1. The bear is a central figure in the story. What symbolic meanings or interpretations can you draw from its presence and actions throughout the novel?

2. How does the Pacific Northwest island setting shape the sisters’ identities and their views on the world?

3. How do Sam and Elena’s perspectives evolve throughout the novel, especially with their opposing reactions to the bear?

4. Which character did you relate to the most? Why?

5. Discuss the unraveling of Sam and Elena’s dream of escape. Did Elena betray Sam by abandoning their plan? Or did Sam take their imaginings too seriously?

6. When did you feel like Elena had crossed the line with the bear?

7. What do you think Julia Phillips is trying to convey about the relationship between humans and nature, and the impact of the natural world on our lives?

8. What passages or scenes from the book will stay with you longest?

9. How do the portrayal of poverty and the sisters’ relationship with their mother impact Sam and Elena’s dreams, decisions and the overall narrative?

10. What elements does Bear share with classic fairy tales?

11. Discuss the ending. How did it impact your interpretation of the story’s themes and character arcs? Why do you think the author ended the novel this way?

12. If you could ask the author any question about this book, what would it be?