Jenny asked this question about Little Fires Everywhere:
What did everyone think about the ending? (and also Trip x Pearl)
Ric Chapin I actually really liked the ending. It was open ended and bittersweet, leaving it ambiguous enough to whether these people would ever find each other …moreI actually really liked the ending. It was open ended and bittersweet, leaving it ambiguous enough to whether these people would ever find each other again. I thought that was a real and gritty end that's more true to life than any of us would ever be comfortable admitting to ourselves. I guess reading through the comments people were turned off there's no definitive answer to where these characters lives will ultimately take them but honestly the best and worst possibilities are there for you to discern. The open ended-ness and ambiguity doesn't bother me. The ultimate point of the ending is to reaffirm the theme; that there is always something beyond the 'ties that bind' of simply being a family; that there are the 'ties we choose' of wanting something more for ourselves that comes to define who our family is to us. We are more than just blood ties. We're a complicated set, a mixed bag, crazy as fuck, on the edge, wanting more, and so much more than even that. Should we really be limited to others who despite having our best interests also hold us back? It's a tough question and not one that has a specific answer. Each case is unique. That's why I liked the ending. Each character is facing and an uncertain future which yes you might find anxiety inducing but each person has room to grow: to find themselves, each other, and their better selves.

As for Izzy, she done my boy Trip dirty; Trip was actually the most relatable character. Kept his head down, thinking with his dick mostly. Teenagers. However, when he and Pearl start their sexual relationship . . . 2 things. I took his fumbling with Pearl during their first time as self-evident that he wasn't as sexually promiscuous as previously believed. And, if not that, it was apparent that deeper feelings were beginning to blossom the more time they spent with each other that could've evolved into the life Lexie envisioned for herself. But that's not life. The well laid plans of mice and men. So for Izzy to state that Trip had just used her, I felt was a bit of character assassination but played well into Izzy's character of being a judgmental loner.

Lastly, if you're worried that these characters won't ever find each other again. Don't worry, in about 20 years Facebook will be invented and they can take their drama online. These are exactly the kind of people that would cyberstalk each other. (less)
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by Celeste Ng (Goodreads Author)
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