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finalgirlfall's review against another edition
5.0
unless i think about it, or someone reminds me, i have trouble remembering that i'm a victim at all.this book had some flaws, but after reading the author's note, i'm giving it five stars. this book was a pretty accurate portrayal of how rape victims deal with the aftermath of their attacks, and while i had to suspend my disbelief about the whole thing of the police being good guys in this narrative, it was still a good story. and in the author's note, johnston said that she knows police tend to deal with this sort of thing poorly, if it's even taken to them. so i'm choosing to interpret this story as more of a fairytale than an accurate picture of real life.
tw: rape (off-page).
lsparrow's review against another edition
4.0
YA novel about the experience of sexual assault. perhaps with a bit of a fairy tale ending but I liked it none the less.
4saradouglas's review against another edition
4.0
Johnston did a really good job with several very tough subjects such as rape, vengeance, and abortion. The story was well-put-together and there were times when the honesty of things said or the way they turned a phrase were just amazing. Great writing overall. I was also happy with the ending. I didn't know if we'd be left hanging with a mystery or if this would end in some courtroom drama. I was happy to see it was none of the above. Quite quite good.
ashpanda88's review against another edition
5.0
This is a very honest and important book about being a survivor of rape. The main character, Hermione gets raped at cheer camp and goes through a lot of harassment and personal struggles as a result. However, her attitude and bravery, as well as some amazingly well-written friendships carry her through.
janewhitehurst's review against another edition
4.0
Excellent. E.K. Johnston takes a book about a rape at cheer camp and somehow makes it fresh and relevant. I listened to this and for the first couple chapters was not sure if I'd like it. Then it picks up. Exit, Pursued by a Bear tells the story of Hermoine (I know...) who is head cheerleader going into her senior year of high school. She is drugged and raped at cheerleading camp and is left to put together the pieces. While the book could be cliche and tread the same waters as many other YA books, it doesn't. I found it to be a refreshing story that kept my interest until its conclusion.
mmotleyu's review against another edition
3.0
I wanted to love this book the way I loved Speak. The "victim" in this book is treated so much differently than Melinda was in Speak so it's obviously a different story of sexual violence. I did love the strong female relationships in this book as well as the adult/teen relationships, and I liked that she chose not to see herself as a victim. I finished the book wanting more development. It just touches on how all her friends and teachers and other kids at school deal with the event. I needed more. I have felt this way about the last few YA books I have read, so I think I might be in a bit of a YA slump. Time will tell if I keep thinking about this book the way that I still think about Speak all these years later.
books4susie's review against another edition
5.0
Exit, Pursued by a Bear is based on William Shakespeare’s play, The Winter’s Tale, and takes it’s title from Shakespeare’s most famous stage direction from the same play. The first half of the play focuses on King Leontes jealousy, that he has dreamed up on his own, when he thinks his pregnant wife, Hermione, has cheated on him and the baby she carries is not his. The baby is abandoned but raised by a shepherd. The second half of the play actually occurs sixteen years later and focuses on the love story between Hermione and Leontes’ daughter and the son of King Polixenes, the man Leontes believed was the father of Hermione’s baby. In the end, Leontes realizes the girl really is his daughter and that Hermione is still alive. He is happy. Check out SparkNotes if you want a detailed summary of the play.
This book was incredible. Even though it touches and discusses taboo topics, that is not what the heart of this story is about. It is about what true friendship is and what it means to be on a team. Even though the ending is left somewhat open ended, there is enough to imagine what course Hermione’s life will take. A definite suggestion that I will continue to pass on.
This book was incredible. Even though it touches and discusses taboo topics, that is not what the heart of this story is about. It is about what true friendship is and what it means to be on a team. Even though the ending is left somewhat open ended, there is enough to imagine what course Hermione’s life will take. A definite suggestion that I will continue to pass on.
rachcannoli's review against another edition
5.0
Wow I really loved this one. For some reason I’ve been really drawn to books that deal with assault lately, maybe it’s seeing how different each woman is to prove it can happen unfortunately to anyone or the amazing ways they overcome and survive. Either way, I think this is one of my favorites. It’s a unique case because Hermione was roofied so she basically remembers nothing so it could be a stranger or someone she knows which is such a scary concept. But my favorite thing about this story is the love that envelops her and the support she receives. Aside from a shitty boy and the rumor-mill, I don’t think I’ve ever seen an assault book full of this much woman to woman support as well as unflinching love from guy friends, her fam, her teachers, psychiatrist, and even her damn priest! It’s honestly staggering how well everyone handles the situation even Hermione herself, it’s beyond admirable and truly heartwarming. I also liked that they ignored the gory details, since she legit can’t remember anyway and the act itself is sick enough and so violating. I just loved the POV on a story this is disgustingly common. I felt it was such a wonderful take and while beautifully supportive and in a way optimistic, it didn’t feel unrealistic or forced at all. I just adored almost every character and am so proud of them. Definitely recommend and hope everyone can learn and follow the girl love. Like the author said in her notes, “listen and believe women”.
jessicadoom's review against another edition
5.0
THIS. BOOK.
I had heard good things about this one and found it on bargain, thus picking it up. It took me a few years to actually crack it open, but I'm so so glad I did.
I'm not familiar with "The Winter's Tale", so I can't compare this novel as far as how it holds up to the original. What I can say about it, though, is that it is like nothing I have ever read. The author has such a powerful way with words and characters. She took this heartbreaking subject and made something so strong of everyone around Hermione. I can't find a single fault with any word of it. It's one of those books you want to completely forget just so you can read it again.
I had heard good things about this one and found it on bargain, thus picking it up. It took me a few years to actually crack it open, but I'm so so glad I did.
I'm not familiar with "The Winter's Tale", so I can't compare this novel as far as how it holds up to the original. What I can say about it, though, is that it is like nothing I have ever read. The author has such a powerful way with words and characters. She took this heartbreaking subject and made something so strong of everyone around Hermione. I can't find a single fault with any word of it. It's one of those books you want to completely forget just so you can read it again.