Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson

Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson is the story of eighteen-year-old Lia Overbrook. Lia is anorexic hates her body, family, and life. If anything can get worse Lia’s best friend Cassie passes away in a motel room after a long session of bingeing and purging. Lia blames herself for Cassie’s death since she never answered her phone after thirty-three missed calls from Cassie. Although Lia feels as though she is between life and death she starts to change throughout the novel mainly because of her little sister Emma. Cassie returns after her death as a ghost that haunts Lia and makes her lean towards death.

I really enjoyed Wintergirls because it speaks about real life problems that are often ignored and not mentioned. The reality of the novel makes the readers understand more about disorders like anorexia and bulimia while wanting to read more to learn about the characters. If you like Wintergirls by Laurie Halse Anderson you’ll like Thirteen Reasons Why by Jay Asher.

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson

Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson is a powerful young adult novel that touches on important life situations. Melinda Sordino is a high school student that lost all her friends after busting an end-of-summer party by calling the police. Since then she has not spoken and the only place that she feels is safe is in her head, and even that isn’t fully safe for her. The night of the party Melinda something happened to Melinda and for that reason she is scared to speak and let the truth of what happened that night out.

I enjoyed reading Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson because the imagery used within the novel brought it to life. The powerful theme of friends and enemies is portrayed as well. One of my favorite quotes from the novel connects to the theme of friends and enemies, “You have to know what you stand for, not just what you stand against.” If you liked Speak by Laurie Halse Anderson you will like The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell

Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell is a coming of age book about Cath who is a Simon Snow megafan. Cath is also considered an introvert unlike her sister who is an extreme extrovert. Cath spends her time writing Simon Snow fanfictions in her room. When Cath and her sister decide to move away for university and live separately for the first time. While alone Cath has to deal with anxiety, her roommate and roommate's boyfriend. Cath’s fanfiction is the only thing that calms her down and uses it as her go to.

I really enjoyed Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell because although every person is completely different everyone can find a little bit of themselves in Cath, making the book relatable to all. One of my favorite quotes from the book explains how Cath’s personality and then shows how she was able to change, “Cath felt like she was swimming in words. Drowning in them, sometimes.” I recommend this book to anyone who enjoys coming of age stories. If you like Fangirl by Rainbow Rowell you’ll like Eleanor and Park by Rainbow Rowell.

Rudayna Tabbara