Published: March 15, 2016 by: Dutton Books
Pages: 248
Rating: 5/5 stars
Captain of the coveted Palermo Height's cheerleading squad, Hermione Winters is ready for summer training camp and to bring pride to her small town. But when a party at camp turns dark, Hermione soon finds herself a rape victim, and pregnant. Still, Hermione is determined not to be seen as a "cautionary tale" and with the help of her community, she attempts to regain control of her life and find justice for survivors.
This book was amazing!!! I have read many YA books that deal with rape over the years, but I think that the way this book handled it was one of the best. It was empowering, inspiring, and incredibly detailed in the stereotypes and hardships that survivors have to go through and how you could help. It didn't shy away from the tough issues, even including abortion, but it did so in a way that was sensitive to victims and not overly explicit. Obviously a trigger warning still applies, but I think that as far as books dealing with sexual assault goes, this would be the healthiest one to read.
I loved Hermione, I think she was strong, intelligent and incredibly brave. Her friends and family were incredible, and I loved how this book highlighted her healing process. She had her ups and downs, but this book ended on such a high note that I was confident that Hermione was going to be ok. This was a splendid novel.
Have you read Exit, Pursued by a Bear? What did you think?
Emily @ Paperback Princess
OMG the main character's name is Hermione? xD What big shoes to fill, but it sounds like she lives up to the name. :) Thanks for sharing and, as always, fabulous review! <3
ReplyDeleteHaha, I was surprised too! That name is so recognizable now :)
DeleteDude, there has to be Shakespeare references in this book! Both the title and the MC's name (Hermione) are from The Winter's Tale! XD (I'm such a nerd!)
ReplyDeleteHaha, I knew that but I am not familiar with The Winter’s Tale at all so I had no idea what to look for! But in the synopsis on goodreads it says there is :)
Deletehey Emily!
ReplyDeleteBefore I start on the book, I just wanted to say it's been a long time since I last read a book blog, and I noticed that a lot of bloggers that I used to read had stopped blogging, likely for time constraints. When I clicked on your link, I was really glad to see that you're still posting! Keep at it!
I've never read a YA book that tackled rape before, but especially today, I think it's important for victims of rape and specifically in this book teen victims of rape to know that it is never their fault. While definitely not a light topic to address, I'm glad Exit, Pursued by a Bear tackled this topic without glossing over hardships. I haven't read this book, but your review makes me want to.
claire @ clairefy
Aw thanks Claire! Welcome back! I have taken the occasional break when it comes to book blogging, but I love it so much, I will always keep going. I hope you’ll pick this up!
DeleteI'm glad this one turned out great. I've only read one true novel about a rape called Going Under and I wasn't crazy about it, the vigilantism. Great review!
ReplyDeleteRebecca @ The Portsmouth Review
Thanks Rebecca! I hope you’ll give this one a go.
DeleteAhh, I love all the Shakespeare references in this one (even without having read the full thing!). I'm so glad you enjoyed it -- I think it can be so hard to get stories about rape right, in a way that feels both truthful & compelling, & it's wonderful to hear that this one delivered for you. Thank you so much for introducing me to this book -- I can't wait to pick it up myself! <3
ReplyDeleteTopaz (Six Impossible Things)
Thanks for stopping by, Topaz! I hope you’ll enjoy this one, it was truly amazing! You have a beautiful name btw :)
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