Wintergirls
| Author | Laurie Halse Anderson |
|---|---|
| Country | United States |
| Language | English |
| Genre | Fiction |
| Publisher | Viking |
Publication date | 2009 |
| Media type | Hardback and paperback |
| Pages | 278 pp (first edition, hardback) |
| ISBN | 978-0-670-01110-0 (first edition, hardback) |
| OCLC | 255902817 |
| LC Class | PZ7.85 Wi 2009 |
Wintergirls is a young adult novel by Laurie Halse Anderson. It follows the story of Lia, an eighteen-year-old girl dealing with anorexia nervosa. The novel opens with the news that Lia's best friend of 10 years, Cassie, who was bulimic, has died, and the night she died, she tried to call Lia 33 times. The novel follows the course of Lia's struggles with anorexia, her difficult relationships with her parents and stepmother, and her search to learn about Cassie's fate.[1][2]
The Washington Post called the book "both painful to read and riveting".[2] The New York Times said that "We recognize Lia, but it’s sometimes hard to relate to her."[1]
Plot
The novel begins with Lia's stepmother Jennifer, breaking the news to her that her former best friend Cassie was found dead in a motel room. Jennifer then ask Lia if she is alright and Lia, though clearly not okay, pushes her feelings aside and tells her that she is fine. As Jennifer attempts small talk, Lia ask Jennifer how she heard about Cassie. Jennifer replies that Lia's mother, Dr. Chloe Marrigan, called late that night with the news and that she wanted Lia to see Dr. Parker, her therapist, right away. Despite Jennifer agreeing with her mother, Lia declines the offer, promising to talk to her mother about her decision. As Jennifer calls for Emma, Lia's young stepsister, Jennifer comments that she is glad that Lia stopped hanging out with Cassie when she did. When Lia asks why, Jennifer simply replies that Cassie was a mess and that she could have dragged Lia down with her too. As Jennifer continues with her breakfast, Lia fights with herself internally about the news of Cassie's death. Jennifer then asks Lia to take Emma to soccer practice. Lia agrees as Emma comes bounding downstairs to remind her mother of the cookies. Before she hustles out the door, Jennifer reminds Lia to eat something before she goes to school. While Lia says that she will eat some cereal, Jennifer is concerned that the small serving is not enough but Lia assures her that she just have a stomachache. Jennifer presses on that Lia has to learn to trust, so Lia reluctantly takes out a bowl to assure her stepmother that she is okay. She gives in to Lia's indifference and tells her to keep moving whilst Emma gives Lia a kiss goodbye. Once both Jennifer and Emma leave, Lia recalls a time where she spent her days eating at Cassie's house. Pushing the memory down, Lia pours the cereal and milk into the bowl and leaves it for the cats, chanting to herself that being empty made her strong. She resigns to eat something when she remembers the last time she did not eat before driving, which landed her in
References
- 1 2 "Skin and Bone". The New York Times. May 8, 2009. Retrieved March 10, 2011.
- 1 2 "Reviews of 'A Comrade Lost and Found' and 'Wintergirls'". The Washington Post. February 4, 2013. Retrieved March 10, 2011.