Wintergirls

by:Laurie Halse Anderson
Penguin Group

Lia's ex-best friend Cassie is dead. This is something of a shock for Lia, they were the same, wintergirls. Lia has to face the haunting of Cassie's last calls and the strange guilt that she doesn't know what to do with. Having rolls and rolls of fat that want to glue themselves to Lia's body doesn't help either,so she doesn't eat. Not eating isn't new to Lia though, if she can fight through the hunger pains then she can fight through the pain of loss. Anderson gives the world a glimpse into the terrifying and degrading world of eating disorders with Wintergirls . There are things that most people who are not involved directly with an eating disorder will never understand about the disease. Reading this book everyone can see the effects that this crippling illness can have on all the people surrounding it.
Personal Review
Wintergirls really opens your eyes, if you have never dealt with anything like this. I haven't even really know anyone with an eating disorder so this was very disturbing to read and learn about. I never realized how those effected really feel. I always thought it was a vain notion, but while reading i realized that this is so much more than just wanting to be the prettiest. Many times this can be a call for attention. I think that all young readers should be aware that this is a real problem and can affect your entire life.