06/26/09
Wintergirls
source:http://eplteen.files.wordpress.com/2009/05/wintergirls5b15d.jpg
I just finished Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson and all I have to say is that book really impacted me deeply. There were points in that book that I had to put it down because I could not read anymore, I was so disturbed by what Lia and Cassie were doing to themselves.
Now I am not blind to the fact that this happens to a lot of girls all the time but to actually get such a raw account of what happens and what these girls go through it really made me so sad to know what is truly happening.
This book brought back a memory from my eight grade year that I haven't thought about in ages. I remember being in my science class with my friend who sat behind me. We were typical kids laughing and talking during class, singing smashing pumpkin songs and just having as much fun as you can in a science class. One day I remember turning around and I see my friend slashing her wrist with a bobby pin, and what I saw was a bunch of scratches up and down her arms. I was shocked! I didn't know what she was doing and I was confused. I asked her why she was doing that and she responded by saying that it felt good. She told me to try it and I did and all I felt was pain! I gave her the bobby pin back, told her she was weird, she told me I was weird, we giggled and moved on.
Thinking back on that I realize that I missed such a huge call for help! But I didn't know what that was I had no idea what cutting was! I always feel like some girls fall to these behaviors to cope with bigger issues and I am terrified because I have younger cousins and friends and I only hope that they know that there are people out there who can help. I hope that if anyone is going through this knows that there is help out there and people will listen. YOU ARE NOT ALONE!
Wintergirls really made me think and I enjoy books like that. I sometimes forget about other peoples problems because I am so consumed with my own but sometimes you have to reach out to someone who is in a deeper hole than you are. Just look around someone is always calling for help. Don't miss the signs. Thank you Laurie Halse Anderson for such a great book that really brings to focus what girls go through now a days.
-Caster Girl 25
caster girl 16 said:
I read parts of this and felt the same way you do about it! It shows you how people other than yourself react to changes in their lives and brings an important issue to the surface.
xxxxx said:
That is a terribly creepy story, 25. If I think back, I know I had similar ones. Laurie Halse Anderson is brilliant and painful to read. I agree that this is an important, disturbing book.
Shelly Burns said:
I really enjoyed this book as well. I feel it is one that teen girls need to read. The calls for help are there, we just need to recognize them. I think Laurie brings that to light with this book. Great review, CG25!!