First Lie Wins: Book Club Questions and Discussion Topics

First Lie Wins is a fantastic choice for a book club! Its themes of trust, deception, and family dynamics provide plenty of material for thoughtful discussion, while the gripping plot twists will have everyone debating their theories and dissecting key moments. The characters, particularly Evelyn, are complex and morally ambiguous, sparking lively conversations about their motivations and choices. The book’s fast-paced, accessible writing makes it a manageable yet thought-provoking read for all members, ensuring an engaging and interactive book club session.

First Lie Wins by Ashley Elston was featured as Reese’s Book Club pick for January 2024. This selection brought significant attention to the novel, highlighting its engaging narrative and strong female protagonist. Reese’s Book Club is known for choosing books that resonate with readers, often sparking widespread discussion and acclaim.

20 First Lie Wins Book Club Questions

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

1. What were your first impressions of Evelyn? Did they change as the story unfolded?
2. How did Evelyn’s upbringing and past influence her choices and relationships throughout the novel?
3. Were there moments when you empathized with Mr. Smith, or did you see him purely as the antagonist?
4. Evelyn lives a life of lies. Do you think she can ever truly escape her past?
5. Did you trust Ryan at any point in the story? Why or why not?
6. How did the twists in the plot impact your perception of the characters?
7. What do you think the title First Lie Wins signifies in the context of the story?
8. How did Evelyn’s relationship with Ryan evolve throughout the novel?
9. Do you think Evelyn’s actions were justified in the end? Why or why not?
10. What role did Devon and Amy Holder play in shaping Evelyn’s decisions?
11. How does the book explore themes of identity and self-discovery?
12. Was the ending satisfying to you? What might you have done differently if you were the author?
13. Who do you think was the most trustworthy character, if any?
14. Did the flashbacks add to or detract from your understanding of Evelyn’s motivations?
15. How did Evelyn’s relationship with Amy Holder surprise you?
16. Do you think Ryan truly forgave Evelyn for her deception? Why or why not?
17. How did the story balance the themes of love and betrayal?
18. Were there any red herrings or twists that you felt were unnecessary or overly complex?
19. How would you feel if the book were adapted into a movie? Who would you cast as Evelyn, Ryan, and Mr. Smith?
20. What do you think happens to Evelyn, Ryan, and Amy after the events of the book?

These questions are designed to dive deep into the characters, themes, and plot twists while encouraging a variety of perspectives!

First Lie Wins: Discussion topics

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

1. The Nature of Deception: How does Evelyn’s life of lies reflect on the themes of identity and survival?
2. Morality in the Gray Zone: Explore the ethical boundaries Evelyn and other characters cross. Are their actions justified?
3. Trust and Betrayal: How do trust and betrayal shape the relationships in the story, especially between Evelyn, Ryan, and Mr. Smith?
4. Themes of Identity: Discuss how Evelyn’s multiple aliases impact her sense of self. Is she more her real self or her personas?
5. Family Dynamics: How do Evelyn’s past relationships with her family influence her decisions and interactions?
6. The Role of Mr. Smith: Is Mr. Smith a true villain, or is he simply a product of the cutthroat world he operates in?
7. Power Dynamics: Analyze the power struggles throughout the book. How do characters gain or lose control?
8. The Title’s Significance: What does First Lie Wins mean in the context of the story? How does it tie into the plot and characters?
9. Evelyn and Ryan’s Relationship: How does their relationship evolve, and does it feel believable given their circumstances?
10. The Role of Flashbacks: Do the flashbacks enhance the story? How do they contribute to our understanding of Evelyn’s motivations?
11. The Concept of Redemption: Do you believe Evelyn redeems herself by the end of the novel?
12. The Twist Ending: How did you feel about the reveal of Amy Holder’s survival and the trio taking over Mr. Smith’s operations?
13. Villains or Survivors?: Are Evelyn, Amy, and Devon heroes, villains, or just survivors in a morally ambiguous world?
14. Themes of Feminine Strength: How does the book portray female agency and empowerment through Evelyn and Amy?
15. The Role of Secrets: How do secrets drive the story and shape the characters’ relationships?
16. The Use of Pacing: Did the book’s fast pace enhance or detract from your reading experience?
17. Symbolism in the Story: Were there any recurring symbols or motifs, such as the crane in the bank box, that stood out to you?
18. Character Comparisons: Compare Evelyn to other thriller protagonists. What makes her unique or similar?
19. The Appeal of Thrillers: Why do you think books like First Lie Wins resonate with readers?
20. Potential for Sequel: Do you think this story could lead to a sequel? What would you want to see next for Evelyn, Amy, and Ryan?

These topics encourage exploration of the book’s characters, themes, and twists while inspiring deeper reflection on its impact!

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

Making your First Lie Wins book club more interactive can create an engaging and memorable experience for your group. Here are some fun and creative ideas to spice things up:

Icebreaker Activity: The First Lie

Start with a quick icebreaker where each member shares a harmless lie they’ve told or makes up a fake fact about themselves. The group guesses whether it’s true or false, setting the tone for a night of deception and fun.

Plot Twist Predictions

Before diving into spoilers, have members predict key twists or outcomes. Then, reveal how close (or far) they were from the truth.

Role-Playing Game

Assign members different characters from the book and have them role-play a scene or invent a new one. For example, Evelyn confronting Mr. Smith or a hypothetical meeting between Evelyn, Amy, and Ryan.

Who’s the Most Trustworthy?

Create a ranking game where members place the characters in order of trustworthiness. Discuss the results and compare notes.

Fan Casting

Discuss who would play Evelyn, Ryan, Mr. Smith, and other characters if the book were adapted into a movie. This can lead to some fun debates and imaginative casting choices.

Discussion Jar

Prepare a jar with thought-provoking questions or topics about the book. Let members take turns drawing and answering a question.

12.

These activities will create a fun and interactive atmosphere that deepens engagement with First Lie Wins while encouraging lively participation from everyone!