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Casey's Reviews > A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
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{Yup, I'm reading it AGAIN.}
I sob, and I mean sob, every time I read this book. It's such a simple story--Francie Nolan is a smart little girl who's trying to find beauty in her sometimes ugly, always poverty-stricken life. Her adored father is wonderful, but too plagued by his own demons to support his family. Her mother loves her children fiercely but is often harsh because she thinks it's her job to keep them grounded in reality (oh, and she seems to love Francie's brother more). Her aunt is a bit of a floozy, but is still kind and generous. Together, this family lives dirt-poor in Brooklyn. And that's it. But from this simple premise grows a tender, heartbreaking story. It's the only book that fills me with sadness just by thinking about it.
Also, this is another of those books that I fear will fade away. It's just not that flashy, and it is long. I'm always saddened at how much length plays a part in what my students choose to read. Please buy it!
I sob, and I mean sob, every time I read this book. It's such a simple story--Francie Nolan is a smart little girl who's trying to find beauty in her sometimes ugly, always poverty-stricken life. Her adored father is wonderful, but too plagued by his own demons to support his family. Her mother loves her children fiercely but is often harsh because she thinks it's her job to keep them grounded in reality (oh, and she seems to love Francie's brother more). Her aunt is a bit of a floozy, but is still kind and generous. Together, this family lives dirt-poor in Brooklyn. And that's it. But from this simple premise grows a tender, heartbreaking story. It's the only book that fills me with sadness just by thinking about it.
Also, this is another of those books that I fear will fade away. It's just not that flashy, and it is long. I'm always saddened at how much length plays a part in what my students choose to read. Please buy it!
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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
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Reading Progress
Finished Reading
May 8, 2007
– Shelved
May 17, 2007
– Shelved as:
children-or-young-adult
July 10, 2008
– Shelved as:
2008
Comments Showing 1-26 of 26 (26 new)
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Marian
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Jun 28, 2008 09:32AM
I read this years ago and I loved it too.
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I absolutely adore it. I notice something new every time.
Thanks for the reminder. I also read it years ago and loved it and had forgotten all about it. Like you, I hope it doesn't disappear for lack of flash.
It really is an underrated book. But don't worry, it happens to be my favorite book of all time, and I know several fellow college students who also adore it. My younger sister is dying to read it. Fear not, this precious gem of a book will be carried down to subsequent generations :)
I'm 43 and just read it for the first time- but, it was because I remember my mom telling me when I was young that it had been her favorite book when she was little. I never forgot the name of it, and just happened to see it in a charity shop a few weeks ago. I can see why she loved it. I think we just need to keep passing it down.
Hi Everyone- I am in a quandry...but I think that you could help. Since you all have read the book,I would like to pick your memories. My book Group is reading this book and I am hosting the review. I have this great book that is titled "Read It and Eat" suggestions for food and discussion questions. I plan to make "Bare Bones Beef Barley Soup" and some bread. Can anyone recall any desserts or sweets that the Nolan Family had?I reviewed this book and enjoyed it. I would be very grateful if anyone could suggest something to top off our gathering. Thanks very much!
Nancy wrote: "sugar buns, hot chocolate"That sounds like a great finish.I appreciate the idea.
Thanks! Pat
ps...I found a recipe for sugar buns on Martha Stewart just now. I can't wait to try them.
I have re-read this book multiple times, and every time I get something different out of it. It was recommended to me by a favorite teacher who has since passed away, and I vividly remember her telling me that "books will be there for you when nobody else will". I feel as if a have a piece of her with me whenever I read this book.
Its a beautifully poignant book. To me, a truly good book makes one cry & laugh. Even though this one evokes more tears than laughs, it's still a wonderful story. I love the movie too.
This was on TV the other day and I was telling my husband about the graduation flowers and I started crying! I can't even talk about the damn book!
I really enjoyed this book when I read it many years ago. It is an excellent window into life in the early 20th century. I love books that help me understand my ancestors' world.
Fantastic review! I just read it for the first time and can't even find the words to describe how much I loved it. I want to immediately pick it up and read it again. I have written down many quotes that I feel are so meaningful and poignant to life, regardless of the time period. Incredible story that is now my favorite book of all time :)
Fantastic review! I just read it for the first time and can't even find the words to describe how much I loved it. I want to immediately pick it up and read it again. I have written down many quotes that I feel are so meaningful and poignant to life, regardless of the time period. Incredible story that is now my favorite book of all time :)
When I started reading it didn't look anything special and the reading went slowly for a while... But then it just cought me! I'm only sad because in some parts the english was a little too complicated for me (I'm italian) and I couldn't get the beauty of every paragraph
I just finished it, here in 2014, and agree with your review 100%! It is not flashy, but there are nuggets of gold within this story that you want everyone to experience. The relationship between Francie and her Dad is priceless!
I agree with every word you wrote. I wish I had written it as it expresses my thoughts so well.
Once is enough for me . Enjoy your second time around !
You should read Wild Swans if you want another book to fill you with sadness upon thought
鈥淭ears were standing in my eyes鈥� to quote from the book, that was what happened when I was reading this book...unconditional love and everyone in the family trying to do their best...
Casey, I hope it doesn't fade away. I can't believe as a kid growing up in Brooklyn, this wasn't required reading. I read it later in life. I now recommend it to all young readers. Betty Smith's story brought back many memories I had growing up in Brooklyn. I actually didn't read this until after I wrote my memoir about Brooklyn and I found out Betty even went to school in Greenpoint. For those who want to read more about Brooklyn, of a later time, you might enjoy, ""Growing Up Greenpoint: A Kid's Life in 1970s Brooklyn." Growing Up Greenpoint: A Kid's Life in 1970s Brooklyn
Casey, it won't fade. It was written 76 years ago and still going strong. Longevity is what makes a classic a classic. 馃槈
It truly is an amazing story. It's simplicity is its strength...ordinary people trying to map out a life. As an avid reader, a truly good read is one of the joy's of life for me and this story delivered. I even love the title and its significance in the story.
Terrific review! I am half way through my second reading of this treasure - first read it 35 years ago! It is unbearably poignant and I know I will go back to it again. Like you, I worry it will just disappear.
Beautiful review! I'm so happy that this book was on PBS: The Great American Read. It's a book I had heard of, but didn't know how great it was. I'll hasten to add that not every book on the PBS list seems worthy of it, but being there will bring a lot of new readers. I'm just a few chapters in, but I can already see why this is a classic. (less)
