10. Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

ISBN: 978-0-670-01110-0

Viking, New York, 2009

278 p.

Plot Summary

Wintergirls is a story about Lia, an eighteen-year-old girl who has been struggling with anorexia since the eighth grade.  In and out of treatment facilities several times, Lia has moved out of her mother’s house and now lives with her father, her stepmother, and younger stepsister.  The novel begins with Lia discovering that her ex-best friend, Cassie, has died.  Although she knows very little about the conditions of her death (except that she died alone, in a motel room), Lia is haunted by the fact that Cassie called her thirty-three times the night of her death.  Because of numerous fights and an eventual falling out, Lia ignored each of the calls, but listening to the voicemails reveals the helplessness and anger Cassie was experiencing right before she died.  Still every bit consumed by her eating disorder, Lia uses several tricks to make her family believe that she is on the road to recovery.  Taunted by Cassie’s ghost, Lia is reminded about the competition they started when they were younger and developing their eating disorders together—the skinniest girl would win.  Spurred by Lia’s younger sister walking in on her cutting herself down the middle of her torso, she is taken back to the same treatment center.  However, it becomes obvious that no one can help Lia but herself, and as her weight drops lower and lower, will she help herself before it is too late?

Critical Evaluation

With this as my second introduction to Laurie Halse Anderson’s work, I am struck by her ability to bring the reader into the mind of the character.  Told from Lia’s point-of-view, Wintergirls forces the reader to understand the thought process of an anorexic who also self-mutilates.  The author’s use of striking-through phrases is unique and works to give some perspective as to how the disease is controlling Lia’s thoughts.  It is almost as if the healthy thoughts are still there, but the anorexia crosses them out in favor of pro-anorexia thoughts.  Although some may find it repetitive, this style added to the mood of the novel, providing a glimmer of hope when Lia would think that she should eat only to be squashed as her disease promoted finding strength through abstaining.  This internal battle is present throughout the novel and I could feel Lia’s frustration and anger along with her.  As someone who has never struggled with an eating disorder, I was surprised by how quickly I was pulled into Lia’s world and connected with her.  While there will inevitably be readers who will find triggers in the novel, the convincing story that the author tells will particularly connect with people who are looking for characters that speak to their own struggles.  Perhaps most importantly, the novel highlights the idea that no one can save you from yourself.  Even though Lia’s family tries to get through to her and fight through her disease, the only way that she will be able to recover is if she truly wants it.  The strength of the eating disorder’s control on her mind will resist any outside influence until Lia can chip away at that control.

Reader's Annotation

Lia and Cassie are wintergirls—caught in between this world and the next.  When Cassie dies, Lia is haunted by the knowledge that Cassie reached out to her for help on the night of her death, while also struggling with an eating disorder that aims to reunite them.

Information About the Author

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.

Laurie has loved writing since second grade. She began as a freelance reporter for newspapers and magazines, but she had a lot to learn about writing. She earned hundreds of discouraging rejections letters when she started submitting her books to publishers. She joined the Society of Children’s Book Writers & Illustrators and found a supportive critique group. (Retrieved from author's website: http://madwomanintheforest.com/laurie) 

Genre

Young Adult – Realistic/Issues/Eating Disorder/Self-mutilation

Curriculum Ties

This novel could be used in a health class to give a glimpse into the psychology around eating disorders.

Booktalking Ideas

1. Focus on the control that the eating disorder has over Lia.

2. Discuss the relationships that Lia has with her family members.

3. Think of the dangers that pro-anorexia sites pose to relapsing anorexics.

Reading Level/Interest Age

14+

Challenge Issues

There are graphic instances of anorexia and self-mutilation in this novel.

When confronted with complaints about this novel, librarians should become familiar with the material and its content.  Turn to reviews from publications such as Publisher’s Weekly, School Library Journal, and Booklist, as well as reviews from teens that have read it.  Also, it is beneficial for librarians to present reasons backed by the ALA in support of intellectual freedom.  As stated in the Library Bill of Rights:

I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.

II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.

III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.

Why Include Book in Selection? 

After reading Speak, I wanted to read another of Laurie Halse Anderson’s novels and the praise for Wintergirls that I’ve read brought it to my attention.