe how Alice Oseman manages to tackle so many different issues in just one volume! And I’m even more flabbergasted by the fact that she always, really always, nails them in such a short time span. I mean this volume had 336 pages and they packed quite a punch! I can’t wait to read Volume 6 but I’m also sad because it will be the last one and I’ll have to say goodbye to the found family that accompanied me for years. T_T I already know it will be bittersweet, but thankfully, I have a little time left to make peace with the fact that there’ll be a final volume. <3 Wish me luck, I’ll need it. XD
________________________________

I know I say this about every “Heartstopper" volume BUT
I loved it! <3
Alice Oseman just writes all those characters and their struggles so well! It feels real! They feel real and they all had a lot on their plates once again. XD

Full RTC soon! For now I’ll just say that I can’t wait for Volume 6!!!
_________________________________

I finally found “Heartstopper: Volume 5” at my library!!! YAY!
I wanted to read this so badly ever since it came out and since I’m trying to finish all the books on my “currently reading” until the end of the year this is a good and short choice for in between.
I can’t wait to find out what Charlie and Nick are up to in this volume! I’m sure it will be epic. <3

I’m so ready for this, you have no idea!!!
The excitement is real! XD

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[tania · Rating 4 out of 5]

💐this is such a cute and light graphic novel: I love how Nick and Charlie's relationship is described, it's realistic, in a good way!!

I kind of grew up with them so yeah, I fear I'm extremely biased with my rating but their character development and their relationship?? Beautiful😽and I loved the way Nick's mom was the most supportive parent ever, she's the best!!💞it was a sweet and comforting book, I can't wait to read the last one💐

𔓘𔓘𔓘𔓘𔓘𔓘𔓘𔓘𔓘𔓘𔓘𔓘

I was 14 when I read the first volume of this series, and now I'm 17. I'm so excited to read this🤧

[Nark · Rating 4 out of 5]

the softest, sweetest and cuddliest boys ever. love them💓

[Grace (irisroman & evajacks' version) ✧ · Rating 4 out of 5]

･:*:･ﾟ⁀➷ 4/5 ★

Ahhhh this was just so freaking cute and wholesome 🥹🥹 I've thoroughly enjoyed every volume in this series and this one was no different! 🫶🫶

I just love how heartstopper is so cute and fluffy, while still having depth & tackling serious topics. This particular volume talked a lot about charlie's mental illness and anoxeria, nick's worries about not knowing what to do with his future and intimacy. I thought that was done really well 🥺🥺

Plus these graphic novels are just a small piece of happiness ❤️‍🩹❤️‍🩹 i lovee the art style and the wholesome moments made me so happy. nick and charlie deserve the world 🫂🫂

Overall, if you haven't read Heartstopper yet, i would definitely recommend 💘💘

《 2024 Challenge: Book 13 of 115 》

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

This was just as cute & wholesome as ever 🥹🥹 not my fav volume in the series, but I really enjoyed it 💘💘

Rtc!✨️