57 pages • 1 hour read
Andrew SmithWinger
Fiction | Novel | YA | Published in 2013A modern alternative to SparkNotes and CliffsNotes, SuperSummary offers high-quality Study Guides with detailed chapter summaries and analysis of major themes, characters, and more.
Before You Read
Super Short Summary
Winger by Andrew Smith follows 14-year-old Ryan Dean West, a junior at a prestigious Oregon boarding school. Struggling with feelings of inferiority due to his age, Ryan Dean navigates complex friendships, rugby, and a crush on his best friend, Annie. His relationship with openly gay classmate Joey deepens until Joey’s tragic death profoundly impacts Ryan Dean, fostering his self-acceptance and resilience. The book contains themes of homophobia and violence.
Reviews & Readership
Review Roundup
Andrew Smith's Winger is a compelling blend of humor and heartache, centered on the coming-of-age tale of a teenage rugby player at a boarding school. Reviewers praise its authentic voice and emotional depth, though some note a few jarring tonal shifts. While celebrated for its raw portrayal of adolescence, a minority found certain plot elements predictable. Overall, Winger captures the complexities of youth with wit and poignancy.
Who Should Read Winger?
A reader who would enjoy Andrew Smith's Winger is likely a teenager or young adult who appreciates coming-of-age stories blending humor, angst, and emotional depth. Fans of John Green's Looking for Alaska and Stephen Chbosky's The Perks of Being a Wallflower will find its relatable protagonist and candid exploration of adolescence particularly engaging.
RecommendedReading Age
14-18yearsLexile Level
890LBook Details
Emotions/Behavior: Shame & Pride
Identity: Sexuality
Identity: Masculinity
Humor
Realistic Fiction
Coming of Age / Bildungsroman
LGBTQ
Bullying
Sports