In a book club and starting to plan your reads for next year? Check out our 2025 picks.

Not Logged in.

Book Jacket

The First Conspiracy

A remarkable and previously untold piece of American history—the secret plot to ...

More about this book
Author Biography

Discuss The First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch

Was the Continental Congress justified in issuing a secret authorization to kidnap or seize royal officers and private citizens suspected of being unfriendly to the American cause?

12

Jun. 15, 2023
by cathyt

Washington's army faced many challenges in 1775-1776. Which do you feel was the most daunting?

12

Jun. 12, 2023
by cathyt

Overall, what do you think of The First Conspiracy?

29

Jun. 12, 2023
by cathyt

What did you know about Washington and the time period before reading the book? What did you learn? Was there anything that surprised you?

20

Jun. 12, 2023
by cathyt

The men of Washington's Life Guard were required to be sober and honest, and to fit a particular physical type. Why do you suppose Washington made these stipulations?

15

Jun. 05, 2023
by cathyt

Which of Washington's actions impressed you the most?

12

Jun. 01, 2023
by mceacd

Washington was shocked that those closest to him were spies for Britain. Do you think he was naïve?

17

Jun. 01, 2023
by mceacd

Washington's letters didn't often refer to God or religion, but he did frequently write about Providence. What is the difference between these? Do you think Providence played a role in the army's ultimate success?

7

Jun. 01, 2023
by mceacd

The mood in Philadelphia was "mostly festive" but also charged with "that unique mix of anticipation and fear that comes with the feeling that the world is about to change." Are you familiar with this type of ambience?

10

Jun. 01, 2023
by mceacd

What do you think is worth fighting for? What is worth dying for? Are United States citizens still willing to do battle for a cause, in your opinion? How do causes today differ from those in 1776?

11

Jun. 01, 2023
by mceacd

Did your opinion of George Washington change as a result of reading this book?

13

Jun. 01, 2023
by mceacd

Governor Tryon's proclamation backfired, resulting in a mob that hanged him in effigy. Why do you think he so misjudged the situation? How else could have influenced the population to stay loyal to Britain?

9

Jun. 01, 2023
by mceacd

What do you think defines character? What other leaders have had character? Do any of our current leaders possess it, in your opinion?

10

Jun. 01, 2023
by lauriem

What do you think the authors mean by the phrase "in our lowest moments, we can find out greatest strengths." Do you agree? If so, are there modern examples you can point to?

4

May. 31, 2023
by ylhoff

When Thomas Hickey is charged, there is no mention made of the plot against Washington. Why do you suppose this was? Do you agree that secrecy was warranted?

6

May. 31, 2023
by ylhoff

Were there historical figures that you would have liked to have learned more about? Was there anything else you wished the authors had addressed?

6

May. 31, 2023
by ylhoff

Today, to those of us in America, the decision whether to be ruled by a monarch or to be able to choose a government seems obvious, but do you think there are situations when being ruled by a monarch would be preferable?

15

May. 28, 2023
by mceacd

Is Tryon correct in believing that most people will follow strength?

13

May. 28, 2023
by mceacd

Do you believe the conspirators intended to kill or kidnap Washington? What do you think would have happened had they succeeded?

10

May. 25, 2023
by valeriei

Sorry, The First Conspiracy by Brad Meltzer, Josh Mensch is closed for new posts.
Please go to bookbrowse.com/booktalk for a full list of conversations.