How often are you tired of hearing the same old stories by some random old guy from the 1700’s, it’s so boring and who wants that? Reading is supposed to be fun and enjoyable, not dull and depressing. So, why can’t we hear something new? Yes, classics are great, they’re called that for a reason but, isn’t it time to move past those dusty tropes and move on? My name is Charley Dupuis and this is new age of books!

I often struggle to find books that I can actually relate to. That all changed after coming across the works of author, Alice Oseman. Alice Oseman is 27 years old, and non-binary. They are a graduate of Durham University in the UK, and have written a total of 6 novels and an additional 4 graphic novels. Oseman continues to write as their new Netflix series based on the graphic novel series, HeartStopper, is put into production. Oseman appeals mainly to young adults and the LGBTQ+ community with all of their novels being extremely inclusive in both race and sexual identity. Oseman’s books are all easy reads that I feel everyone should read. 

Oseman has created a universe completely different from the one we live in. Although these books are considered stand-alone novels, they’re all connected in some way or another. If you wish to read them as a series this is my recommended reading order….

The Osemanverse:

• Heartstopper volumes-1,2,3,4
• This Winter
• Solitaire 
• Radio silence
• Nick and Charlie
• I Was Born This Way
• Loveless

Trigger Warning: Now before you read these books it is important to note that Oseman’s books are meant to be for young adults and talk about serious topics such as:

• Suicidal Thoughts
• Self-harm
• Depression
• Eating disorders
• Abusive relationships
• Non-accepting families 
• Coping with homophobia and bullying