2025 Reading Challenge discussion

This is the discussion thread for Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng Chapter 1-5

Reading the description of Pearl's first visit to Richardsons house reminded me why I admire Celeste's writing style so much. She has such an eye for a small detail, which exactly describes and gives the essence of the feeling she wants to convey. She is an excellent writer.

I’m intrigued. I want to find out more about this family that has sucked Pearl in; we already know is going to end badly but part of me is still hoping that it will all be ok. I like how Shaker Heights is set up as almost a character itself, it’s description, it’s influence on the characters and their lives, it certainly adds to the story.

I’ve only got to chapter 3 but so far I don’t have a favorite character. My least favorite character is trip. I think it’s because he’s accusing Izzy but did she really do it or is it an accusation? It could also be that I’m not into the book just yet so still trying to figure everything out. As for the kids though it’s kinda hard for me to put an age on them. For example when I read about moody meeting pearl I’m thinking of a kid in 4,5,or 6th grade. Also I’m Not exactly clear yet on if the rental was burned down or if the Robinsons actual house is burned down. Once I get into the book more I’ll be able to pay attention to details closer though. Another thing I didn’t really like so far about the book was the neighborhood seems kinda snobby to me if your house is a certain way it needs to be this color? I’m not so much of a fan of that thought especially if I owned the home.

Samantha wrote: "Also I’m Not exactly clear yet on if the rental was burned down or if the Robinsons actual house is burned down. Once I get into the book more I’ll be able to pay attention to details closer though. Another thing I didn’t really like so far about the book was the neighborhood seems kinda snobby ..."
Robinson's home burned down
The neigborhood plays an important role in the character and story development, I think it was authors purpose to describe it in a way reader would notice. As Jennifer wrote above, it is almost a character on its own.

I’m not sure on how to respond back to your response like how you did. How it shows what I wrote and than what your thinking. How did you do that I’m new to his app so haven’t been here long :) but I’m not sure it just made me think back to when I lived in this one town as a child. I don’t live their anymore but my aunt and uncle does and how they describe what they go through as if everything has to be structured a certain way. The town has to be perfect there can’t be one flaw. That’s how the book made me feel towards the neighborhood. Sounds like a nice neighborhood but I personally wouldn’t want to live there.

Samantha wrote: "I’m not sure on how to respond back to your response like how you did. ...
Every message has options in the bottom right corner, one of them is reply, just click on it it will insert the italic text to show whom you reply to. You can also edit the italic text.

Samantha wrote: "Sounds like a nice neighborhood but I personally wouldn’t want to live there ...
Yes, me neither, it would be a nightmare if someone told me when i had to cut my grass and how many cm it is allowed to grow. On the other hand, I imagine it gives its inhabitants a feeling of security, order and safety.

Hmmm must just be my phone it doesn’t show a reply button or anything That kinda sucks but thanks for the info I’ll have to look at my computer tonight to see if it gives me the option and than I can add if I end up having a favorite character by the fifth chapter

FYI if using the app from a phone or tablet you cannot reply directly to a comment. In order to reply to a comment you probably have to go directly to the website. Sometimes I can reply when clicking the link on an email notification. At least that is the way it work on my phone and tablet

Sheila wrote: "FYI if using the app from a phone or tablet you cannot reply directly to a comment. In order to reply to a comment you probably have to go directly to the website. Sometimes I can reply when clicki..."
I got on my computer and it will let me reply just not from my phone.

I just finished chapter 5. It seems as if Lexie is trying to turn pearl into something she’s not as if she’s her Barbie doll. I can’t tell if it’s gonna end in a bad direction or not. I kinda feel bad for moody because it seems as if he really likes her and pearl is just crushing on trip. I still don’t have a least favorite character.

1. My favourite character at this moment is Izzy, probably because she's mysterious and independent. The other characters have disappointed me in these chapters.
2. I'm not so sure that it was Izzy who burned the house, I think this could be one of the surprises in the book. However, this fire probably has a close relationship with Mia and Pearl, so maybe could express all the changes that this family will let after their departure.

Finished chapter 5 and so far I am really enjoying the writing and the story is definitely pulling me in.

I think my least favourite character so far is definitely Lexie, at first I liked her but the way she was questioning Pearl about her dad was very insensitive.

I don't think I have a favourite character at the moment as all seem to have positives and negatives about them.

I agree with some of the above comments that I'm not sure that Izzy did set the fires, and going off Moody's thoughts it seems they are linked in some way to Mia and Pearl leaving.

Chapter 3 and she had me at fully clothed on the beach wearing Doc martins 😬 I feel like I’m really going to relate to Izzy but we shall see!

This FINALLY became available at the library so I just finished chapter 5. I like the writing style. I'm getting through it pretty quickly so far.

I think it's too early for me to have a favorite or least favorite character. I actually relate pretty strongly to all of the girls and Mia in one way or another. I'm undecided on Lexie yet. I don't think she realizes her intrusiveness into Pearl's personal life could be considered rude. Some people just grow up in a family or in a group of people who share absolutely everything and questions like that are just part of life. I could be wrong. She might just be an uncaring, self-absorbed teenager. Maybe it's both.

I don't think Izzy started the fire. I definitely think Mia and Pearl have something to do with it. Maybe it has to do with Pearl's dad? Or perhaps Moody did it. He was acting sketchy when the siblings were discussing where everyone was.

The neighborhood reminds me of the street in The Big Orange Splot before Mr. Plumbean paints his house. If you like children's picture books, or have children, read this.

I do think "little fires everywhere" has other meanings. Any type of drama or passion that may occur could be considered a fire. I'm fairly certain no one will get through this book unscathed in some way.

I'm really enjoying the writing so far!

It's been a busy month and I'm finally getting into the story now.

1. Do you have a favorite or least favorite character so far? - I think the characters are defined well so far. I agree that the town seems to be its own character. I'm interested in Mia and Izzy probably.

2. In chapter one they mention Izzy started 'little fires everywhere' in the Richardson house. That is also the book's title. Is there a deeper meaning behind Ng's choice of that title, do you think? Izzy's character makes you think that could be possible. I'm wondering if fighting starts with the brothers over Pearl and that instigates Izzy somehow. Maybe Pearl brings too much upheaval to the family for Izzy.