I originally read "Beartown" in 2017, and picked it up for a reread as I intend to give the rest of the series a go. I remember feeling really emotionally impacted by this book, and that impression still holds almost 10 years later, older, and (presumably?) wiser. It's a pretty devastating account of trauma and the lengths to which people will go to protect men, and the book is especially effective at illuminating the ripple effect that trauma has on other people and even entire communities. But "Beartown" also has a hopeful angle, with characters who refuse to stand aside and let fragile egos and herd mentality rule the day. It's complex, challenging, and absolutely worth a read. Here's hoping that the rest of the series holds up!