Book Title: Wintergirls

Author: Laurie Halse Anderson

Genre: Young Adult

Summary: Lia and Cassie are best friends, and each other’s support to maintain their matchstick figure. But when Cassie dies, Lia does the only thing that makes her feel in control- lose more weight, as much as possible, as fast as possible. None of her family members are aware of her “goal”, and there’s only Cassie, haunting Lia through her deteriorating state, and beckoning her to the other side.

Review:

I wanted Speak to be the first book I’d read by Anderson, but I know that most of her books are generally admired. And as it turns out, this is the first I’ve ever read by her. This book is..amazing. Anderson literally takes you into the mind of a girl with an eating disorder, and it’s just.. disturbing and fascinating. The writing is emotional, and describes the state Lia is in. I can’t describe how horrified and awed I was while reading this. Anderson has put me in the shoes of someone I’d never thought I’d understand. She made me sympathize with Lia and her bad decisions, with her family who are not without flaws, but are so realistic and lovable in their own way. And I think that makes Anderson an amazing writer.

She uses a lot of imagery as well, which makes it more gripping and surreal. The back story build up was also very well done. The message itself is powerful. Anderson took an issue most girls go through, and weaved an intense and cautious story out of it. The minor characters were also great and realistic.

Loved it, and I can’t wait to read more from this author.