A Constellation of Minor Bears

 Book 18 of my 2025 Reading Challenge

read from February 5 - 10

A Constellation of Minor Bears by Jen Ferguson

published 2024

Summary (via the book jacket)

Before that awful Saturday, Molly used to be inseparable from her brother, Hank, and his best friend, Tray. The indoor climbing accident that left Hank with a traumatic brain injury filled Molly with anger. While she knows the accident wasn't Tray's fault, she will never forgive him for being there and failing to stop the damage.

But she can't forgive herself for not being there either. Or for letting the deadline to accept her university entrance offer pass.

Determined to go on the trio's postgraduation hike of the Pacific Crest Trail, even without Hank, Molly packs her bag. But when her parents put Tray in charge of looking out for her, she is stuck backpacking with the person who incites her easy anger.

Despite all her planning, the trail she'll walk has a few more twists and turns ahead.

My Opinion

4 stars

I picked this book up on a whim from a display of diverse books at a library.  Saying it took 5 days to read is correct but not the full picture...the only reason it took so many days is because I would become so absorbed so quickly that I didn't want to read it unless I had time to devote to it.  I would say it's a 2-3 sittings book if you have time.

It's a very very high 4 but I just couldn't get to a 5 after the second round of Brynn and how it was resolved.  The plot twist before she left was outstanding and I was happy to see her again but the seriousness of the situation didn't mix with the off-camera quick resolution in my mind.

I will definitely read this author again.