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Kristi's Reviews > Wintergirls
Wintergirls
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I love Laurie Halse Anderson. Speak is one of my all time favorite novels, so to say I was excited to read Wintergirls was an understatement. I was excited until I realized what Wintergirls was really about: anorexia. Was that something that I wanted to read about. It sounded truly depressing and slightly disturbing. But as hard as it was to read this novel, I felt like it was even harder to put down. Anderson continues to impress my with her beautifully written novels.
I’ve seen Anderson’s writing described as lyrical and I have to say that I fully agree. And Wintergirls in no exception. Anderson’s writing is almost hypnotizing, she has a way of explaining a situation thoroughly using as few words as possible. Genius.
And it’s so much more than writing, it’s the characterization. Lia’s character is so rawly displayed it’s heartbreaking. I never fully understand the metal effects that an eating disorder can have, I marveled at a part of the text where Lia watches her dad eat.... and how she wishes she could eat like that. Aimlessly, automatic, effortless. For some reason that part really stuck out for me, and it was so simple.
I’m sure this novel will make an impact and be discussed, maybe even more so than Speak. I can’t wait to see what LAH has in store next.
I’ve seen Anderson’s writing described as lyrical and I have to say that I fully agree. And Wintergirls in no exception. Anderson’s writing is almost hypnotizing, she has a way of explaining a situation thoroughly using as few words as possible. Genius.
And it’s so much more than writing, it’s the characterization. Lia’s character is so rawly displayed it’s heartbreaking. I never fully understand the metal effects that an eating disorder can have, I marveled at a part of the text where Lia watches her dad eat.... and how she wishes she could eat like that. Aimlessly, automatic, effortless. For some reason that part really stuck out for me, and it was so simple.
I’m sure this novel will make an impact and be discussed, maybe even more so than Speak. I can’t wait to see what LAH has in store next.
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Reading Progress
November 6, 2008
– Shelved
Started Reading
March 1, 2009
–
Finished Reading
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Sasha
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rated it 5 stars
Nov 20, 2008 09:09AM
This book is SO GOOD.
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i know! i'm excited to read it. I love LHA
It's interesting that you considered the subject of anorexia to be "truly depressing and slightly disturbing," and you weren't sure if you wanted to read it, but the book about rape is "one of your all time favorite novels."
Speak is one of my favorite novels not because of the subject matter but because of how the author tackled the subject and how it has made a difference in the lives of readers because of it. I'm sad that is all you took away from this review.
That's the trouble with text; you can't hear my tone. My words weren't an attack, just an observation of something I found interesting. That wasn't all I took away from your review, just all I chose to comment on. Anderson is an impressive writer, and I admire her ability to take such challenging subjects & bring them to the forefront of adolescent discussions. I mention the distinction because it seems more people in our society are able to speak about rape than troublesome subjects like cutting or anorexia. I, myself, am more able to read about rape than, for instance, cutting. And then there are degrees within that subset: a brutal rape is harder to read about than one that is glossed over or merely aluded to. I recently started reading 'Scars' by Cheryl Rainfield, and had to stop because it was just too much. I started to feel that way with 'Wintergirls,' but-at the same time-I couldn't put it down. As I said, it wasn't an attack, just a curious observation.
I apologize for misinterpreting your comment. It is hard to convey tone, I'm much to familiar with that. And unfortunately with my experience on Goodreads it's usually an attack. I don't think there is a book that covers a serious issue that is necessarily easier for me to read than others. I just find that I appreciate those books that evoke strong emotions for me and how they expand my knowledge and compassion for those who have personally experienced those things. If that even makes sense.
Laurie Halse Anderson is a not just an author that I have the upmost respect for, but also a person that I truly respect. Not only for her books but for what she does beyond them.
Thank you for sharing your comment. I appreciate your insight.
Thank you! That is exactly how I feel about this book! It is my all time favourite!
I'm looking forward to reading Speak as well!
