American Gauntlet: The Book Club Guide

If your local book club has selected American Gauntlet as your monthly read—first, thank you! It is such an honor, truly.

Second, I wanted to provide a few discussion questions to spark conversation at your book club meeting. I hope that whether you're meeting in a home or a coffee shop, a bookshop or a Zoom link, that you will be able to have meaningful conversations that breed genuine connection. Cheers!

American Gauntlet Book Club Discussion Questions

*SPOILER ALERT! The following questions contain spoilers from the book.*

• Dani has a complicated and oftentimes painful upbringing. How do you think her childhood and adolescent years impacted her as a young adult? What character strengths did it produce? What weaknesses?

  
  

• Ford is introduced as a steady and consistent male presence in Dani’s life. Did Dani and Ford’s relationship play out the way you thought it would?

  
  

• The “Twisted Twins” are removed from the competition during the second phase. Why do you think the author chose to end their storyline at this point instead of continuing it further?

  
  

• Lana chooses to sacrifice her place in the competition in hopes of improving Dani’s chances of winning. How do you think Lana handled this situation? Would you have acted differently?

  
  

• How did Dani’s relationship with Lana evolve throughout the book? Do you see any parallels in your relationship with your own sibling(s)?

  
  

• With so much on the line, Dani often second guesses Joss’s motives. Put yourself in her shoes—would you constantly question his intentions? Or would you trust him more easily?

  
  

• Dani and Joss’s relationship is a slow burn, building steadily over the course of the book. What were the pivotal moments in their relationship that helped bring them closer together? What Dani and Joss moment was your favorite?

  
  

• What themes does the author explore in Joss and Dani’s relationship? What themes are explored in the book overall?

  
  

• If American Gauntlet were a real competition, do you think you could make it to the end? Which phase—Strength, Endurance, Strategy, or Grit—would be the most difficult for you?

Thoughts or reflections on any of the questions above? I'd love to hear them! Shoot me a message on Instagram!