Viking, 2009
Wintergirls is a harrowing novel that follows eighteen-year-old Lia Overbrook as she comes to terms with her best friend’s death from anorexia as she struggles with the same disorder. This gripping novel about the eating disorders that make them compete to be the skinniest is a painful, powerful story that is ultimately about recovery.
After the news of her friend’s death, Lia begins to spiral into her eating disorder, doing her best to hide it from her father and stepmother. Throughout this, Lia is haunted by the ghost of Cassie. This book is very intense as it deals with difficult themes to understand and read.
This book was both a harmful and beautiful experience to read. It is definitely triggering, but also offers a sense of grounding in knowing that you’re not the only one out there who has these deathly demons.
It doesn’t embellish upon the thoughts that run through one’s mind, instead reveals the inability to process that the disorder really is as dark and disturbing. Laurie Halse Anderson did a good job capturing the terror and internal battle one has to deal with when faced with a deathly disorder, and I was also engrossed at how it brings the competitiveness of such disorders to light. In addition, the writing and stylistic choices are interesting and add to the theme.
Share this:
You must be logged in to post a comment.