Wintergirls

Wintergirls is by Laurie Halse Anderson. Halse Anderson is known for writing edgy books which deal with difficult issues for teens. This book is no different. The main character, Lia, suffers from anorexia, while her best friend Cassie deals with bulimia. The book follows the two girls during the beginning stages of the diseases through their competition to lose weight.

I didn't like the end very much. I thought it was too contrived and implausible. However, there was a lot of thought put into showing how someone could become caught up in the disease and feel that she owns it and has this one place of control in her life, as opposed to being controlled by it.

I find myself conflicted over whether to recommend this book or not. On one hand, I think it is something that a lot of teenagers can probably relate to. There are struggles with parents and friends and counselors, and a lot of anger and deception. On the other hand, some of the events in this are really graphic, and for someone who didn't have a very good self image to start with, it would not be a good choice of reading. The book does show a lot of the tricks that Lia uses in order to hide her anorexia, and it would be terrible for someone to try to use this as a guide.

I would suggest this book to upper high school students who have a healthy body image.