The Story Siren: Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Monday, March 16, 2009 at 6:00 AM

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Release Date: March 19, 2009
Publisher: Viking
Age Group: Young Adult
Pages: 288

"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.

I love Laurie Halse Anderson. Speak is one of my all time favorite novels, so to say I was excited to read Wintergirls was an understatement. I was excited until I realized what Wintergirls was really about: anorexia. Was that something that I wanted to read about. It sounded truly depressing and slightly disturbing. But as hard as it was to read this novel emotionally, I felt like it was even harder to put down physically. Anderson continues to impress my with her beautifully written novels.

I’ve seen Anderson’s writing described as lyrical and I have to say that I fully agree. And Wintergirls in no exception. Anderson’s writing is almost hypnotizing, she has a way of explaining a situation thoroughly using as few words as possible. Genius.

And it’s so much more than writing, it’s the characterization. Lia’s character is so rawly displayed it’s heartbreaking. I never fully understand the metal effects that an eating disorder can have, I marveled at a part of the text where Lia watches her dad eat.... and how she wishes she could eat like that. Aimlessly, automatic, effortless. For some reason that part really stuck out for me, and it was so simple.

I’m sure this novel will make an impact and be discussed, maybe even more so than Speak. I can’t wait to see what LAH has in store next.

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19 comments:

H said...: The only good novel I've ever read tackling anorexia was called Second Star to the Right, it'll be interesting to see how Anderson tackled it here.; March 16, 2009 7:37 AM
Steph Su said...: Can't wait to read this one. If anyone can tackle an emotionally volatile subject it's Laurie. :); March 16, 2009 8:33 AM
SANDY said...: Cheryl Rainfield has a really interesting You Tube embed on her site - Laurie talking about why she wrote Wintergirls. Definitely worth a view.
http://cherylrainfield.com/blog/index.php/2009/03/13/why-laurie-halse-anderson-wrote-wintergirls/; March 16, 2009 9:13 AM
Bingo said...: I had seen this book but didn't know what it was until I read your excellent post. Good for you! I shall try and snag a copy somewhere as I teach middle school and KNOW I have girls with this illness.; March 16, 2009 10:07 AM
Lisa Schroeder said...: Wasn't it just amazing? I was nervous about reading it, but she handled it so well. I really think this book is going to help a lot of teens. I hope it does.; March 16, 2009 10:52 AM
Brooke Reviews said...: The whole time reading this book I just felt sick for the character and her family. Very sad and kind of disturbing.; March 16, 2009 11:17 AM
jo-scrawls said...: Great review! I'm still yet to read any of Anderson's books, but I'd like to. Speak is one I seriously need to get my hands on, but the Wintergirls... I'm not sure if I'd like it. But your review makes it sound promising. Thanks!; March 16, 2009 11:51 AM
Marie said...: Wintergirls was sooo good. The whole ghost/haunting element was a bit much for me at times but over-all it was seriously awesome.; March 16, 2009 12:22 PM
stargirlreads said...: I loved this book :); March 16, 2009 12:24 PM
Insert Book Title Here said...: I loved Speak and I can not wait to read this novel. Excellent review!; March 16, 2009 12:37 PM
prophecygirl said...: I look forward to reading this one, it sounds very well written. Great review!; March 16, 2009 2:30 PM
Megan said...: I'm not sure if I'll be able to handle how sad this book sounds, but it seems really good.; March 16, 2009 4:10 PM
Vanessa (whatvanessareads.wordpress.com) said...: I am actually drawn to learning about eating disorders, and have done multiple projects on them for school.
I really want to read this.; March 16, 2009 5:43 PM
Tempestt said...: Can't wait to read this! Great review!; March 16, 2009 7:28 PM
EmiLIEStorie said...: And to think I almost grabbed this off of the shelf at my local Books-a-Million. I love that you were honest in your review about being a bit hesitant to read it but that you still couldn't put it down. I think that's what makes me want to put this book on my next book-shopping-list ^_^.; March 16, 2009 10:20 PM
Sadako said...: I think it'll be hard to read, but considering that Laurie Halse Anderson handled the topic of rape/depression sensitively but at the same time without sugar coating it, I have high hopes for this one.; March 17, 2009 1:26 AM
susan said...: How do you like your recent comment widget? I like it! Draws your attention to the topic of interest.; March 17, 2009 5:52 AM
susan said...: There are sites written by girls telling each other how to starve properly and there have been countless programs (I've watched a good number of them) on this topic. I think it needs to be talked about more, and am surprised that despite the coverage it's gotten in the media it seems a lot of teens are not talking about it on their blogs or pages.

Among African American girls anorexia is on the rise but overeating is a bigger issue. Bulimia is more prevalent. I see more girls here dangerously overweight, unfit and developing health problems associated with obesity. Among all teens the rising problem is obesity.

What will it take for young women to love their bodies?; March 17, 2009 5:59 AM
Anonymous said...: I was extremely disappointed in Wintergirls. I guess I was expecting something as epic as Laurie Halse Anderson's book 'Speak' but it was more along the lines of her novel 'Prom'. It is very intense in parts but very unrealistic.; August 22, 2010 9:32 PM