Back of Book: 

When you want to be alone, other people always get in the way. 

Tori Spring is tired of everything. She used to be able to deal with people, mostly because she had to. Now she can barely function in the ridiculousness of a school environment. She's bored. She's frusturated. She's worried about her brother Charlie. And she's not sure what she should do about anything. 

She wants the world to leave her alone. But the world has other ideas. 

A random Post-it leads Tori on a trail left behind someone going by the name Solitaire. The person behind it wants to disrupt the school, even if it means disrupting Tori's life in the process. Which she doesn't find cool at all. 

Plus, Solitaire draws a boy named Michael Holden into Tori's path. And once he's there, he doesn't want to leave. Which is annoying. Deeply annoying. Tori doesn't care about Michael at all. 

Really. 

Heralded as "The Catcher in the Rye for the Digital Age" by The Times, Alice Oseman's Solitaire is a painfully honest, deeply observant look at a girl who is lost in her own life, and must find a way forward nonetheless. 

Book Number: Stand Alone

Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary | Mystery | LGBTQIA+ 

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟

Meet Tori Spring, the older sister of the beloved Charlie from "Heartstopper," in this novel that was the original introduction to the Osemanverse. 

Tori Spring doesn't remember the last time she was truly happy. She used to not mind people as much as she does now and could cope with the unfairness of the world. Recently though, she just wants it all to end. Life seems to have other ideas though when she follows a trail of post-it notes that lead her to a mysterious blog by the name of "Solitaire." Unsure what it means, she plans to ignore it. That is, until she meets, Michael Holden, an odd boy who becomes obsessed with who is behind "Solitaire" after they complete a series of pranks that are rapidly getting more dangerous. The unlikely duo team up and attempt to uncover the culprit before anything truly disastrous occurs. 

I am one of those people who came to "Solitaire" after reading "Heartstopper," as many others have. Tori was always such an enigma during those graphic novels, so I was very excited to dive into this one and learn more about Tori as well as be reunited with Nick, Charlie, Michael, and Oliver. 

Tori's story was just as dark and depressing as I thought it would be. She definitely suffers from severe depression, hopelessness, and grapples with suicidal thoughts more frequently than is safe. This book also takes place during the darkest part of Charlie's mental health journey, so that added an extra weight to her plate. This certainly isn't the most fun read, but it authentically captures burnout, self-loathing, and the burden that the world places on people so powerfully. 

Reading "Solitaire" after devouring "Heartstopper" is a very interesting literary experience. It features quite a few of the same characters, deals in many of the same themes, and even takes place during a bit of the same time frame. However, the narrative experiences are so different. Tori is a huge pessimist who doesn't' give a crap and "Solitaire" is a detective story. Charlie is more upbeat and awkward and "Heartstopper" is a romance. Very difference vibes, but I love the world and the characters so much, which made it quite an enjoyable ride. The way that we learn so much more about Tori and Michael is really enlightening and adds even more depth to the "Heartstopper" narrative. 

It honestly feels weird that the events of this book are barely alluded to in "Heartstopper: Volume 4," but I understand why this is. One doesn't want to spoil too much for the people who haven't read "Solitaire," and no one wants it to be too repetitive for those that have. Some really exciting and tragic events go down in this book though, so it is a tad odd that Charlie says little more than "Victoria has her own share of problems." Yeah, that's the understatement of the century. 

The mystery element in this one wasn't the most alluring of plots to me. Yes, I was curious to what was up with the person behind the moniker "Solitaire," but I enjoyed Tori's day to day life much more. From time to time, life can feel so heavy that find it hard to believe that we can't all relate to Tori's mindset every once in a while. Also, the whole situation with Ben's return (or I guess debut, because "Solitaire" was written before "Heartstopper") was also such a potent story arc. He's a jerk, that's been proven one too many times, but at least he makes for a good lesson. 

