lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Surprisingly different to the webcomic/original. Some strips have been reordered, with all Hockey Shit moved to an end section and select tweets reprinted in a final segment. 

Maybe it’s just the difference between a single read and regular instalments, but it felt like there was less info. May just be the consequence of no churning fandom hivemind analysing each strip, though. 

Still a fabulous story, if jarring to only get half (runs through until the real goodbye at the end of Jack & Shitty’s graduating year).

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emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I cannot express how blown away I was by this graphic novel. I picked it up on a whim, thinking I would probably DNF it due to my dislike of sport and baking focused writing and stories. All I can say is WOW. The author did her research, really crafted a meaningful, colorful, and relatable story with characters than you just can't stop thinking about. Even the subplots all had relevance to the story, which is rewarding for those who enjoy the extra details. The comedic writing is also hands down some of the best I've read in a while, so kudos to you Ngozi! I immediately picked up volume 2 (and cried seeing that only two volumes were ever made because this story is exceptional). I didn't give this a 5 star due to small personal nitpicks, but overall this should be a must read graphic novel for anyone who's ever experienced the struggles of life and want to know if others truly do go through what you do.

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hopeful lighthearted reflective medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

I liked this book but unlike the Heartstopper series I felt like it shied away from difficult topics almost immediately which is what I think failed the story from progressing in a more meaningful way. Even the romance felt forced due to the characters not being open with each other about issues that were brought up but quickly moved on from. 

I would continue in this series but hope that that changes in the sequel at least a little bit because I like the characters and the found family aspect of the team but it feels negligent to bring up mental health issues, self-harm, and even dealing with a homophobic teammate and then to not address them in a meaningful way. Every issue seems very easily glossed over by the way of them just being friends and that solving everything which doesn’t really work. I also hated how hazing was discussed so trivially in this book. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
funny lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Complicated
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Yes

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven: A mix
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: N/A

I followed this book series as it was being posted as a web comic. It’s extremely well paced and well written. The author had expressed that she would write a lighthearted book that dealt with issues many queer teens and young adults deal with in life and she delivered. 

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
emotional funny hopeful lighthearted relaxing medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: Complicated

Should you read Check Please? Yes.
Should everyone on the planet read Check Please? Probably.
This sweet, heartfelt book is based on a very popular (for good reason!) webcomic. It centers around a college ice hockey player, baker and vlogger, Eric Bittle, who is unsure about where and if he belongs there. The supporting cast of his friends and hockey teammates are equally lovable, if sometimes one-dimensional, and the plot is sure to give you grade-A feels.

Expand filter menu Content Warnings
funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven: Character
Strong character development: Yes
Loveable characters: Yes
Diverse cast of characters: Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus: No

Expand filter menu Content Warnings