Why Are We Like This?: Stories of Transformation

by Rowan Murphy, George Hightower

Why Are We Like This? Stories of Transformation explores the life-changing impact the Heartstopper® Netflix® series has had on countless lives. For many people, Heartstopper® has been a powerful catalyst, leading to a metamorphosis and to a future filled with hope and potential. It has literally saved lives.

This book examines the driving forces behind this extraordinary phenomenon. It includes 50 stories from fans of the show who shared their personal, often raw and emotional journeys, illustrating the profound effect Heartstopper® has had on their lives. These are stories of strength, courage, and inspiration. They represent the best of who we are as humans and as members or allies of the LGBTQIA+ community.

317 pages, Paperback

Published November 11, 2025

About the author

Rowan is a certified life and health coach, passionate about empowering and guiding clients through personal challenges and helping them to overcome limiting beliefs. He grew up in Germany and studied English Literature and French Linguistics at the University of Heidelberg. Rowan is a transgender, gay man who came out late in life and started his transition at the age of 51.

His first published book was a collaboration with a friend, inspired by the Netflix TV show Heartstopper®, which had a profound impact on his life. After meeting many fans who had similar experiences, he felt compelled to investigate the extraordinary responses it elicited in people of all ages, identities, and life experiences. He wanted to understand the transformative spark that motivated them all to find more joy, fulfilment, and connection in their lives, and hopes to inspire more people to overcome fear, pursue happiness, and live authentically by sharing these stories.

Reviews

[Leticia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This amazing book is not just a collection of stories, it is a masterfully pieced together group of stories that are going to touch your heart, break you into pieces and put you back together. The heartstopper show has done a lot for a huge number of people, this book also contributes to the healing process of those whose stories are written, and their readers.
I personally love the chapters written by Rowan that introduce a group of stories, like "The power of a Positive Bisexual Portrayal" or "The Gift of Asexual Representation." They help to glue it all together, are beautifully written, and include not only educational information but also a smattering of colouful quotes.
One of the many story tellers says about their new found sexuallity, "These are aspects of myself that have always been inherently true, but that I'd previously lacked terminology to define. I may have never fully understood these truths without Heartstopper." This is true for myself as well and I truly believe it would be for many readers. This is the reason why this book will be healing and enlightening for those who read it, even if they haven't watched the show.
So yes, you can read it even if you haven't watched Heartstopper, you won't be lost, but you will probably run to watch it after reading a few of the stories.

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is a must for all Heartstopper fans, and even those who are Heartstopper-curious and want to know what all the fuss is about. At first I had a moment of: "Am I really going to read a book about other people's experiences with my favourite show? Isn't that too meta even for me?" To that voice I say, there is nothing to lose and everything to gain: more awareness of the context and history of the show, a validation of why the show means so much to me, the knowledge that I am not alone with my special interest and in fact should indulge it more, a life-affirming look into how a huge array of people have used the power of this wonderful story to transform their lives in incredible ways. This book has been lovingly put together with care and diligence and vulnerability, and I highly recommend it to everyone. :)

[Ashley Hullett · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all, I want to make it clear that this book can be read even if you have never seen or read the Heartstopper series. The stories in this book are captivating, heartwarming, hopeful, beautiful, inspiring, and just so powerful. The authors have brilliantly crafted these authentic personal stories into a rollercoaster ride of emotions. I laughed, I cried, I related to many of the stories, and I learned some things along the way. You leave this book with a greater appreciation for the power and importance of representation in media. It really is the true love story of Heartstopper and the fans. (And if you haven’t seen or read Heartstopper maybe this book will help you understand why we are so enthralled with it and make you want to go watch it or read it. Which, obviously, we all highly recommend!)

[Rowan Murphy · Rating 5 out of 5]

The fan stories are a testament to the impact of inclusive LGBTQIA+ representation in the context of a beautiful story that celebrates love and friendship without the usual stigma and stereotyping of queer characters. Part anthology, part anthropology, part memoir, this book is a love letter to Alice Oseman and her groundbreaking work on Heartstopper®, which has reached people from all conceivable demographics and empowered them to explore, embrace, and celebrate their identities. These are stories of strength, courage, and inspiration, representing the best of who we are as humans and as members or allies of the LGBTQIA+ community. These voices need to be heard now more than ever.

[Reader · Rating 5 out of 5]

An absolutely beautiful book with a compilation of beautiful stories of how a simple tv series can stir such powerful emotions from people of all demographics.