September Book Recommendation:

A Constellation of Minor Bears

written by Jen Ferguson

Recommended by Carlee Wilson

Remember the craze of Cheryl Strayed’s book Wild a decade ago? I avoided the book, movie, and phenomenon that ensued (even the “Gilmore Girls” Netflix reboot did a bit on it!) because it all felt like a cliche: a woman of privilege pays money to briefly live like an unhoused person in order to reach a more enlightened self. When I came across A Constellation of Minor Bears and realized this was also a story of journeying along the Pacific Crest Trail to prove something to oneself, I groaned. I’m thrilled to admit that Jen Ferguson took me by surprise! 

Written from the perspective of three main characters, the novel follows recent highschool graduate Molly’s expedition with childhood friend Tray while Molly’s brother – who was supposed to join the duo – recovers from a climbing accident back home in Canada. 

Molly blames Tray for this accident, and her journey toward forgiveness plays out between the mishaps of life on the trail. I found each character incredibly relatable. I saw myself most in Molly (an Indigenous, overweight, and self-conscious teenager incredibly loyal to her family) and her brother Hank (a newly-disabled young adult with memory loss relying on social media for camaraderie).

Ultimately, Ferguson’s novel is a story of connection not only to oneself, but to each other. This tale could have easily been a self-flagellating trek for inner peace, but it is far from it! The author found a way to blend the intersections of our identities, community, and the mysticism of the Pacific Crest Trail into a young adult novel that is both moving and compelling. 

A Constellation of Minor Bears will be available on September 24, 2024. Hayu masi to Netgalley and HarperCollins for the advanced copy.

Buy the book from Tribal member owned Time Enough Books