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Reading Group Guide

Discussion Questions

No Horizon Is So Far

1. Discuss the similarities and differences in personality between Liv and Ann. How do these affect their approach to the journey? Give examples of their interacting successfully and of their being at odds with each other.

2. What is it that drives people to explore, to seek out danger and push themselves to extremes? What is the stereotype of an "explorer" and how do Liv and Ann relate to that image?

3. Liv writes, "both of us were fascinated by the way Antarctica had tested Shackleton . . . we had both been enchanted with the idea of facing that same test" (p.23). What does that test reveal about Liv and Ann? Why does hardship demonstrate parts of our personalities that are otherwise hidden? Which is truer-the revealed self or the everyday self?

4. "Good team members are hard to find" (p.13). What traits define a good team member, according to the authors? Would you be a good team member? Between Ann and Liv, who would make a more suitable teammate for you, and why?

5. Ann and Liv bring mementos, such as poems and letters, to provide comfort from the isolation of Antarctica. What would you bring to remind you of home? What are the benefits of the remoteness that Ann and Liv experienced?

6. Both of the authors find Antarctica to be a compelling and beautiful landscape. What was your reaction to Antarctica? Does where you grew up affect your opinion in any way? Are there any remote parts of the world that you would like to visit?

7. One of the issues Liv and Ann face is the gender bias that women aren't as tough or capable as men. Have you ever been the victim of stereotyping? How did you react? Do you ever prejudge a person or behavior based on gender?

8. In Antarctica, one is constantly at risk of injury, frostbite or death; explorers must be constantly on guard. As a result, Liv and Ann seem both fearless and extremely cautious. How does fear both protect and limit us? Do you have any fears or phobias? How have they affected your life?

9. No Horizon Is So Far is alternately recounted by Liv and Ann, with occasional contributions from Cheryl Dahle. How did you feel about this narrative style? Were there any instances where it helped or hindered your reading? Did you find a marked difference between the voices, and, if so, did you prefer one in particular?

10. Liv and Ann failed to achieve some of their goals and exceeded their expectations for others. What is your opinion of how each woman handled these results? Do you believe that ultimately their expedition was a success? How do you determine success?

No Horizon Is So Far
Ann Bancroft and Liv Arnesen, with Cheryl Dahle

  • Publication Date: August 31, 2004
  • Genres: Adventure, Nonfiction
  • Paperback: 253 pages
  • Publisher: Penguin (Non-Classics)
  • ISBN-10: 0143034243
  • ISBN-13: 9780143034247