First Lie Wins: Book Club Questions and Discussion Topics

First Lie Wins is a perfect pick for a book club! With its suspenseful plot, morally gray characters, and themes of loyalty, family dynamics, and deception, it offers plenty to dissect and debate. Sadie and Nora’s complex sisterly bond and questionable decisions will spark passionate discussions, while the twists and turns keep everyone guessing. It’s fast-paced, accessible, and packed with depth, making it ideal for a group that loves thrillers with layers to unpack.

20 First Lie Wins Book Club Questions

Here are 20 engaging book club questions for First Lie Wins to spark discussion:

1. What were your first impressions of Sadie and Nora? Did your opinions change as the story unfolded?
2. The sisters were raised as con artists. How do you think their upbringing influenced their choices and relationships?
3. Did you find Sadie or Nora more relatable or likable? Why?
4. Trust is a major theme in the book. Who did you trust most, and why?
5. How did the twists in the story shape your perception of the characters?
6. What do you think the title First Lie Wins signifies?
7. How did the dynamic between Sadie and Nora evolve throughout the book?
8. Which twist shocked you the most, and why?
9. Do you think their father’s disappearance was justified in the story?
10. Were there any red flags in the characters’ behavior that hinted at the ending?
11. How does the book explore the concept of loyalty? Did any character surprise you in their loyalty or lack of it?
12. What role does manipulation play in the characters’ relationships?
13. If you were in Sadie or Nora’s position, how would you have handled the situations they faced?
14. How does the story portray family bonds versus self-preservation?
15. Were there moments where you questioned who the real antagonist was?
16. Did the ending satisfy you? Why or why not?
17. What would you predict happens to Sadie and Nora after the story ends?
18. How do you think the book reflects on the idea of morality? Are any of the characters truly “good”?
19. Were there any side characters you wanted to know more about?
20. Would you recommend First Lie Wins to someone who loves thrillers? Why or why not?

These questions should inspire some lively discussion and unique perspectives in your book club!

First Lie Wins: Discussion topics

Here are some engaging discussion topics for First Lie Wins that will spark thoughtful conversations in your book club:

1. Sibling Dynamics: Explore the relationship between Sadie and Nora—how their bond is shaped by love, rivalry, and their shared upbringing as con artists.
2. Trust and Betrayal: Discuss how trust is built and broken in the story. Are there any characters you felt were trustworthy?
3. The Impact of Upbringing: Examine how their father’s teachings as a master manipulator influenced Sadie and Nora’s lives, choices, and morals.
4. Lies as a Survival Mechanism: Debate whether lying is ever justifiable, as seen through the sisters’ reliance on deception to navigate their world.
5. Family Loyalty vs. Individual Survival: Discuss the balance between staying loyal to family and looking out for oneself, especially in high-stakes situations.
6. The Title’s Meaning: Analyze what the title First Lie Wins reveals about the story’s themes and characters.
7. Moral Ambiguity: Reflect on the characters’ morally gray decisions—does the book suggest that morality is relative?
8. The Role of Secrets: How do secrets drive the plot and impact the characters’ relationships?
9. Twists and Turns: Talk about the surprises in the plot. Which twists were most effective, and how did they change your understanding of the story?
10. Portrayal of Con Artists: How does the book portray the life of a con artist? Is it glamorized, or does it show the darker realities?
11. Themes of Identity: Discuss how the characters’ shifting identities and aliases reflect their internal struggles.
12. The Father’s Role: How much of the blame for the sisters’ struggles lies with their father and his influence?
13. Female Agency: Analyze the strength and resourcefulness of Sadie and Nora as female leads navigating a world built on lies.
14. The Importance of Truth: Debate whether the truth holds value in the sisters’ world of deception.
15. Suspense Techniques: How does Ashley Elston build suspense throughout the novel?
16. Family Dynamics in Crisis: Explore how family relationships shift under the pressure of high-stakes situations.
17. Ethics of Manipulation: Discuss whether the sisters’ skills are empowering or morally troubling.
18. Secondary Characters: Reflect on the roles of supporting characters and their impact on the plot and main characters.
19. The Ending: How did the ending leave you feeling? Satisfied, shocked, or wanting more?
20. Themes of Control: How do the characters try to maintain control over their lives in a chaotic and manipulative world?

These topics are sure to spark lively and meaningful discussions during your book club meeting!

How to make Your First Lie Wins Book Club more Interactive?

Making your First Lie Wins book club more interactive can transform the meeting into a lively, memorable experience! Start with an icebreaker that ties into the book’s theme of deception—ask each member to share a harmless lie or secret and let the group guess if it’s true or false. This sets the tone for a fun, engaging session and gets everyone comfortable right away.

During the discussion, you can introduce activities that encourage participation. For example, hold a debate on whether Sadie or Nora made the right choices, or rank the characters based on trustworthiness. You could also ask members to predict major plot twists before revealing the full story, then see who guessed correctly. To dive deeper into the book’s themes, organize a mock trial to evaluate the morality of the sisters’ actions, assigning roles like prosecutor, defense, and judge to different members.

Add a touch of creativity with themed elements. Bring snacks or drinks inspired by the story—something deceptively simple or layered, like multi-colored cocktails or desserts. You could also curate a playlist with songs that match the book’s vibe and discuss which tracks fit specific scenes or characters. For a bit of fun, have everyone fan-cast actors for the main characters in a hypothetical movie adaptation of First Lie Wins.

Lastly, consider ending the session with a group activity, like brainstorming alternate endings or playing a mini role-play game where members act as characters trying to con each other. Not only will these activities spark laughter and creativity, but they’ll also deepen everyone’s connection to the story. With a mix of thoughtful discussion and interactive elements, your book club will leave everyone excited for the next meeting!