Summary and book reviews of Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
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Wintergirls
by Laurie Halse Anderson
Critics' Opinion:
Readers' Opinion:
Mar 2009, 288 pages
Physical & Mental Differences
2009 BookBrowse Best Books
Book Reviewed by:
Vy Armour Buy This Book
In her most emotionally wrenching, lyrically written book since the multiple-award-winning Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson explores a girl's descent into the powerful vortex of anorexia, and her painful path toward recovery.
"Dead girl walking," the boys say in the halls.
"Tell us your secret," the girls whisper, one toilet to another.
I am that girl.
I am the space between my thighs, daylight shining through.
I am the bones they want, wired on a porcelain frame.
Lia and Cassie are best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies, competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the skinniest. But what comes after size zero and size double-zero? When Cassie succumbs to the demons within, Lia feels she is being haunted by her friend's restless spirit.
In her most emotionally wrenching, lyrically written book since the multiple-award-winning Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson explores Lia's descent into the powerful vortex of anorexia, and her painful path toward recovery.
So she tells me, the words dribbling out with the cranberry muffin crumbs, commas dunked in her coffee.
She tells me in four sentences. No, five.
I can't let me hear this, but it's too late. The facts sneak in and stab me. When she gets to the worst part
…body found in a motel room, alone…
…my walls go up and my doors lock. I nod like I'm listening, like we're communicating, and she never knows the difference.
It's not nice when girls die.
"We didn't want you hearing it at school or on the news." Jennifer crams the last hunk of muffin into her mouth. "Are you sure you're okay?"
I open the dishwasher and lean into the cloud of steam that floats out of it. I wish I could crawl in and curl up between a bowl and a plate. My stepmother Jennifer could lock the door, twist the dial to scald, and press on.
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Please be aware that this discussion guide may contain spoilers!
Read the two epigraphs printed at the front of the book. How do you think each relates to Lia and her situation?
What do the crossed-out words and phrases reveal about Lia? Why can't she allow herself to say or think some things? What is she afraid will happen if she does?
Define "wintergirl." In what ways are Lia and Cassie frozen? Discuss the symbolism of winter and cold found throughout the story and the role it plays in building the main themes of the novel.
Does Lia want to lose weight so she will look thin and pretty? What does her thinness mean to her? How does she think it gives her power?
Does Cassie's death trigger Lia's restrictive eating patterns ...
BookBrowse Review
The "place" author Laurie Halse Anderson takes us is not an exotic setting in a distant world, but instead deep into the mind of young Lia, who suffers from an eating disorder. Lia's first-person narration is so authentic it is hard to believe it's fiction and not an actual memoir... Lia and Cassie's story opens the door to discussions of issues all teens struggle with: finding their identity, belonging and making wise choices...continued
Full Review (854 words).
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(Reviewed by Vy Armour).
a fearless, riveting account of a young woman in the grip of a deadly illness.
Sun Sentinel - Margaret Cardillo
[A] beautiful, heart-wrenching and important novel.
As difficult as reading this novel can be, it is more difficult to put down. Ages 12-up.
Starred Review. Readers will be absorbed by this gripping tale
Starred Review. Anderson illuminates a dark but utterly realistic world...this is necessary reading.
Starred Review. Due to the author's and the subject's popularity, this should be a much-discussed book, which rises far above the standard problem novel.
Starred Review. The intensity of emotion and vivid language here are more reminiscent of Anderson's Speak than any of her other works ... an almost poetic stream of consciousness in [a] startlingly crisp and pitch-perfect first-person narrative.
I love it! I would suggest it. Although I've been through some of the stuff in this book, so to me it makes sense. Some people may be confused.
AMAZING!!!!!!!
One of the best books I've ever read! Really connects with the reader.
I fell in love with this book from the beginning. Its relatable, plus if you love edgy stories with a bit of mystery, its the book for you that you will want to read over and over.
SeanLeah
5 doesn't describe how great this book is!
My cousin recommended this book to me because she thought of me when she read it because I actually relate to the main character in this story, perhaps that's why I liked it so much but I would for sure recommend it to anyone! Super easy to read!... Read More
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Lia's anorexia and Cassie's bulimia represent two of the three most common eating disorders identified by the National Mental Health Information Center. Ninety percent of those who have eating disorders are women between the ages of 12 and 25, but they can also manifest in teenage boys, and adult men and women of all ages. It's estimated that as many as 10% of young women in some populations suffer from an eating disorder, and far more exhibit what are called disordered eating behaviors, though they may not warrant clinical diagnosis.
Anorexia nervosa is a complex psychiatric disorder, characterized by an intense fear of gaining weight, a distorted body image, and rigorous rules and systems for denying hunger. A clinical diagnosis ...
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