Overall, "Solitaire" is a powerful story of learning how to rewrite one's life one step at a time when the world seems too heavy. Tori's tale is often a somber one, but it is also such a realistic one. We all go through rough patches, and some find themselves living in them more than others, so I think we can all relate to Tori's experience. I hope to never feel as lost as Tori does, but I'm comforted to know that I'm not alone if I ever do. I would be lying to admit that being reunited with Tori's brothers, Charlie and Oliver, wasn't a huge highlight in reading this book. I love the Spring siblings so much, and I'm excited that there is a ton of content about them that exists. I would definitely recommend this one, but caution others to take care of themselves first. This book goes to some seriously dark places, and I want to make sure that everyone is ready for that. 

Back of Book: 

It can be a hard time of year... 

It's another Christmas for the Spring family. Which means a lot of relatives, a lot of food, a lot of chaos, and a lot of chances for people to do and say the wrong thing. 

Tori Spring knows her brother Charlie is overwhelmed by it all. She wants to help... but how? 

Charlie isn't certain he can stay in his own house as things get into full swing, His boyfriend Nick's house is an obvious refuge. But he's also unsure about ruining Nick's Christmas with his own concerns. 

Sometimes the only path to comfort and joy is through honesty, sharing... and banding together to find warmth. 

Book Number: 0.5 Novella (Note: This novella takes place halfway through volume 4 of Heartstopper and about a month before the events of Solitaire. See Oseman's website for more info: In What Order Should I Read Your Books? | Alice Oseman) 

Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary | Romance | LGBTQIA+

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A "Heartstopper"/"Solitaire" novella featuring a segment told by each of the Spring siblings in turn.

It's been an extremely difficult winter season for the Spring family, and it is far from over. With Charlie having recently returned from a psychiatric facility and his eating disorder worse than it's ever been before, Charlie feels overwhelmed by being the center of his family's attention. Tori wants to help him as best she can, but how do you help your little brother when he is pushing you away? Oliver may not understand all that is going on in Charlie and Tori's lives, but he gets that Christmas feels a little bit different this year. Though times are rough, the three Spring siblings find that everything is better when they are together. 

For those that don't know, this novella takes place halfway through volume four of the "Heartstopper" books (between the journal entry that Nick writes and the letter that Charlie pens) and about a month before the events of "Solitaire" begin. I personally have completed both "Heartstopper" and "Solitaire" before reading this novella and I feel that is probably the best way to do so, because you will be heavily familiar with both Charlie and Tori as characters. You could, however, read it after reading only "Solitaire," stop in the middle of volume four of "Heartstopper," or read it after only completing "Heartstopper." All of these methods would be viable. 

Despite the heavy subject matter and the darker tone of this one, it is still a very enjoyable read. I adore all three of the Spring siblings, so getting to read from all three of their perspectives is an absolute gift. 

The novella starts from Tori's PoV, and it was really nice to return to her pessimistic approach to the world. She is still fiercely loyal and will do anything to protect her brothers, and it's always great seeing this fierce loyalty in action. It then shifts to Charlie's perspective. The text messages he exchanges with Nick are so peak and they really showcase that even at ones worst, one can still have amazing interactions with the people that just get them. I couldn't keep a smile off my face when Nick and Charlie finally reunited on the page; they are just so adorable together! It then concludes with Oliver's point of view, which leaves us with a feeling of joy at the end of this rather sad tinged novella. Oliver is just a beacon of light, so it is hard not to be happy when he is happy. 

I totally understand how awkward family gatherings can be, especially when family members are overly invested in all the hot gossip that has been going on in everyone's lives. I personally always feel so targeted because I never feel like anything interesting happens in my life that is worth sharing with distant relatives, but I would feel even worse if I was being treated as the gay/mentally ill spectacle of the family. Charlie and Tori are both going through so much, and it saddens me greatly that their families don't understand how deeply they need their support. I'm beyond relieved though that the Spring siblings are always there for one another. 

Not a ton of new stuff is really revealed throughout the course of this book, but it still one hundred percent worth reading. The jokes land wonderfully, getting Oliver's perspective is so precious, and the characters are still some of my favorites that I have ever encountered. 

Overall, "This Winter" is a wonderful novella that provides readers of "Heartstopper" and "Solitaire" with some extra information about beloved characters from the Osemanverse. It may not add a ton of new things to the universe, but it is a really fun way to be reunited with some fan favorite characters in a different format. The subject matter is a tad darker than many of Oseman's other works due to how center mental illness and Charlie's eating disorder is to the narrative of this book. I personally loved this one and would recommend reading it if you get the chance! 

