Book Review: 'Heartstopper Vol. 2': It's Time to Meet the Friends

Avast, light spoilers ahead!

We finished Volume 1 with Charlie and Nick’s first kiss, which left Nick feeling conflicted over having feelings for a boy for the first time. Not only from attending an all-boys school but also being surrounded by hyper-masculine rugby boys, Nick is unsure if coming out as bisexual will be socially acceptable. Charlie, while generally well-liked, has been a bit of a pariah since coming out as gay the previous year, and he is still the only openly gay boy in school.

This volume primarily focuses on Nick’s coming-out journey and how both Nick and Charlie’s friends react. Tao was the only boy to support Charlie the previous year while being bullied for being gay, so Tao is overly protective of Charlie’s feelings. And Nick’s friends have no experience with a gay friend, so they don’t know how to accept a gay boy into their group.

Elle is introduced as a trans girl who went to their all-boys school the previous year, and there is no judgment or hesitation in accepting her as part of Charlie’s friend group. We also get a proper introduction to Tara and Darcy, first seen in Volume 1, who had their own new romance at their all-girls school the previous year. They become quirky advisors to Nick and Charlie on how to be comfortable in a queer relationship among less-understanding peers.

Charlie’s sister Tori and Nick’s mom also emerge as champions for the new couple. The combination of their support, and standing up for Charlie against one particularly nasty bully, makes Nick realize how he wants to face his sexual identity. Nick learns that communication is key, and that being honest with those who love him isn’t as scary as he thought.

Volume 2 features communication and support, but we will see even more complex themes in the volumes ahead. This volume hinted at Charlie’s mental illness, which will become a major focal point in Volume 4. Nick and Charlie’s uncomplicated love helps them battle complicated trauma and personal journeys.

Heartstopper has over 500,000 subscribers on Webtoon and the books have sold over one million copies. The casting completed in February 2021 for the Netflix series focused on the chemistry between Nick and Charlie as well as the connection between those playing their closest friends. With a diverse cast and a cuddly pup, the show is sure to be as feel-good as the books.