Printable Book Club Questions for Miracle Creek by Angie Kim

The story starts with the tragic night from Young’s perspective. Let’s take a look at it again. What are some of the key story elements revealed in this chapter?
Are you familiar with the hyperbaric oxygen therapy, or HBOT? Let’s discuss why each of the characters in the novel decided to try the “miracle submarine.” Why do you think Pak decided they should start up this service?
Much of what happened that night is revealed through courtroom testimonies. What did you think about the courtroom scenes? Did it all sound realistic to you?
Did you think Elizabeth had started the fire to kill her son Henry or did you think she was being wrongly accused?
Let’s now discuss her relationship with Henry. The author really describes the shame and frustration Elizabeth felt with Henry and also her longing that he would be a “normal” boy. Why do you think she pushed him so hard? Do you agree with her that, even though she didn’t start the fire, she played a role in his death? She commits suicide in the end—do you think it would made a difference to her if she had found out the truth about Mary and Pak’s role?
Much of the novel focus on the immigrant experience. Why do you think Pak thought the U.S. was the right choice for his family? Let’s talk about Mary’s isolation and why she never felt like she fit in. How might have the story played out differently if her parents would have acknowledged her unhappiness? Why did Mary take out her anger on her mother but not her father?
The protestors’ presence are felt throughout the novel but despite their role in the events that happened, they are never charged. What do you think about this?
Now let’s focus on Matt. At the end of the novel, Young says: “And Matt—he was the casual root of everything: without him, with his actions and lies to Mary and Janine, they wouldn’t have done what they’d done the night of the explosion.” But Matt was not held accountable for his role in the fire and his assault of Mary. Let’s discuss this and how Matt was the catalyst for all the horrible events.
Did you suspect that Pak was involved with the fire? Did you ever think Mary was? What did you think about the final reveal of their actions? Young comments that “all that happened was the unintended consequence of a good person’s mistakes.” Let’s talk about this.
When Mary is released from prison, do you think she’ll ever have a “normal” life?
Let’s discuss Teresa for a bit. Why did Teresa support Elizabeth, especially when no one else did? Let’s talk about Teresa and Young’s friendship and how they will help each other going forward.
This novel focuses on parents of disabled children—the struggles, the frustration and the jealousy. Let’s discuss this and the “perfect mother” narrative.
Young is horrified when she finds out that Pak and Mary played a role in the fire. What did you think about Young’s character development? Do you think she’ll get back with Pak when he’s released from jail or do you think she won’t be able to forgive him? What did you think about the ending?
In your opinion, what are some of the main lessons in this story?