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Wintergirls

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009

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Book Brief

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Laurie Halse Anderson

Wintergirls

Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2009
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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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.

Dark

Unnerving

Melancholic

Challenging

Emotional

Reviews & Readership

4.2

125,327 ratings

71%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

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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.

4.2

125,327 ratings

71%

Loved it

20%

Mixed feelings

9%

Not a fan

Character List

Lia Overbrook

An 18-year-old high school senior dealing with anorexia, Lia is a voracious reader who receives average grades and struggles with various personal challenges including her complex family dynamics.

Lia's former best friend, Cassie, battled bulimia and was a prominent member of the school soccer team and drama club, influencing Lia with her daring and imaginative personality.

Lia's father, a history professor renowned for his expertise on the American Revolution, who struggles to connect with Lia and understand her needs.

Lia's mother, a cardiologist with a demanding job, who has a strained relationship with Lia due to her high expectations and controlling approach to Lia's recovery.

Lia's stepmother, who tries to support Lia's recovery while balancing her responsibilities to her biological daughter, Emma.

Jennifer's young daughter and Lia's stepsister, who shares peaceful and affectionate interactions with Lia amidst family tensions.

A young man Lia meets at the motel where Cassie died, who offers Lia a perspective on Cassie's death that she does not find elsewhere in her life.

Lia's therapist, who has been working with her since her release from New Seasons, encouraging Lia to confront her mental health struggles.

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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