Printable Book Club Questions for Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson

The story starts off in Afghanistan in 2006 where Hannah attempts to give a soccer ball to a young boy who shuns her. It then goes to an email chain discussing a recent loss. Did you think the emails meant something had happened to Hannah?
Why was Hannah, Dani and Avery all so determined to go to West Point? Why do you think Hannah’s grandfather tried to advise her against it? What was he afraid that she’ll experience?
At one point, Avery begins to question her decision to go West Point and asks herself, “who chooses to enroll in a prison? It was a cruel bait and switch, to tell prospective students West Point was prestigious, only to treat them like shit once they got there.” What was your impressions of West Point from the descriptions in the book? Do you think you could have handled it?
Why did Avery and Dani butt heads at first? What was the turning point for them?
Not only is it difficult being a woman at West Point but Dani, as a black woman, deals with even more scrutiny. Do you think there has been any progress in the military or do you think it’s a constant struggle for women—especially minorities?
Life at West Point changed post 9/11. Let’s discuss the sections dedicated to 9/11 and the different fears and uncertainties that each girl felt. Why do you think the author decided to have the story take place in this time period?
Why do you think Hannah and Tim were drawn to each other?
Avery hooks up with a lot of guys and it’s her decision to do whatever she wants but why do you think she tends to pick “bad boys?” What did she learn from Noah’s betrayal?
Why couldn’t Dani tell Locke how she felt? Do you think he was also into her?
Each of the friends takes drastically different paths upon graduation and lose touch a bit, other than a few emails here and there. It seems to happen when friends move away from each other, it can be hard to stay in touch. Do you feel the story was an honest representation of the ups and downs of friendships?
The three friends have a fateful Thanksgiving where everyone is together for the last time. Let’s discuss the Thanksgiving dinner and how it gave hints about what was to come.
Were you surprised when Tim was killed?
Religion is mentioned throughout the story from Hannah’s seemingly unwavering faith to Avery’s skepticism; Dani is somewhat in the middle. Let’s discuss this. Do you think Hannah now has doubts about her faith after Tim was killed? Or do you think she still hold on to it?
What happens next for the three friends?