A strange mind.

Wintergirls is definitely an incredibly intense read. And it is real. There is no sugar coated motifs, no real happily ever afters, no handsome knights in shining armor to save the fragile quirky and endearing antagonist. This is exactly what an eating disorder looks like, this is exactly what losing a best friend looks like.

Lia is not meant to be a character pitied by the reader. You are not intended to like her. She's deceitful, selfish, ungrateful and proud of her abilities to be such. She is not evil, she's not even really Lia -she is her eating disorder. 

Ms. Anderson's illustrated this beautifully. Her depiction of Lia's disordered behaviors were accurately done with grace and respect. Often times, in my humble reading experiences, a lot of authors who attempt to narrate a story based upon any type of disorder -fail. This is because they commonly try to shock readers with the most awe inspiring reproducing of such disorders. So much so, the disorder itself becomes unrecognizable and believable. Fortunately, Wintergirls is not like that.

(Warning: It is a dark, dark read and definitely not for everyone. Personally, I would not recommend this book to anyone currently battling an eating disorder. I have read a lot of reviews where the reader claims the book helped them during there recovery, yet I still feel the words and actions of Lia very triggering.)

 An absolutely heart wrenching tale. I believe this book is often advertised as some sort of paranormal love story, but it is far more than just that. In fact, the “love story” within this novel is much more complex than being what most are probably used to. I honestly don’t believe I’ve ever read a tale similar to that of A Witch’s Daughter. It's has an incredibly unique premiss and is written in an further unique manner (much like a journal, which jumps back and forth from present day and the past). In this respect, I feel as if the storyline itself should be appreciated, as many novels have appeared to become mere replications of an other in  recent years.

The plot is phenomenal. The events, in my opinion, are surprising and not too overly predictable. I gasped and cringed several types while reading as there are so many traumatic events compiled into this relatively small novel, it is a wonder that my mind remains intact after reading. And I truly loved the historical aspect as it is written over several centuries and varying locations.

However, there were, in fact, a few scenarios were things appeared to have just, oh so conveniently, happened. Not that they were necessarily predictable but simply much to timely or appropriate for our leading characters. Additionally, a few of these particular events too appeared to have been built up incredulously just to be sped through the finale. The story itself was so enthralling, but this type of built up just to be rushed through an ending led to quite a bit of disappointment. If anything I would have preferred a little less built up if it led to the big showdown I was hoping for.

Furthermore, I craved so much more in terms of character development. I felt as if I learned so much about the main character and very little about anyone else, despite the obvious opportunity to do so (especially in relation to the story’s antagonist). 

Nonetheless, like I said, the story was truly captivating. I truly enjoyed reading A Witch’s Daughter and could not wait to continue the story whenever I was forced to put it down. The plot itself is a purely true story, one in which I could image being told over centuries and being passed down from one generation to another. The novel had a very folklore essence about it, the events seem frighteningly possible yet utterly unreal.  

Overall, this particular novel has sparked my interest in both Ms. Brackston’s other work(s) and further stories regarding witches (and other spooking, paranormal characters)! I definitely do not regret reading it and wish so much to be able to rate it more as it really did entertain me. 

Surprisingly, this volume was even more entertaining than the first. There is so much wit and leisurely laughs contained within this little manga, while also offering more in-depth motives. Tons and tons of emotions are packed into this little guy. I was giggling on one page then, almost immediately, pained onto the next.

A definite must read for those looking for an effortlessly entertaining manga!

Special by Joyce Carol Oates