Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Lia and Cassie are best friends, wintergirls frozen in matchstick bodies, competitors in a deadly contest to see who can be the skinniest. But what comes after size zero and size double-zero? When Cassie succumbs to the demons within, Lia feels she is being haunted by her friend's restless spirit. In her most emotionally wrenching, lyrically written book since the multiple-award-winning Speak, Laurie Halse Anderson explores Lia's descent into the powerful vortex of anorexia, and her painful path toward recovery.

Wow. I knew this novel was going to be good because of all the good reviews. I did not realize just how good it really was going to be. Laurie dives into the world of eating disorders and captures it's essence. The writing is lyrical (in Anderson's sigurature style) and I was pulled in after only a few sentences.

Lia was such a raw character. I found myself shocked at with the way she perceived eating and how she counted the carbs in every bite she took. I asked myself, "Is eating disorders really like this? How could people put themselves through this day after day?" There were parts where I wanted so badly for Lia to just eat. I feared for her as I watched her health deplete over the whole novel. Her relationship with Emma touched me. It reminded me of my relationship with my little sister. She really loved that little girl. Cassie was a little disturbing. Her attitude towards Lia's condition was horrible and at one point she told Lia to "look both ways before crossing (over)".

Laurie has went above and beyond in this novel. I wouldn't be surprised to hear that Wintergirls saved the lives of people with eating disorders. It's a real eye opener and it will keep you holding your breath from the first sentence to the last. I highly recommend this novel.