Back of Book: 

Absence makes the heart grow fonder... right? 

Everyone knows that Nick and Charlie love their nearly inseperable life together. But soon Nick will be leaving for university, and Charlie, a year younger, will be left behind. Everyone is asking if they'll stay together, which is a stupid question... or at least that's what Nick and Charlie assume at first. 

As the time to say goodbye gets inevitably closer, both Nick and Charlie start to question whether their love is strong enough to survive being apart. Charlie is sure he's holding Nick back... and Nick can't tell what Charlie's thinking. 

Things spiral from there. 

Everyone knows that first love rarely last forever. What will it take for Nick and Charlie to defy the odds? 

Book Number: 1.5 Novella (Note: Nick and Charlie takes place after Heartstopper: Volume 5). 

Genre: Young Adult | Contemporary | Romance | LGBTQIA+

Review: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟

A novella that gives a glimpse into the less than perfect relationship of the famous Nick and Charlie featured in "Heartstopper"!

Once the summer is through, Nick will be heading off to university. In the meantime, Nick and Charlie will be spending as much time as they possible can together. That is, until they get into an argument that has them both wondering if it even makes sense to keep dating when it's most likely that things will come to an end anyway. 

My heart! This was honestly so difficult to read, even know I knew they'd pull through in the end. I mean, it's Nick and Charlie! (On a side note, I love how characters in this series have literally started using the term "like Nick and Charlie" to translate to soulmates. Like seriously, that is so adorable!) Despite knowing this, my stomach dropped when their huge argument went down. I hate seeing people who love each other so much fight each other so aggressively, especially over things so petty. 

Unlike "This Winter," "Nick and Charlie" adds a whole bunch to the Osemanverse due to the fact that the sixth novel of "Heartstopper" has yet to be released at the time that I am first reading this book. Since this story takes place partway through what will be the sixth volume, a ton of new content is revealed. Also, this book finally provides more details about Charlie's relapse that occurs during "Solitaire" and the fourth installment of "Heartstopper." 

This novella essentially takes a deep dive into Nick and Charlie preparing to enter a long distance relationship. Can their love survive with them apart? Most high school romances don't make it, after all, but most teen romances aren't Nick and Charlie either. I literally found myself tearing up at certain portions of this book, especially the scene where Charlie realizes that their life together may be boring, but it is the perfect kind of boring that he wants to live for the rest of his life. Seriously, peak couple goals right here. 

Recently, I was faced with a situation that was much too similar to the events in this book for my liking. My boyfriend is moving to a different city to pursue higher education too, and I had to decide how we were going to proceed. Luckily, I am not a high schooler like Charlie is, so I had a few more options to consider. However, I still had to contemplate going long distance with him for years at a time and that absolutely destroyed me. I would think about him leaving constantly, and I had many of the same concerns as Charlie does: that I would hold him back, that he would find a new group and not need me anymore, that he would get bored by the mundane activities that I like to participate in, etc. In the past few days, I have decided that I will be moving in with my boyfriend rather than going long distance with him again for several years, but this topic matter is still very raw to me. Which may be another reason that this one hit me so hard emotionally. Though I would still have been worried sick for Charlie and Nick regardless of my own life situation. 

The rom com feel of this one is still there, despite the more serious topic matter, which makes this novella feel more "Heartstopper" whereas "This Winter" felt more "Solitaire" vibe wise. The romantic crumbs throughout this novella as well as the grand romantic gesture really come full circle, and they are super cute to boot. 

Overall, I am really glad that Oseman left us with "Nick and Charlie" to hold us over until she releases the final installment of "Heartstopper." This novella has me really excited to see where Nick and Charlie's adventures take them. The discussions about long distance relationships, high school romances, and soul mates are all poignant, and I'm glad that Oseman took some time to highlight this point in Charlie and Nick's journey. I would definitely recommend this novella after you consume the rest of the content in the "Heartstopper" series. In my opinion, one can never have enough Nick and Charlie!