Title: Little Fires Everywhere
Author: Celeste Ng
Published: 2017
Call #: Fic Ng
In the fishbowl of Shaker Heights, Ohio, there is a family whose
perfect home goes aflame. The Richardson's are a family of six, with four kids
all now in high school: the senior, Lexie; junior: Trip; sophomore
, Moody; and freshman, Izzy. Each kid has a unique talent and charm about
them, representing perfect shapes in a cookie-cutter town. Only, it is
most difficult for Izzy. She has never quite fit in, to the point
of being the first suspect when their home burns down. The only
breakthrough she has had was when she befriended the family's tenant, a
somewhat radical artist named Mia. Mia's daughter Pearl, a sophomore, is
quickly becoming a regular fixture at the Richardson's dinner table. Each
girl silently considers how ideal it would be if the other's parent &
situation were their own.
Mia and Pearl have never been in one place for longer than a
year at a time. It has always been the two of them chasing Mia’s next artistic
inspiration. This time, Mia promises Pearl it will be different. They find
Shaker Heights and the ideal school for Pearl at the opportune time. Only, the
goal of Pearl having the opportunity to make connections and friends is not at
all what Mia had envisioned.
The mystery of who started the “little fires everywhere” in the
Richardson home is enveloped within the clash of watching two completely
different families correspond and learn from one another. Between
watching these two drastically different mothering styles struggle with their
lack of control to how these teens navigate through needing confidence in this
seemingly perfect town keeps you entertained through Celeste Ng’s entire
sophomore novel.