Tuesday, February 23, 2010

Girls On Ice


Source: Author Website
Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson (Viking Books for Young Readers, 2009, 288pp.)

After her best friend’s bulimia leads to a lonesome death in a sketchy motel room, Lia, who is anorexic, finds herself stuck in a state of emotional limbo. Her struggles with self-image, hunger, and guilt over her friend’s death provide for a fascinating (if sometimes graphic) read. Halse’s use of first person narration is highly effective, and her honest, empathetic treatment of Lia’s plight manages to serve as a warning against eating disorders without being heavy-handed. This visceral yet poignant tale should be required reading for all high school girls. Recommended for Ages 16-Up.