Beyond the Point: A Novel

by Claire Gibson

Overview

Three women enter the demanding West Point military academy in this “inspiring tribute to female friendship and female courage” (Kate Quinn, New York Times–bestselling author of The Alice Network).

Duty. Honor. Country. That’s West Point’s motto, and every cadet who passes through its stone gates vows to live it. But on the eve of 9/11, as Dani, Hannah and Avery face four grueling years ahead, they realize they’ll only survive if they do it together.

With athletic talent and a brilliant mind, Dani navigates West Point’s predominantly male environment with wit and confidence, breaking stereotypes and embracing new friends.

Hannah’s grandfather, a legendary Army general, warns her about the dangers ahead, but she’s determined to let faith guide her path—and when that path leads to her soul mate, the future looks perfect.

Wild child Avery doesn’t mind breaking a few rules (or hearts) along the way. But she can’t outpace her self-doubt, and the harder she tries, the further it leads her down a treacherous path.

These three women know that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger. But soon, that adage no longer rings true—for their future, or their friendship. As they’re pulled in different directions, will their hard-forged bond prevail or shatter?

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780062853738
Publisher:	HarperCollins
Publication date:	03/19/2024
Sold by:	Barnes & Noble
Format:	eBook
Pages:	522
Sales rank:	278,340
File size:	8 MB

About the Author

Claire Gibson is a writer and journalist based in Nashville, Tennessee. Born and raised at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, she grew up captivated by cadets and always dreamed of writing a story that honored her childhood home and the women that inspired her there. Her stories have been featured in The Washington Post, The Christian Science Monitor, The Tennessean and Entrepreneur Magazine, among many other publications.

Editorial Reviews

11/15/2018

Three women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point before 9/11 are really bonding. Soon, however, superstar Dana, a nationally ranked point guard; faith-driven Hannah, whose grandfather was a famed army general; and Avery, an evidently heedless Homecoming Queen whose self-doubt steers her toward trouble find their relationship tested by the challenges of love, work, and war. Debut author Gibson was born and raised at West Point; with a 50,000-copy trade paperback and 25,000-copy hardcover first printing.

Library Journal

01/07/2019

In Gibson’s debut, friendship and ambition buoy three young women through life as female cadets at West Point in the late 1990s and through the realities of adulthood in a post-9/11 world. Dani McNalley is known for her remarkable athleticism at West Point, but finds that her abilities in the classroom make her more of a threat to the male-dominated culture. Hannah Speer’s drive for excellence leaves her little time for a typical college experience. Talented and beautiful Avery Adams doesn’t take well to being sidelined—from the basketball court or her lively social life—and breaks many of the strict rules to vent her frustrations. Though each’s competitive nature batters down the first blooms of the threesome’s friendship, shared adversity cements a bond that lasts beyond graduation. Deployments, failed relationships, and unsuccessful attempts at careers outside of the military separate the women, and though they try to stay in touch, their fleeting interactions are not enough to sustain the friendship. Just when they feel they no longer really know one another, tragedy strikes, and suddenly they must remember the values that brought them together in the first place. The real-world experiences of the women of West Point come across in realistic dialogue delivered often in the form of email and instant message conversations. This heartening and heartbreaking story is an ode to the strength of friendship. (Apr.)

Publishers Weekly

In Beyond the Point, Claire Gibson writes a stellar trio of heroines–women I want to hug, women I want to befriend, women I want to be...An inspiring tribute to female friendship and female courage!” — Kate Quinn, New York Times Bestselling Author of The Alice Network

“This heartening and heartbreaking story is an ode to the strength of friendship.” — Publishers Weekly

“...the rare novel that allow you to feel the importance of family, friendship, and patriotism simultaneously.  This compelling read...offers hours of page-turning fun with believable women…  women you know…  women you are… women you want to be.” — Nancy French, author of Home and Away

“The book reminds us that in our darkest hours, despite tensions and time, best friends show up, helping us find the light.” — Bryn Chancellor, author of Sycamore

“It’s a book that will make you want to call your best friends, or be a better one.” — Nora McInerny, author of No Happy Endings

From the Publisher

It’s a book that will make you want to call your best friends, or be a better one.

Nora McInerny

...the rare novel that allow you to feel the importance of family, friendship, and patriotism simultaneously.  This compelling read...offers hours of page-turning fun with believable women…  women you know…  women you are… women you want to be.

Nancy French

In Beyond the Point, Claire Gibson writes a stellar trio of heroines–women I want to hug, women I want to befriend, women I want to be...An inspiring tribute to female friendship and female courage!

Kate Quinn

The book reminds us that in our darkest hours, despite tensions and time, best friends show up, helping us find the light.

Bryn Chancellor