A review by tracyt223
Bear by Julia Phillips

3.0

This is a story of two sisters, Sam and Elena, living on a small island off the Washington coast.  There they are taking care of their ailing Mother and trying to just eek out a living until they can escape to a better life.  Then one day they spot a bear near their home and things take a turn from there.

Some parts of this one worked for me and other parts did not.  I loved the atmospheric Pacific Northwest setting, this is someplace that I have always wanted to go.  The arrival of the bear was interesting, but went directions I did not expect or really like.  Neither of the sisters were very likeable either and it was hard to root for them sometimes.  I didn't really care for the ending either.  I guess I'm just not sure what the point of the story was.  Can't wait for other opinions in the spoiler discussion on Sarah's Bookshelves Live podcast.  I'm hoping they can shed a different light on the story.