The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman Book Club Questions
10 discussion questions for The True Confessions of First Lady Freeman by Deesha Philyaw.
October 18, 2026
Spoiler warning: some questions touch on how the book ends. Best read after you've finished it.
Discussion questions
- What were your initial impressions of Scharisse Freeman as the protagonist, and how did they change over the course of the novel?
- How does Scharisse's relationship with her estranged childhood friend Petra influence her decisions throughout the story?
- Discuss the role of the megachurch community in Scharisse's life. How does it both empower and constrain her?
- Do you think Scharisse made the right decision in marrying a pastor fifteen years her senior? Why or why not?
- Consider the significance of Scharisse's 40th birthday in the narrative. How does it serve as a turning point in her life?
- What are some of the complexities of Scharisse's identity as both a successful businesswoman and a First Lady in the church?
- Discuss a scene that you found particularly funny, sexy, or messy. What made it stand out to you?
- How does the narrative structure, which includes Scharisse's internal monologue and confessions, affect your understanding of her character?
- Have you ever faced a situation where you felt you had to choose between authenticity and acceptance, much like Scharisse does? How did you handle it?
- Do you think the ending of the book provides closure for Scharisse's journey, or are there aspects of her story that you feel remain unresolved?
These questions were drafted with AI help for book clubs using Lapwing.
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