A book about the transformative power of Heartstopper®

Why Are We Like This? Stories of Transformation is a very personal journey for both authors, who included their own vulnerable, candid stories — sharing how they came to find Heartstopper, the profound effect the show has had on their lives, and the calling they felt to share their newfound community’s stories with the honesty and care they deserve. They felt that they couldn’t ask the fans who contributed their deeply personal stories to go to a deeper level they weren’t willing to go to themselves. This book is their labor of love for the Heartstopper community.

George has a bachelor’s degree in psychology from New York University and St. John’s University, and a master’s degree in counseling psychology from the University of Santa Monica. The focus of his postgraduate work was on personal development and transpersonal psychology. His education and compassionate devotion to helping others have enabled his counseling practice to assist clients in achieving their highest potential, especially those in the LGBTQ+ community. His clinical experience includes working on a National Institute of Mental Health sponsored AIDS research project at Memorial Sloane Kettering Cancer Center in New York. George is searching for the commonality in our experiences that answers the fundamental Heartstopper question: why are we like this? 

Rowan is a 54-year-old transgender gay man. He is a life coach, passionate about empowering and guiding his clients through personal challenges, with a particular focus on identity issues. Rowan grew up in Germany, studied English Literature and French Linguistics at University of Heidelberg, and recently rediscovered a love for writing. Based on his own metamorphic experience, he felt compelled to investigate the alchemy of Heartstopper® and understand the transformative spark that motivated him and other fans to find more joy, fulfillment, and connection in their lives. By sharing these stories, he hopes to inspire more people to overcome fear, pursue happiness, and live authentically.