Discussion Questions for Worthy of Trust

  1. What did you know about the American Revolution before reading this novel? What historical events in this novel surprised you?
  2. What did you think about the character of Benedict Arnold? How much did you know about him before this novel? Why do you think we only tell one story about him today?
  3. Had you heard of Dr. Joseph Warren before reading Worthy of Trust? If so, what did you know? Why do you think he has been largely forgotten today?
  4. How did the author convey the time period? Did this work for you? Why or why not?
  5. What scene or scenes stood out to you? Why?
  6. What was your favorite or least favorite part? Why?
  7. What character stayed with you after you read the book? Why?
  8. For part of this novel, Whitley is surrounded by other female characters. Why do you think the author made this choice?
  9. What was your opinion about the inclusion of ghosts? Why do you think the author made that choice?
  10. Were there any quotations or passages that you thought were important or you liked because of how they were written?
  11. One of the author’s favorite lines from the novel is “To a better world and those who fight for it” (p. 219). How is this a challenge offered to us today?
  12. How much do you think present-day thoughts and attitudes influenced the author’s choices? Give specific examples.
  13. Although this novel is historical fiction, do you think the author is trying to speak to anything in our world today? Where and what?
  14. What did you think about how the book ended? What predictions do you have for the sequel?
  15. If you could ask the author any question, what would you ask her?