The actions of the US 2nd Ranger Battalion on Pointe du Hoc on D-day have fascinated many. Were you familiar with this event? What did you learn from Clay’s experiences on D-day?
“Books are weapons in the war of ideas” was the motto of the Victory Book Campaign in World War II. The VBC and the Armed Services Editions are credited with creating a generation of readers. What interested you about Leah’s experiences in a base library and with the VBC? How have you seen this motto to be true?
Clay firmly believes he will die soon. How does this affect the decisions he makes, for better or worse? Would you like to know how much time you had left? Would it change how you live?
More than anything, Leah longs for family and belonging. How does this drive everything she does? How does this desire shift as the story progresses? What do you think of her insight in the last line of chapter 41? In our fractured society, have you found family in unusual places?
Clay sees parallels between his life and the biblical story of Joseph. What similarities do you see? Are there any biblical characters you’re drawn to? What is it about their stories that you relate to or draw strength from?
Leah tells Clay, “Words make delightful playthings. They cost nothing, they never wear out, and no one can ever take them away from you.” Do you have a hobby that gives you the same joy as poetry gives Leah?
Throughout the story, Clay is torn between his natural desire to heal and his need to go to combat. What do you think of his struggle? Do you think he makes the right decision at the end of the book?
Leah has trained herself to respond to pain by focusing on the good. How does this help her cope? How does her attitude help Clay? Could there be negative consequences of relying on this coping technique?
Clay believes he’s forgiven his brothers, then comes to realize his forgiveness stops at the surface. What did you think of his journey toward forgiveness and reconciliation? Did his insights spark any realizations in your life? They certainly did in mine!
When Leah volunteers with the orphans, she enjoys being on the giving end of charity for once. How does her volunteer work cause her to grow? What do you think of her declaration that her background makes her the best type of person to work with orphans?
What did you think about the pain Will and Lupe Paxton experience due to their sons’ sins and estrangement? Do you agree with how they act toward their three sons? Would you have done anything differently?
The story of the Prodigal Son plays out in each novel in the Sunrise at Normandy series. When Clay realizes he’s the Prodigal’s elder brother, how does this affect his relationship with his brothers? Have you ever been the “elder brother”?
Leah’s lifelong dream has been to find her sisters, but she faces an ethical decision when she finds them. Do you agree with the choice she makes? Why or why not? Did the old attitudes toward orphans and adoption surprise you?
“To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven” (Eccles. 3:1). How does Clay’s acceptance of this help him weather unpleasant seasons—and embrace pleasant ones? Have you experienced this in your life?
Leah has worn a lot of negative labels as an orphan, many of which she believes. Over the course of the story, this changes. Have you ever been assigned labels? Do you accept them or reject them?
If you read The Sea Before Us and The Sky Above Us, what did you think about the continuation of Wyatt’s and Adler’s stories?