Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson (6-Mar-2014) Paperback

This book shows how eating disorders are so much more than just about wanting to be thin. It shows that eating disorders are a symptom of a much deeper underlying issue. This book is well written and draws in the reader so that you will not want to put the book down.

This book is amazing. I love the ending. This book tells the story of a girl that thinks of herself as a mistake when she's not. Lots of girls think like that. All the wintergirls. But a wintergirl can always get better. They can thaw. They can become a normal girl. But don't forget that this could also be the story of a boy. Boys get like this too. They can be winterboys. But no matter what happens, they will get better. That is what this story is about. This book helped me a lot. It can help you too.

This is my absolute favorite book.
It made me think more about what my eating disorder does to other people and how your brain really changes your thoughts. For those without eating disorders, I would suggest reading this. It really lets you peak into the mind of people with eating disorders. I could not put the book down! I read it all in one night.

As a sufferer of anorexia myself, I have read many eating disorder memoirs.
Only some can I fully relate to, and this is one of them.

It perfectly captures the words and feelings I have but cannot seem to say.

If I were to go about explaining my illness and struggles to someone who has not been on the
Inside of an eating disorder, I would hand them this book.

Worth every star.

this is a very heavy read, very intense and incredibly crafted. I had to keep reading it to see how it ended. even though days later some of the imagery still haunts me. I would recommend to anyone but know it is very deep

This book is so perfectly written. I connected and related with Lia so much. The detail was beyond amazing. I am so in love with this book. It only took me a week to read it, some nights I just wasn't able to set it down. I look forward to reading more of Laurie Halse Anderson's books.

Vivid with feelings of the main character. Death versus life. The sadness of what the mind can do to us if allowed. Battling and emotional story of a young girl haunted by her own mind. Her desire to live over her very strong desire to die. Unrealistic view of self and how starving the brain of food can influence that view.

This book is not only well written, but really lets the reader get into the mind and thoughts of someone with an eating disorder. I've gone through the restricting myself and the thoughts of Lia were so familiar it was startling.

I love the realism of the characters as well. No one is really "good" or "evil". They're just people.

Definitely a gem among the Young Adult genre!

I love, love, LOVED this book! I received it yesterday and finished by today! It is not only beautifully written but a very compelling novel. A quick read, yes, but something I would recommend to girls and women of all ages! Our relationship with food can be scary and, like Lia and Cassie's, dangerous. Great book! 10/10

I lost major points with this purchase because when I received it the top corner of the cover and many of the front pages were already bent over from shipping.

As far as the book goes, it's great. It can be triggering, but includes a very good plot line. As far as the ending, it kind of rushes and some parts of the book or the character's thoughts. Many parts also didn't get explained later on, and this book touches many disorders with just one character. Not only is the character anorexic, but has psychotic issues, bulimia, depression, and minor entirety. While the book is overall good, I also think it can be triggering and confusing.

Be prepared to kill yourself after reading this book. I’m not even joking. If you ever have struggled with self-harm, eating disorders, or suicidal ideation DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. Even if you feel confident and secure in your recovery, you are not ready to read this book. And from the author’s note, it seems like the author pulled inspiration from her readers and didn’t go through it herself. She had beautiful writing and poignant imagery, but she’s capitalizing on/romanticizing on others’ pain. I felt like I was drowning the entire time I read it, like I couldn’t find a way out of my head.

Be prepared to kill yourself after reading this book. I’m not even joking. If you ever have struggled with self-harm, eating disorders, or suicidal ideation DO NOT READ THIS BOOK. Even if you feel confident and secure in your recovery, you are not ready to read this book. And from the author’s note, it seems like the author pulled inspiration from her readers and didn’t go through it herself. She had beautiful writing and poignant imagery, but she’s capitalizing on/romanticizing on others’ pain. I felt like I was drowning the entire time I read it, like I couldn’t find a way out of my head.

Laurie Halse Anderson does a fine job with giving us an inside look into an ED. Lia and her stream of thoughts like "don't eat'."- multiple times and how she'd consciously count calories of every bit of food she put in her mouth, and how her brain had programmed itself to insistently self loathe.

As a survivor of severe abuse, anorexia has always been my friend. Always there to give me some sense of control over my life. I struggle to this day, I am fifty. This story is right on the mark. We are people who are lost and trying to figure out where we belong in this world. Wintergirls reminded me that I'm not alone.

This is one of those Brooks that after you finish, you just sort of stop. And think. And wonder. It's shocking at times but it's also incredibly real. This book makes you think twice. I'm attempting to find a book that matches this stunning level. I definitely recommend this book.

The author brings the reader into the thought processes of someone with an eating disorder. The novel is well written and the characters come alive. The book engages the reader from the first page to the last. I highly recommend this book.

Well written, yes. However, THIS IS NOT A RECOVERY READ. If you are struggling with an eating disorder or purchasing this for someone who is, it is the wrong book. Reason being, it could be used as more of a "how to" be a better anorexic than how to get better and live a fulfilling almost normal life. This novel is a fictional depiction of two friends in huge trouble with themselves. While it is very mind-grabbing, most of the narrative is about Lia's journey to eliminate her own life. The recovery, "I want to live!", part of the story doesn't kick in until the last few pages. It is unrealistic and without closure.