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

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.

Content Warnings

leslie22's review against another edition

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challenging emotional reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

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chellyfishing's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful reflective medium-paced

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

4.75

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daniellejp16's review against another edition

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3.5

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sarahjsnider's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful fast-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Character

3.75

I read this in one sitting, so obviously I find it compelling. But as I reflect on it, there is a lot that doesn’t hang together. Such as, why does the school have Commencement in October? What is the connection to Macbeth? According to the interview with the author, her early drafts were sparse on details. A few more would be helpful.

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thecozyarchivist's review against another edition

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challenging dark emotional hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

4.5

This book is an incredible story of resiliency, and honestly one of the best YA books I've read in awhile. Just go read it.

Content Warnings

trycerabel's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring lighthearted slow-paced

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

3.0

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leiaorganic's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring tense fast-paced

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

4.5

Of all the books I've read recently, this one handles the topic of sexual assult with the most care and with the right tone. The friendships are real and Hermione has a great support system behind her throughout the book and her journey through recovery.

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