Exit, Pursued By A Bear

Exit, Pursued by a Bear by E.K. Johnston
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

I’m not sure how I feel about this one - a first person POV account of the aftermath of rape is not my go-to read, but there are definitely readers for it. Sexual harassment and assault are everywhere...yet it’s difficult to react to someone writing about it, because it’s so personal.

There are some great writing moments, especially the emphasis on Hermione’s strength as a cheerleader and the characterization of her teammates as human people, not stereotyped cheerleader-shaped characters. Actually, a lot of the cheer and competition portion read realistically, which is refreshing.

I really liked the ending (all in the title) - the villain (Hermione’s rapist) is pursued by a “bear” (Hermione, who is both hero and bear in this twist on Shakespeare’s stage direction and play on her team’s mascot). Hermione doesn’t act alone, though. Polly is the best friend a girl could have, and Hermione’s parents, cheer coach, and therapist are all very supportive and caring. The police officer, nurses, and others involved in Hermione’s case against her rapist are also sympathetic. It’s a “best-case scenario” novel for a situation that isn’t the best, which could be helpful/reassuring to some and insulting to others.


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