Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/51K75eaDUXL._SX331_BO1,204,203,200_.jpg

Bibliographic Information:
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson
ISBN: 978-0142415573
2009, Viking, New York, NY

Plot Summary:

The story begins with Lia finding out that her former best friend has been found dead.  When Lia is told of Cassie’s death by her stepmom, Jennifer, she isn’t sure how everyone expects her to react but since she wants to be in control, her reaction is definitely not what anyone is expecting.  

Cassie and Lia had been in a harder than normal friendship because they were both battling some internal demons:   Cassie with bulimia and Lia with anorexia and cutting.  Lia definitely keeps people at a distance and when this news of Cassie’s death reaches Lia, she spirals even deeper into herself. 

Lia becomes haunted by the ghost of Cassie.  Lia’s cutting and anorexia are just one way that Lia is trying to show her control.   She had tried to control things the night that Cassie had died by ignoring the 33 calls that Cassie made to Lia.  As Cassie’s ghost continues to travel with Lia through the novel, it becomes more clear that Cassie might actually be controlling the situation as she is taunting Lia with statements about her being fat, ugly, and mean.  Lia gets even thinner as the story continues.  Lia exercise harder and cuts deeper.  

The turning point of the story comes when Lia is at the same motel room where Cassie died.  At her lowest weight yet, Lia nearly overdoses on sleeping pills because she is trying to shut out Cassie’s voice.  Cassie is ready to welcome Lia to death when something kicks in Lia’s chest.  Lia finally takes complete control of her life and decides to live.  She makes changes and works hard to improve her view of herself and her body.  Lia is able to enter rehab and submit to treatment.  Although Lia wants to live, it is clear that it will be a struggle for her and that there are no guarantees.  

Critical Evaluation:

Laura Halse Anderson really hit some hard subject areas with this novel.  This novel took us into the life of an intense anorexic who experiences some supernatural thoughts because of hallucinations.

While the book is written in present tense, there are flashbacks that Lia experiences to show her previous failed attempts at rehab.  The strong character of Lia is well-developed.  Many girls may even recognize themselves in some of the things she does.  

While we never wish anorexia or losing a friend on anyone, this novel takes it to a raw state where many can relate.  The characters are so important because they move the plot forward at the appropriate pace.  

Lia’s stepmom and stepsister (Jennifer and Emma) each act a part very different from what Lia is used to with her own mother.  Lia’s mother is a cardiac surgeon and this is almost a piece of irony.  The way Lia’s mother does not deal emotionally with Lia might make some say that she has no heart.  

When Elijah enters the story, it is his directness that helps Lia to finally see herself as she is.   Every character and every event in the story is important to making Lia come to the realization that she needs to submit to treatment.    In the end it is within her own control (what she has been wanting all along).   I felt a great connection with Lia and Laura Halse Anderson delivered with a fearless and riveting account that includes only enough ending that we are still able to speculate about what will happen to Lia in the future.

Reader’s Annotation:

Cassie and Lia had been inseparable in life, would they also become inseparable in death?

Author Information:

Laurie Halse Anderson is the New York Times-bestselling author who writes for kids of all ages. Known for tackling tough subjects with humor and sensitivity, her work has earned numerous national and state awards, as well as international recognition. Two of her books, Speak and Chains, were National Book Award finalists. Laurie was honored with the 2009 Margaret A. Edwards Award given by YALSA division of the American Library Association for her “significant and lasting contribution to young adult literature…”. Mother of four and wife of one, Laurie lives in Northern New York, where she likes to watch the snow fall as she writes.

retrieved from http://madwomanintheforest.com/laurie/ on 8/4/2015

Genre(s):

Realistic Fiction

Curriculum Ties: Eating Disorders

Booktalk Ideas: 

This book opens up a world of talking about how we view our bodies, our friends and psychological well being. This would connect well to Go Ask Alice and The Unlikely Hero of Room 13b.

 Reading level: Grade 7+

Interest age: 12+

Challenge Issues: Challenge issues may include drug use and eating disorder information. This book conforms to our library's selection policies. Challenge Defense File

Why I chose this book: 

I chose this book because it is a frank treatment of eating disorders and dependence. Laurie Halse Anderson has won multiple awards for her writing from YALSA and the American Library Association. It adds a relatable work of fiction to our young adult collection.