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
Joey
Joey
Ryan Dean's friend and moral compass, who is honest and caring, and helps Ryan Dean understand the consequences of his actions.
Annie
Annie
Ryan Dean's close friend and crush, recognized for her artistic and thoughtful nature, who eventually becomes his girlfriend.
Chas
Chas
Ryan Dean's senior roommate and rugby teammate, who initially appears as a tough jock but reveals more complex personality traits as the story progresses.
Mrs. Singer
Mrs. Singer
Portrayed by Ryan Dean as an old, menacing figure often associated with a sense of unease and suspicion throughout the story.
464
Novel • Fiction
Boarding School • 2010s
2013
YA
14-18 years
890L
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