Reviews with content warning for Rape - Exit, Pursued by a Bear

Hermione was a victim and a survivor, but she would not let those things define her. She was string and brave but this was a result of her extremely supportive team, her coach, her best friend and even the officer of her case. I loved the way Hermoine handled it with Grace, how she allowed herself to feel the pain of what she was going through but also allowed herself to ask for help and depend on those around her who she knew she could trust. Polly, Coach Caledon, her team and her family were perfect examples of what to do when someone you’ve known your entire life goes through an assault like this, they were supportive, they defended her, the protected her and gave her space when she needed it most. Hermoine was never alone, someone held her hand through it all, and best of all, they believed her.

This was not a cautionary tale, but it was fucking brilliant.

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emwhite95's review against another edition

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dark emotional funny sad medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? It's complicated
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.25

That’s the resolution?? Really? Not even an epilogue?

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missgrangerr's review against another edition

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dark emotional sad tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? A mix
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.0

Content Warnings

frawst_disasta_reads's review against another edition

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challenging emotional funny hopeful reflective sad fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character
Strong character development? Yes
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0

Tagline: "I love you." "I know."

The author takes a famous Star Wars quote (which, to me, feels perfect as an author of Star Wars books), and uses it between to best friends, because deep unending love is not always romantic.

There is something beautiful about this book. It takes place over the span of about 9.5 months, and we get to know Hermione Winters like a little sister or best friend. You want everything to work out for her, even while you know that's a fairytale and this is the real world.

What I adore about this book is how she deals with the aftermath of what happens to her. And that her best friend refuses to back down and protect her. While not everyone on the team supports her (okay, everyone except her ex-boyfriend), as a reader you can't imagine a closer team. A supporting character even comments on it, how her school wouldn't have supported her.

There is a coming out, a trauma response during a dance (with a bit of comedic relief complete with spilled punch), and Hermione's undying love for her team, her parents, and especially her best friend and flying in the air as a cheerleader.

While I don’t care for first person generally, I can’t imagine this book working as well in third person, because Hermione is such a fully fleshed character, as are those closest to her.

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