Both mythical and realistic, Bear touches on so many concepts. If you’ve seen the internet buzz discussing whether you’d trust a bear or a strange man in the woods with a woman you love, this story speaks to that trope. Phillips touches the question of family and allegiance, of sisters and mothers, of care and hope, of debt and reality versus dreams. I loved this story. It touches heart strings and magic and sadness. Give it a read and come talk to me about it! - Gretchen