57 pages • 1 hour read
Winger
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Book Brief
464
Novel • Fiction
Boarding School • 2010s
2013
YA
14-18 years
890L
Super Short Summary
Winger by Andrew Smith follows 14-year-old Ryan Dean West, a junior at a prestigious Oregon boarding school. Struggling with feelings of inferiority due to his age, Ryan Dean navigates complex friendships, rugby, and a crush on his best friend, Annie. His relationship with openly gay classmate Joey deepens until Joey’s tragic death profoundly impacts Ryan Dean, fostering his self-acceptance and resilience. The book contains themes of homophobia and violence.
Humorous
Emotional
Bittersweet
Romantic
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
23,487 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Andrew Smith's Winger is a compelling blend of humor and heartache, centered on the coming-of-age tale of a teenage rugby player at a boarding school. Reviewers praise its authentic voice and emotional depth, though some note a few jarring tonal shifts. While celebrated for its raw portrayal of adolescence, a minority found certain plot elements predictable. Overall, Winger captures the complexities of youth with wit and poignancy.
Who Should Read Winger?
A reader who would enjoy Andrew Smith's Winger is likely a teenager or young adult who appreciates coming-of-age stories blending humor, angst, and emotional depth. Fans of John Green's Looking for Alaska and Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower will find its relatable protagonist and candid exploration of adolescence particularly engaging.
23,487 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
464
Novel • Fiction
Boarding School • 2010s
2013
YA
14-18 years
890L
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