All the books Isaac reads in Heartstopper — season three!!

Seen in episode 1: Love

Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe is a graphic memoir about Kobabe’s journey to understanding and embracing a non-binary, asexual identity. Through personal stories and illustrations, it explores the challenges of navigating gender and self-discovery.

Published in 2019

Goodreads link

Seen in episode 2: Home

You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry follows best friends Poppy and Alex, who reconnect after a fallout. Through past vacations and present moments, they explore whether their friendship could become something more.

This is the second Emily Henry book seen in Heartstopper. Isaac also reads Book Lovers in season two.

The US title of this book is People We Meet on Vacation.

Published in 2021

Goodreads link

Seen in episode 3: Talk

This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone follows two rival time-traveling agents, Red and Blue, whose secret letters lead to a forbidden love, jeopardising their missions and the war they fight.

Published in 2019

Goodreads link

Seen in episode 3: Talk

The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James follows Romy Silvers, the only survivor on a spaceship bound for a distant planet. Alone for years, she connects with J from another ship, The Eternity, but soon uncovers chilling secrets that threaten her survival in this tense sci-fi thriller.

Published in 2018

Goodreads link

Seen in episode 4: Journey

Starfish by Akemi Dawn Bowman is a YA novel about Kiko, a biracial teen struggling with social anxiety and a toxic home life. After being rejected from art school, she embarks on a journey of self-discovery, confronting her past and learning to embrace her identity and dreams.

Published in 2017

Goodreads link

Seen in episode 4: Journey

The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller retells the story of Achilles through the eyes of his companion, Patroclus, exploring their deep friendship and romantic relationship against the backdrop of the Trojan War.

Published in 2011

Goodreads link

Seen in episode 4: Journey

Emma by Jane Austen follows Emma Woodhouse, a wealthy young woman who meddles in her friends’ romantic lives. Through her misguided matchmaking, she learns valuable lessons about love, friendship, and self-awareness, ultimately realising her feelings for Mr. Knightley.

This is the second Jane Austen book seen in Heartstopper. Isaac also reads Pride and Prejudice in season one.

Published in 1815

Goodreads link

Seen in episode 5: Winter

Christmas Days by Jeanette Winterson is a collection of festive stories and reflections that blend personal anecdotes, recipes, and holiday traditions. Each piece captures the magic and complexities of Christmas, exploring themes of love, loss, and renewal, while celebrating the joy and spirit of the season.

Published in 2016

Goodreads link

Seen in episode 5: Winter

Piranesi by Susanna Clarke follows a man living in a mysterious labyrinthine house filled with statues and tides. As he explores this surreal world, he uncovers secrets about his existence and the enigmatic figure known as the Other.

Published in 2020

Goodreads link

Seen in episode 6: Body

So, you actually never see the cover of this graphic novel. All I know about it is that it has purple tinted panels on one of the pages. However, knowing what we know of Isaac and his reading habits, I’m going to take some guesses as to what this could be.

Homebody by Theo Parish: A poetic exploration of identity and belonging, reflecting on how personal experiences and relationships shape our understanding of home and community. (All purple and very on-brand topics for Isaac.)

Lore Olympus by Rachel Smythe: A modern retelling of the Hades and Persephone myth, exploring their relationship amid themes of love, power, and consent in a contemporary setting. (Has single-colured panels and Isaac reads a lot of Greek-related texts this season.)

If anyone genuinely knows what this is, please feel free to let us know in the comments!!

Seen in episode 7: Together

The Ethical Slut by Dossie Easton and Janet W Hardy is a guide to non-monogamous relationships, emphasising open communication, consent, and embracing sexuality in ethical and fulfilling ways.

Published in 1997

Goodreads link

Seen in episode 7: Together

Hopeless Aromantic by Samantha Rendle is a guide that explores aromanticism, addressing the experiences of those with little to no romantic attraction. It discusses relationship dynamics, societal stigma, and internalised shame while providing insights into queerplatonic relationships and sharing community experiences.

Published in 2023

Goodreads link

Seen in episode 8: Apart

I’ll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson follows twins Noah and Jude Sweetwine as they navigate their strained relationship after their mother’s death. The story alternates between their perspectives at ages 13 and 16, exploring themes of love, loss, and the power of art as they seek to reconnect.

Published in 2014

Goodreads link

Seen in episode 1: Love

Of course, Charlie is reading a fake novel, 10 Things I Hate About Plato by Jack Maddox — which becomes plot important later in the season. But reading is reading and this absolutely counts!

He does talk about classic books, and at one point asks for a book recommendation on queer culture in Ancient Greece.

Charlie also shares book recommendations with Isaac, as Isaac blames Charlie for his four hours of crying after finishing The Song of Achilles. 😭 💕

Seen in episode 3: Talk

Queer City: Gay London from Romans to the Present Day by Peter Ackroyd explores the history of London’s LGBTQ+ community, highlighting the fluidity of sexuality and the city’s rich sexual culture. The book examines both the joys and challenges faced by queer individuals, presenting London as a vibrant space for identity and expression throughout history.

Published in 2017

Goodreads link