Little Fires Everywhere

This is my first time reading Celeste Ng's writing, and I have to say I have found a new favorite author. I loved this book. Ng's writing style is beautiful and engaging. I didn't want to put this one down.

This story follows two families, the Richardsons and the Warrens, as their lives become entwined through the relationships formed by the children. The Richardsons have a seemingly perfect life in the idealistic community of Shaker Heights. The eccentric, artsy Mia Warren and her daughter Pearl enter their lives and shake up the supposed perfection.

I found the characters well-developed. There as a nice mix of both static and dynamic characters. I was surprised by some, but was able to predict the actions of others. I have to say I enjoyed the characters of Mia and Pearl the most. They just seemed more genuine than the Richardsons. However, I know more people in my life like the Richardsons, so I could relate to them.

The plot develops at a nice pace. I never found myself bored with the action. The story is very character driven, yet the plot has plenty enough revelations and interesting events to keep any reader engaged.

The idea that sometimes you have to burn something to the ground and start over is very relevant and universal. Fresh starts are necessary sometimes to get out of the ruts we dig ourselves into.

This was my first full read of 2020, and I couldn't have picked a better book to start my new year.