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Summary
Summary
In this powerful debut novel set at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, three women--a nationally-ranked point guard, the granddaughter of an Army general, and a rebellious Homecoming Queen--are brought together in an enthralling story of friendship, heartbreak, and resilience.
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.
Everyone knows Dani is going places. With athletic talent and a brilliant mind, she navigates West Point's predominantly male environment with wit and confidence, breaking stereotypes and embracing new friends.
Hannah's grandfather, a legendary Army general, offers a stark warning about the dangers that lie ahead, but she moves forward anyway, letting faith guide her path. When she meets her soul mate at West Point, the future looks perfect, just as planned.
Wild child Avery moves fast and doesn't mind breaking a few rules (and 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.
The world--of business, of love, and of war--awaits Dani, Hannah, and Avery beyond the gates of West Point. 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?
Beyond the Point is a heartfelt look at how our closest friends can become our fiercest battle buddies. After all, the greatest battles we fight rarely require a uniform.
Reviews (2)
Publisher's Weekly Review
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.) © Copyright PWxyz, LLC. All rights reserved.
Booklist Review
Dani, Hannah, and Avery first meet as part of West Point's class of 2004, and while they don't become friends immediately, their bond grows as they navigate the challenges of the high-pressure environment. After graduation, they grow apart: Dani, whose dreams of playing professional basketball are derailed by chronic pain, takes a high-pressure marketing job in London; Hannah is frequently separated from her husband, a fellow army officer, by deployments to Afghanistan and Iraq; and Avery's string of dead-end relationships leaves her doubting her self-worth. When tragedy strikes, the women set aside their differences and rekindle their friendship. Debut novelist Gibson doesn't dwell too long on any of the segments of her characters' lives, choosing instead to provide snapshots of daily life and key events. While the focus is solidly on each of the women's coming of age in the unique environment of the U.S. military, deeper themes, such as racism, sexism, and sexual assault, are also explored. Readers of women's fiction will appreciate the strength and determination of the trio, as well as the insider's view of West Point culture.--Nanette Donohue Copyright 2019 Booklist
