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61 pages 2 hours read

Laurie Halse Anderson

Wintergirls

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

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Before You Read

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Super Short Summary

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson follows Lia Overbrook, a high school senior grappling with anorexia, depression, and grief over her friend Cassie's death. As Lia's mental health deteriorates, she hallucinates Cassie's ghost and struggles with guilt for missing Cassie's final calls. After a near-fatal episode, Lia ultimately seeks help and begins to find the will to live and recover. This book contains topics related to eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide.

Reviews & Readership

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Review Roundup

Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls receives praise for its powerful exploration of eating disorders and mental health, portraying Lia’s struggles with haunting realism. Critics commend its lyrical prose and emotional depth. However, some readers find the narrative’s intense themes challenging and the protagonist’s voice occasionally repetitive. Overall, it's a compelling, albeit intense, read.

Who should read this

Who Should Read Wintergirls?

Readers who would enjoy Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson are typically teens and young adults drawn to deeply emotional and psychological narratives. Fans of Speak, also by Anderson, or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher will appreciate the raw, honest exploration of mental health, eating disorders, and the road to recovery.

Book Details
Pages

304

Format

Novel • Fiction

Setting

Contemporary

Publication Year

2009

Audience

YA

Recommended Reading Age

14-18 years

Lexile Level

730L

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