Heartstopper #4: A Graphic Novel (4)

Just when you thought Heartstopper couldn't bring up more important issues, Oseman does it again. This volume does a phenomenal job to depict such dark struggles with mental illness. This was probably one of the best discussions of mental illness (specifcally eating disorders) that I have ever seen. The topics and conversations surrounding them are done in a very realistic and healthy manner. Oseman is able to depict that it is not always easy and there may not always be an easy fix for the problems and difficulties that might come up in our lives.

However, one way to be supportive and help our loved ones is not to try and fix it. This is a common misconception and I am glad that Oseman depicts a much different (and more productive) way of helping someone. The best thing to ask is "What do you need" or "How can I help?" As someone who deals a lot with mental illness on a daily basis, I don't want someone to try and fix me because if there was a way to fix me, don't you think I would have done it already? And being asked what I want is a lot better than someone just suggesting something and then getting upset when I say that it won't help. Sometimes, yeah, I need to get out of my head and go someone else. Other times, I need space or someone to comfort me and just keep me company. The only way to know that, just like Nick does for Charlie, is to ask...and be okay with whatever answer comes.

Even with so many tough times, Charlie and Nick's relationship remains sweet and supportive. There is so much hope and light and love that their relationship represents. The whole story line around when to say "I love you" was adorable as well. I think this volume really explained that it is okay to ask for help, that it may not always be easy but that in the long run, it will be beneficial in some way.

Lastly, I really liked that story line of Nick with his Dad. Sometimes reaching out or telling family members about who you are doesn't always go as planned. But does it matter? Or does your happiness matter more?


Quotes:
"It's really dangerous to be trans in Egypt. You can get arrested or attacked or worse. Just for being who you are. I mean, that stuff happens everywhere, but it's more common there" pg. 58
"They're not just homophobic - they're mean to her all the time. They criticize her about everything. When we met, I assumed she had the best life because she was so confident and happy. But I realized that people can be going through stuff...and you just have no idea. I wish I'd told her sooner: 'I'm here for you.' 'I see what you're going through'" pg. 60
"He's my boyfriend" "I know baby. And you love him so much. I'm sure he loves you too. And I know you feel like it's your job to 'save him.' I know it feels like you're both each other's whole world, but that dependency isn't healthy for either of you. Charlie needs to see help from someone who isn't his sixteen-year-old boyfriend. He needs help from a doctor or a therapist - someone who knows about eating disorders and how to treat them. Love can't cure a mental illness" pg. 165
"There are a lot of ways you can help him. You can be there to listen, to talk, to cheer him up if he's having a bad day. And on the bad days...you can ask what you can do to make things easier. Standing by his side, even when things are hard, but also knowing that sometimes people need more support that just one person can give, that's love darling" pg. 171
"I love Nick. I love Nick so, so much. But what I've realized through all of this is that we need other people too. Siblings, parents, friends, a therapist, even teachers sometimes. That doesn't mean our relationship isn't strong" pg. 309
"Dad, Charlie's my boyfriend. Surprise! I'm bisexual, he's gay, I'm surprised you haven't worked it out from how much I talk about him on the phone. I've been stressing out about how to tell you for months, but you know what? I honestly don't care what you thing. You don't even come enough to see us more than once a year. My whole life, you've tried to bully me into hating myself, just because you hated yourself. Well, it's not working! I like who I am. I like my life!" pg. 330

So heartfelt! This one was hard to get through, but Nick and Charlie persevered. Some heavy topics covered inside but just knowing the support system that Charlie has is enough to know everything will turn out okay. Also I loved the mini comic series at the end of the book. So looking forward to book 5 and the next re-read and binge watch of heartstopper!!

Heartstopper is about love, friendship, loyalty, and mental illness. It encompasses all the small stories of Nick and Charlie's lives that together makeup something larger, which speaks to all of us. It was a sweet story and also I like the cover of the book:)

Charlie didn't think Nick could ever like him back, but now they're officially boyfriends. Charlie's beginning to feel ready to say those three little words: I love you.
Nick's been feeling the same, but he's got a lot on his mind - not least coming out to his dad and the fact that Charlie might have an eating disorder.

A lot of important topics brought up in this volume that I appreciated. This was brilliant work and I will forever love Nick and Charlie. Nick is everything partners aspire to be and I'm very proud of Charlie's growth. The hint into Tori's makes me very intrigued to read her comic!

I struggled with this graphic novel but am deeply thankful for Tia's unwavering support. Thank you sincerely, Tia.