Every book Heartstopper's Isaac reads in Season 3 of Netflix show and clues they give viewers

The Netflix drama's latest season is now available to stream on Netflix and, as always, Isaac Henderson is reading his way through the episodes.

The third season of Heartstopper has just landed on Netflix, featuring the show's resident book lover, Isaac Henderson, and his trusty reading list.

Alice Oseman's series, which is based on graphic novels, follows a group of teenagers as they navigate mental health, love, friendship and identity.

Fans with a keen eye now comb through each season of the Netflix adaptation to decipher what Isaac (portrayed by Tobie Donovan) is engrossed in. In the latest chapter of the popular LGBTQ+ drama, the character grapples with his identity as asexual and aromantic.

As with every season, his choice of books mirrors key themes of his, as well as popular fiction that fans will instantly recognise. With the third season now ready to stream on Netflix, here's every book Isaac delves into, in order of appearance.

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Episode 1 - Gender Queer: A Memoir by Maia Kobabe

The first book of the season appears as Isaac's beach read. Gender Queer is an honest account of author Kobabe's journey of understanding their gender identity and sexuality.

From awkward teenage years to adulthood, they reveal all in this memoir. Isaac is exploring his aromanticism throughout this season, making this a fitting non-fiction read for his character development.

Episode 2 - You and Me on Vacation by Emily Henry.

Fans would have immediately recognised this TikTok-famed rom-com. You and Me on Vacation features an unexpected romance blossoming between Poppy and Alex, who, despite their contrasting personalities, agree to take one holiday together annually.

Emily Henry is a big hit with the Gen Z/Alpha crowd, so it's only logical that Isaac has included this light-hearted book in his list.

Episode 3 - This Is How You Lose the Time War by Amal El-Mohtar and Max Gladstone.

Isaac seems to be favouring the romance genre this season, and this sci-fi epistolary novel fits right in. It tells the story of two revival agents who develop a connection through covert letters hidden in peculiar places across various timelines.

What begins as a competition evolves into a love story between the gender non-conforming duo. Given the character's own evolving understanding of romance, it's no shocker this book made the cut.

Episode 3 - The Loneliest Girl in the Universe by Lauren James

This might have been tricky to spot in the third episode, but Isaac takes this sci-fi thriller to the zoo. Set in 2048, it follows Romy, the sole surviving crew member on a spaceship.

She is, quite literally, the loneliest girl in the universe until she learns about a ship that has departed from Earth carrying just one passenger. The narrative delves into themes such as isolation and friendship, which Isaac grapples with during this episode.

Episode 4 - Starfish by Akemi by Dawn Bowman

Identity is a key theme in this narrative. Kiko, a half-Japanese teenager grappling with anxiety and a strained relationship with her mother, rekindles a friendship from her past and embarks on a journey of self-discovery.

The protagonist must confront the reality of not fitting in, a struggle that Isaac faces throughout the third season.

Episode 4 - The Song of Achilles by Madeline Miller

Another TikTok favourite, The Song of Achilles retells the tale of the Trojan War from Patroclus' viewpoint. This mythical story portrays Achilles and Patroclus in a forbidden love affair.

Charlie suggests this novel to Isaac early in the season, and they both concur that it's a heart-wrenching read.

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Episode 4 - Emma by Jane Austen

If reading Jane Austen at a Halloween bash isn't a sign of a book lover, we're not sure what is. Austen's classic centres around the clever Emma Woodhouse, who takes pleasure in matchmaking but often wreaks havoc with her attempts to play cupid.

At its heart, the story explores friendship, love, and sharp social commentary - much like Heartstopper.

Episode 5 - Christmas Days: 12 Stories and 12 Feasts for 12 Days by Jeanette Winterson

Isaac is spotted relishing this festive book on Christmas day. This cheerful collection of tales may not seem relevant to the Heartstopper universe, but its author certainly is.

Jeanette Winterson, famed for her LGBTQ+ classic Oranges Are Not The Only Fruit, a semi-autobiographical account of her lesbian awakening, is a celebrated figure in LGBTQ+ literature.

Episode 5 - Piranesi by Susanna Clarke

As the New Year's Eve celebrations kick off, Isaac is spotted engrossed in this fantasy novel about a man trapped in an infinite house filled with endless rooms and corridors.

At its heart, it's a mind-bending tale underpinned by a quest for meaning. It's a substantial read, but Isaac seems to relish it, appearing with a new paperback in the following episode.

Episode 6 - Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo

In episode 6, it becomes clear that Isaac has a penchant for historical fiction. Last Night at the Telegraph Club by Malinda Lo is set in 1950s San Francisco and follows Lily Hu, a second-generation Chinese immigrant, as she explores her sexuality.

Episode 7 - The Ethical Slut by Janet W. Hardy and Dossie Easton

Demonstrating Isaac's diverse reading tastes, this non-fiction book provides practical guidance and mental exercises for those interested in polyamory and other forms of non-monogamous relationships.

Episode 8 - Hopeless Aromantic: An Affirmative Guide to Aromanticism by Samantha Rendle

This educational tome focuses on understanding the aromantic spectrum, addressing misconceptions about aromanticism and exploring the societal challenges faced by aro-spec individuals.

Episode 8 - I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson

In the season finale, Episode 8 I'll Give You the Sun by Jandy Nelson, Isaac brings this YA novel to the fete. The plot is straightforward: twins Noah and Jude were once inseparable but they mysteriously drift apart.

Each twin narrates the story from their perspective, delving into themes of mental illness, sexuality and trauma.

Heartstopper season three is available to stream now on Netflix.