quite surprised by my own rating for this book bc i thought id have enjoyed it more. heartstopper volume 5 retains its signature blend of both the fuzzies and heavy topics, w/ change looming for the main characters, not only externally but also between one another for nick and charlie.

while the resolution's satisfying and oseman effortlessly (seemingly, anyway) explores trickier topics like mental health, eating disorders, sex, sexual orientation and healthy relationships, the former happens a bit too little too late for me, not to mention the uneven pacing. nick and charlie are wayyyyy too co-dependent; not only is it unhealthy but i thought we've alrrady been thru this w/ volume 4???? also the non-communication between them

abt nick's uni choices

for most of the book left me frustrated and overall made the novel not as enjoyable as it couldve been. maybe im outgrowing this series...but im still gonna cop a signed copy of the last volume for sure.