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In Season 3 of Heartstopper, books make their quiet yet significant appearances throughout. Charlies best-friend Isaac is almost always with a book in the show and his reading adventures give viewers more than just a peek into his personality—they also nod to key themes in the show. If you’re curious about these books and wondering if they’re your next read, we quickly list seven titles that make their way in Heartstopper season 3!
1. Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe (Isaac reads it at the Beach)
What’s It About?
A graphic memoir by Maia Kobabe, Gender Queer chronicles the author’s journey through gender identity and sexuality. Starting from childhood, Kobabe explores the confusion, struggles, and ultimate understanding of their identity as non-binary and asexual. The beautiful illustrations add an intimate layer to the storytelling, making it a relatable and tender exploration of identity.
Key Themes
Identity, gender exploration, self-acceptance, LGBTQ+ experiences.
Positives & Negatives
The book has been lauded for its candid storytelling and gorgeous artwork. However, some may find it a bit introspective, as it delves deep into Kobabe’s personal reflections. But that’s precisely what makes it resonate with readers experiencing similar journeys.
Who Should Read It?
If you’re questioning your identity or seeking more representation and understanding of non-binary and asexual experiences, this book is a comforting and enlightening companion.
2. The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller (Charlie recommends it to Isaac)
What’s It About?
A retelling of the Iliad through the lens of Patroclus and his love for the Greek hero Achilles, Miller’s novel provides a heartfelt and tragic love story. The narrative reimagines the Trojan War, focusing not on battles but on the intimate, often heart-wrenching relationship between the two characters.
Key Themes
Love and loyalty, destiny and fate, Greek mythology, war, and tragedy.
Positives & Negatives
Praised for its poetic prose and emotional depth, The Song of Achilles draws readers in with its romance and character development. Some might find the pacing slow, particularly if they’re expecting more action, but it’s the emotional storytelling that makes this book a standout.
Who Should Read It?
Fans of Greek mythology and those who enjoy slow-burn, emotional love stories with tragic depth. If you’re in for a bittersweet read that leaves an impression, this is for you.
3. Queer City by Peter Ackroyd (It’s on Nick’s Bedside table)
What’s It About?
Queer City delves into the queer history of London from the Roman times to the present day. Peter Ackroyd takes readers on a vibrant journey through the city’s evolving attitudes toward gender and sexuality, shining a light on how queerness has always been part of London’s culture.
Key Themes
Queer history, urban exploration, gender and sexual identity, cultural change.
Positives & Negatives
Ackroyd’s comprehensive research and vivid storytelling make history feel alive, offering intriguing insights into queer life in London. However, at times, the details can be overwhelming for readers unfamiliar with the subject, and the academic tone might be dense for some.
Who Should Read It?
History buffs, fans of queer culture, and those curious about how queerness intersects with city life and development. If you want a mix of history and culture, this book gives a unique perspective on how queerness has shaped London.
4. This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar & Max Gladstone (Isaac reads it in Episode 3)
What’s It About?
A genre-blending sci-fi love story, This Is How You Lose the Time War follows two time-traveling agents, Red and Blue, who are on opposing sides of a time war. Through secret letters, they fall in love across timelines, crafting a poetic and suspenseful love story that defies conventions of time and space.
Key Themes
Love and connection, time travel, rivalry, poetic storytelling.
Positives & Negatives
The novel’s lush, lyrical prose makes it feel like a long, beautiful poem. While this adds to the book’s appeal for many, others might find it too abstract and poetic for their taste, preferring a more straightforward narrative.
Who Should Read It?
Those who appreciate poetic storytelling, imaginative sci-fi, and romance that defies boundaries. If you’re looking for a different take on time travel with a heart, this novel might sweep you off your feet.
5. Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days by Jeanette Winterson (Isaac reads it in Episode 5)
What’s It About?
A collection of festive stories paired with wintery recipes, Jeanette Winterson’s Christmas Days captures the warmth and whimsy of the holiday season. Each of the 12 tales explores different moods and settings, from ghostly spookiness to cozy family gatherings, alongside recipes for festive feasts.
Key Themes
Christmas, festive spirit, love, family, winter nostalgia.
Positives & Negatives
Winterson’s charming storytelling is both playful and profound, offering something for every holiday mood. However, the collection may feel uneven, with some stories being stronger or more appealing than others.
Who Should Read It?
Perfect for those who love the magic of Christmas and enjoy curling up with heartwarming, varied stories. If you love a blend of fiction and food, this book will leave you feeling cozy and inspired to cook up a feast.
6. The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton & Janet W. Hardy
What’s It About?
A guide to navigating open relationships, The Ethical Slut explores polyamory, non-monogamy, and how to cultivate healthy, consensual connections outside traditional monogamous norms. The book offers practical advice on communication, self-awareness, and building trust in a variety of relationship structures.
Key Themes
Open relationships, consent, communication, self-awareness, sexual exploration.
Positives & Negatives
The book has been praised as a seminal work on modern relationships, with its open, non-judgmental approach to intimacy and love. Some readers might find it too radical if they’re not already exploring alternative relationship structures, but its emphasis on communication and self-awareness is universally valuable.
Who Should Read It?
If you’re curious about open relationships or want to understand more about polyamory, this is a great starting point. It’s also a helpful read for anyone looking to improve their communication skills and approach relationships with a broader, more open-minded perspective.
7. I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson
What’s It About?
A dual-narrative YA novel, I’ll Give You the Sun follows twins Jude and Noah, who were once inseparable but are torn apart by tragedy and secrets. The book explores their different perspectives across time, dealing with themes of love, loss, family, and finding oneself amidst chaos.
Key Themes
Family, love, self-discovery, grief, art and expression.
Positives & Negatives
Jandy Nelson’s vivid prose and strong emotional storytelling make this novel a rollercoaster of feelings. While its high emotions and drama can draw readers in, others might find the narrative a bit melodramatic at times.
Who Should Read It?
If you love YA fiction with complex emotions, sibling dynamics, and deep themes of love and loss, this book will tug at your heartstrings and keep you hooked from start to finish.
Heartstopper Season 3’s book choices mirror the series’ themes of self-discovery, love, and identity. From exploring queerness to navigating complicated relationships, there’s a book for everyone to relate to and learn from. So, pick one up, and let the stories begin!
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