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?

Discussion Questions for Enterprising and Dangerous

  1. Most of the historical events in this novel are not in the history books. Which event surprised you the most? Why do you think the author wanted to tell these stories?
  2. Does reading this novel during the 250th Anniversary year(s) of the American Revolution/founding of the United States change how you look at any of these events? Does it change how you view events of today as you learn more about the history?
  3. What did you think about Benedict Arnold in this novel? How has he changed since Worthy of Trust?
  4. How has Whitley grown and developed as a character since the beginning of the series?
  5. What did you think about the introduction of Isaack?
  6. Relations between the Native nations, European Americans, and the British were complicated and often strained, as each group was trying to bring about the best outcome for their people. How were the various groups of Native Americans depicted in this novel? Do you think this was a fair or accurate representation? Why or why not? 
  7. What scene or scenes stuck out to you? Why?
  8. Where there any moments where you felt the description of the setting really brought the location to life and you felt you could visualize the place?
  9. What was your favorite or least favorite part? Why?
  10. Were there any quotations or passages that you thought were important or liked because of how they were written?
  11. Dr. Joseph Warren is quoted several times in this novel (Chapters One, Twenty, Twenty-Three). Did any of his words stick in your mind? Why? Do any of his quotations apply to us today?
  12. What did you think about how the book ended? What predictions do you have for the final book in the series?
  13. If you could ask the author any question, what would you ask her?