Printable Book Club Questions for Little Fires Everywhere by Celeste Ng

There are two important settings: Shaker Heights and the ’90s era. How do you think the location and the era added more to the story? How would the story be different if it were set in the present day?
Celeste Ng’s writing style includes different perspectives and characters, sometimes on the same page. How did this shape your opinions of the characters? Do you like that style of writing?
Pearl is finally able to act like a “normal” teenager when she spends time with the Richardson family. All the kids, except maybe for Izzy, grow fond of Pearl. Do you think they all had genuine affection for her or did they have selfish intentions?
The mother-daughter dynamics are complicated with many of the characters. What do you think Izzy saw in Mia that she doesn’t see in her own mom?
Mia isn’t concerned with wealth or appearances but her art does take over her thoughts and motivations. What are some of the similarities and differences between Mia’s love for art compared to Elena’s focused on order?
What do you think it was about Mia that Elena didn’t trust initially? Do you think her motivation to find out Mia’s background was just because of their differing views on the adoption case or was it something more?
What is your opinion of the adoption case? Did the judge make the right call, why or why not?
What surprised you the most about Mia’s background?
Do you think Pearl will ever meet her real dad and grandparents?
Why do you think Izzy decided to burn down the house? Do you think she’ll find Mia and Pearl? Will she ever reunite with her family again?
Let’s talk about what we think will happen to Mia and Elena’s lives down the road.
What will Pearl, Lexie, Trip, Moody and Izzy be like as adults?
Do you know any planned communities similar to Shaker Heights?
Now let’s talk about the Hulu version of the story. First, what did you think about the casting overall?
Why do you think they decided to focus more on race in the show compared to the novel?
There are many differences in the show compared to the book. What did you think about having Mia in a relationship with her teacher? Why do you think they added that dynamic to the show?
Elena is different as well – in the show, she didn’t want Izzy and that is very apparent in her dynamics. She also has a former flame Jamie that she still has feelings for. What did you think about the changes to Elena?
In the novel, Izzy is the one to burn down the house. But in the show, it’s Lexie, Trip and Moody. What are your thoughts on this change? Did it make sense for those children to burn the house or did you think it was out of character? Why did Elena take the blame for her children?
Overall, do you like the book or TV series better?