Reviews from readers

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First of all, I want to make it clear that this book can be read even if you have never seen or read the Heartstopper series. The stories in this book are captivating, heartwarming, hopeful, beautiful, inspiring, and just so powerful. The authors have brilliantly crafted these authentic personal stories into a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I related to many of the stories, and I learned some things along the way. You leave this book with a greater appreciation for the power and importance of representation in media. It really is the true love story of Heartstopper and the fans. (And if you haven’t seen or read Heartstopper maybe this book will help you understand why we are so enthralled with it and make you want to go watch it or read it. Which, obviously, we all highly recommend!)  https://bit.ly/4qWZVx4

Hightower and Murphy have methodically collected first-person accounts of the impact Heartstopper has had on people. Their accounts explain how the show has given them strength to change the direction of their own lives and to persevere when feeling hopeless. The co-authors situate these personal narratives within a psychoanalytical context and deconstruct Alice Oseman's writing to show how her storytelling techniques have true educational and therapeutic value to people not only within the LGBTQIA+ community but also beyond. The Netflix show for teens exploded in popularity, far surpassing its target audience and reached across cultural and generational demographics as demonstrated through the testimonies presented in this book. "Why Are We Like This?: Stories of Transformation" clearly demonstrates that stories like Heartstopper must be told in order to offer hope to those who feel voiceless, to help them feel connected to a larger community, and to make positive changes in their own lives. This book supplements the personal accounts with complex and nuanced commentary in an easy-to-understand format. It is evident that Hightower and Murphy built this book on a foundation of love and appreciation for Oseman and all of those who worked to bring her story to the screen. Through this work, they celebrate the life-changing power of literature.  https://bit.ly/4qWZVx4

Required reading for true Heartstopper fans or those who wish they were by the time they finish the book! Skillfully written, insightful, and full of love. I had to read this book a second time because the first time it caught me by surprise. I was emotionally moved by the stories that had me feeling validated, sad, and joyful. Most of all, I am thankful that someone finally put into words how I was feeling, but I could not express as eloquently. Some of the poignant stories had me laughing, crying, and everything in between. This book has helped me UNDERSTAND so much by holding a mirror up for me to look at my parallel experiences. It made me think and reminded me to have compassion for myself and others as I continue to evolve. I now have an answer to: why are we like this?  https://bit.ly/4aY0PVh

This book is a must for all Heartstopper fans, and even those who are Heartstopper-curious and want to know what all the fuss is about. At first I had a moment of: "Am I really going to read a book about other people's experiences with my favourite show? Isn't that too meta even for me?" To that voice I say, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain: more awareness of the context and history of the show, a validation of why the show means so much to me, the knowledge that I am not alone with my special interest and in fact should indulge it more, a life-affirming look into how a huge array of people have used the power of this wonderful story to transform their lives in incredible ways. This book has been lovingly put together with care and diligence and vulnerability, and I highly recommend it to everyone. :)  https://bit.ly/4qWZVx4

What a beautiful love letter to the Heartstopper TV series and the comic source material by Alice Oseman. This book made me laugh, cry and nod along to so many of the experiences that the book contributors shared. If you ever doubted the power of storytelling, this book will be sure to change your mind.  https://bit.ly/4qWZVx4

For any fan of Heartstopper this book is a must-read! Deeply personal and heartfelt stories from members of the fan community of all ages and orientations open the door to introspection about a truly beautiful and meaningful series and the experiences it elicited for the people who are forever changed by it. Definitely worth the read for anyone looking for a place to belong.  https://bit.ly/4aY0PVh

This amazing book is not just a collection of stories, it is a masterfully pieced together group of stories that are going to touch your heart, break you into pieces and put you back together. The heartstopper show has done a lot for a huge number of people, this book also contributes to the healing process of those whose stories are written, and their readers. I personally love the chapters written by Rowan that introduce a group of stories, like "The power of a Positive Bisexual Portrayal" or "The Gift of Asexual Representation." They help to glue it all together, are beautifully written, and include not only educational information but also a smattering of colouful quotes. One of the many story tellers says about their new found sexuallity, "These are aspects of myself that have always been inherently true, but that I'd previously lacked terminology to define. I may have never fully understood these truths without Heartstopper." This is true for myself as well and I truly believe it would be for many readers. This is the reason why this book will be healing and enlightening for those who read it, even if they haven't watched the show. So yes, you can read it even if you haven't watched Heartstopper, you won't be lost, but you will probably run to watch it after reading a few of the stories.  https://bit.ly/4qWZVx4

What a beautiful, moving, hopeful and inspiring book, compiled by fans of the popular and acclaimed Netflix series, Heartstopper, by Alice Oseman. These fans had their lives changed by the sensitive and joyful love story of 2 school boys, Nick and Charlie. The book is a collection of delightful stories from fans and how the show affected LGBTQIA+ people of all ages. It is a must-read for not only fans of Heartstopper, but for allies, families and members of the LGBTQIA+ community.  https://bit.ly/4aY0PVh

f you were touched in any way by heartstopper, you may or may not already know that you are not alone! It is an amazing part of our journey to collect the community and its stories around us, to remind us that anything is possible, and this book has done just that!!  https://bit.ly/4aY0PVh

An absolutely beautiful book with a compilation of beautiful stories of how a simple tv series can stir such powerful emotions from people of all demographics.  https://bit.ly/4qWZVx4

It's a fantastic deep dive on how fandom affects people in real life, and how Heartstopper made a difference. These stories and the book will make you cry, and FEEL so much joy, tenderness, and if you are queer, probably a lot of validation and recognition of your own journey. It's about life, and love, and all the journeys that a little Netflix show can bring. It's fantastic. You should get it.  https://bit.ly/4aY0PVh

You will shed a tear reading this so be prepared. Inspirational and moving stories about the Heartstopper effect written by people who have found themselves, found their tribe and made massive life changes as a result of Heartstopper.  https://bit.ly/4aY0PVh

This book is a beautiful work of art; a collection of stories of transformation, of strength and vulnerability. Highly recommend.  https://bit.ly/4aY0PVh

This book celebrates the power of compassionate storytelling. Brought together by the Heartstopper graphic novels and Netflix television adaptation of the books of Alice Oseman, people from across the world share moments of truth, acceptance, visibility, courage, and celebration. While their stories vary in content and intensity, the common ground of sharing a love of an artist’s work and the immense impact of that work on their lives binds them together in a narrative that is spellbinding and emotional. Oseman’s work unlocked lives and the narratives gathered into this book tell those stories beautifully in each person’s own words. The authors, echoing the compassion of the original artist, have carefully curated each story, allowing the individuals to share their own truths while setting them side-by-side with others in a shared experience.

Whether a fan of Heartstopper or not, these stories are inspiring for anyone looking to change their lives in more fundamental ways. Read this book. Read the Heartstopper books. See if your life is changed for the better.   https://bit.ly/4a1m6Lv