Wintergirls by Lauri Halse Anderson

After the 8th-grade English class tackled Speak last spring, I have pursued books by this author.  I'd originally pushed Wintergirls aside because I doubted the relevance to my current students.  Now I see its value even to a population seemingly free from eating disorders.  The book opens as Lia's long-time friend and fellow anorexic, Cassie, is found dead in a run-down motel room.  Lia's cellphone shows that Cassie had desperately tried to reach Lia the night of her death.  Overwhelmed with guilt and her own eating disorder, Lia continues to spiral ever downward into heartache and self-imposed hunger.   Even if you think you know everything you need to know about eating disorders, this book still makes the reality more vivid.  Much to discuss here.