I cannot begin to express just how much I love this series. They are cute and funny but also so poignant and real. Nick, Charlie and their friends have my heart and I will read every book about them that is released!
Volume 1
The introduction to this series was super cute and I was instantly desperate for Nick and Charlie to get together. I’d picked up this book as it was all over social media but didn’t read the synopsis or anything really before picking it up. As a result, I was really excited when I realised it was an English story and as an ex player myself, loved that the main character played rugby.
The story line was wonderful but what I loved most was the characters. With the exception of course of Ben. I loved the journey the characters went on and how they grew both individually and together.
A beautiful representation of how it can feel to question your sexuality. It was simply amazing.
Volume 2
This picked up exactly from where Volume 1 left off which I loved. I thought the first book was cute but damn did this one have me squealing every time one of the characters did something.
There was just so much about this that I loved; the way Charlie supported Nick through his exploration of his sexuality, the fact that Nick researched things (this is also cute in later volumes), how awkwardly romantic Nick and Charlie are, Charlie’s friends and Nick’s mum. Pretty much everything to be honest. It was gloriously wonderful!
Volume 3
Again, we pick up from where Volume 2 left off which is amazing as you feel like you don’t miss anything in between volumes. I honestly need every second of Nick and Charlie’s story. I ship them so hard (is shipping even still a thing and does it count if they are actually together? Anyway, I digress…)
Volume 3 is another beautiful addition to this collection. This series is wonderfully written and so relatable. Within the pages of Nick and Charlie’s story, there is something for everyone to connect with. Although parts of Elle’s story are discussed, she is just another character who happens to be trans. Nick’s old crush is now in a relationship with another girl and they are just part of the group of friends. This series is so far away from heteronormative that I just want to shove it in everyone’s face and be like, “Here, this is what the world should be like.” Minus Ben and David who are just complete jerks. Wow, these books have turned me into a teenager!
Volume 4
I received this one 4 days ago. I have already read it twice and I’ll be honest, I sobbed both times.
This instalment is still cute and gives warm fuzzy feelings but it is also a lot harder to read than the others. The depth of the exploration of Charlie’s mental health issues and the way Nick tries to support him through them was fantastic. These really difficult topics were handled so well and I really wish that I had had these books to read as a teenager questioning their sexuality and battling mental health issues.
Alice Oseman is incredible and is definitely an instant buy author. She packs so much into each instalment of this series, and the beautiful mini-comics within them, and is able to evoke such a range of emotions in such small amounts of content that I am in absolute awe every time I pick up one of her books. This stunning series is everything I needed it to be and I am super excited about the recently announced TV series so that I can fall in love with Nick, Charlie and all their friends all over again!
CW: homophobia, bullying, toxic relationships, sexual assault, biphobia, emotional abuse, eating disorder, self-harm, violence, mental illness, transphobia, panic attacks/disorder
Only If I Can Bring A Book 