Laurie Halse Anderson's Wintergirls receives praise for its powerful exploration of eating disorders and mental health, portraying Lia’s struggles with haunting realism. Critics commend its lyrical prose and emotional depth. However, some readers find the narrative’s intense themes challenging and the protagonist’s voice occasionally repetitive. Overall, it's a compelling, albeit intense, read.

Readers who would enjoy Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson are typically teens and young adults drawn to deeply emotional and psychological narratives. Fans of Speak, also by Anderson, or Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher will appreciate the raw, honest exploration of mental health, eating disorders, and the road to recovery.

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson follows Lia Overbrook, a high school senior grappling with anorexia, depression, and grief over her friend Cassie's death. As Lia's mental health deteriorates, she hallucinates Cassie's ghost and struggles with guilt for missing Cassie's final calls. After a near-fatal episode, Lia ultimately seeks help and begins to find the will to live and recover. This book contains topics related to eating disorders, self-harm, and suicide.

Dark / Unnerving / Melancholic / Challenging / Emotional

- Laurie Halse Anderson was inspired to write Wintergirls due to her personal experiences with friends and family members who have struggled with eating disorders.
- The book was recognized by the American Library Association as one of the Best Books for Young Adults in 2010.
- Wintergirls has been praised for its poetic and haunting prose that captures the inner turmoil of its characters.

**Lia Overbrook**  
An 18-year-old high school senior dealing with anorexia, Lia is a voracious reader who receives average grades and struggles with various personal challenges including her complex family dynamics.

**Cassie Parrish**  
Lia's former best friend, Cassie, battled bulimia and was a prominent member of the school soccer team and drama club, influencing Lia with her daring and imaginative personality.

**David Overbrook**  
Lia's father, a history professor renowned for his expertise on the American Revolution, who struggles to connect with Lia and understand her needs.

**Dr. Chloe Marrigan**  
Lia's mother, a cardiologist with a demanding job, who has a strained relationship with Lia due to her high expectations and controlling approach to Lia's recovery.

**Jennifer**  
Lia's stepmother, who tries to support Lia's recovery while balancing her responsibilities to her biological daughter, Emma.

**Emma**  
Jennifer's young daughter and Lia's stepsister, who shares peaceful and affectionate interactions with Lia amidst family tensions.

**Elijah**  
A young man Lia meets at the motel where Cassie died, who offers Lia a perspective on Cassie's death that she does not find elsewhere in her life.

**Dr. Parker**  
Lia's therapist, who has been working with her since her release from New Seasons, encouraging Lia to confront her mental health struggles.

Laurie Halse Anderson

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Fiction

Guide

Study Guide

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Overview

Get ready to explore Wintergirls and its meaning. Our full analysis and study guide provides an even deeper dive with character analysis and quotes explained to help you discover the complexity and beauty of this book.

Wintergirls Summary and Study Guide

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Chapter Summaries & Analyses

Chapters 1-7

Wintergirls Chapters 1-7 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 8-14

Wintergirls Chapters 8-14 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 15-21

Wintergirls Chapters 15-21 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 22-28

Wintergirls Chapters 22-28 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 29-35

Wintergirls Chapters 29-35 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 36-42

Wintergirls Chapters 36-42 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 43-49

Wintergirls Chapters 43-49 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 50-57

Wintergirls Chapters 50-57 Summary & Analysis

Chapters 58-65

Wintergirls Chapters 58-65 Summary & Analysis

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Character Analysis

Wintergirls Character Analysis

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Themes

Wintergirls Themes

Symbols & Motifs

Wintergirls Symbols & Motifs

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Important Quotes

Wintergirls Important Quotes

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Essay Topics

Wintergirls Essay Topics

Wintergirls

Before You Read

Reviews & Readership

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Who Should Read Wintergirls?

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