Chilling reality

Wintergirls

by Laurie Halse Anderson

Enter Lia's mind.  It is disturbed, especially since her former best friend, Cassie, died alone in a motel room after calling Lia 33 times on her cell.  Both girls have suffered from eating disorders.  Cassie was bulimic.  Lia is trying to recover from anorexia.  She counts each and every calorie.  Sets new and dangerously unhealthy goals.  She does everything to maintain the illusion to her parents and step-mom that she is still on the road to recovery. But Cassie's death derails her, big time.  Cassie is haunting her, beckoning her to join her.

Laurie Halse Anderson, author of Speak, puts the reader inside the mind of a anorexia victim like nothing I've read before.  I suspect that the author must have suffered her own battle with an eating disorder.  That's how real the story reads!  Though sad and disturbing at times, I always knew the end would be the real beginning of Lia's recovery.  Wintergirls is honest and raw, and something not to miss.

JAWS!

Shark Girl
by Kelly Bingham

Told through sparse poems, letters, and conversations Bingham eloquently reveals the tragedy and mending processes for Jane Arrowood, a fifteen year old girl recovering from a shark attack that resulted in one arm being amputated.

Jane's attack is videoed by a onlooking beach goer, published incessantly, resulting in an outpouring of condolences...letters, flowers, teddy bears but also stares, whispers and interview requests. She can't heal in privacy. Family and friends are uncomfortable with the new Jane. Jane is uncomfortable with herself. No longer able to draw, cook, tie her shoes, button her pants, she feels helpless and utterly dependant on her mother and brother. But this is a story of healing and slowly Jane learns how to adapt to her new life.

This inspirational story, written in a style similar to Sonya Sones, is honest, powerful, and engaging. Once you pick it up, you'll be drawn into Jane's survival.