A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (P.S.)

This book can best be described as a book about growing up. This book takes place between 1902 and 1919, which is a vastly different time than now but the theme is the same. The story follows a young girl who grows up in Brooklyn with her two parents and brother. Although it sound basic in its meaning, it can translate to any woman. My favorite passage in the book: "'Dear God,'...more

This book can best be described as a book about growing up. This book takes place between 1902 and 1919, which is a vastly different time than now but the theme is the same. The story follows a young girl who grows up in Brooklyn with her two parents and brother. Although it sound basic in its meaning, it can translate to any woman. My favorite passage in the book: "'Dear God,' she prayed, 'let me be something every minute of every hour of my life. Let me be gay; let me be sad. Let me be cold; let me be warm. Let me be hungry...have too much to eat. Let me be ragged or well dressed. Let me be sincere - be deceitful. Let me be truthful; let me be a liar. Let me be honorable and let me sin. Only let me be something every blessed minute. And when I sleep, let me dream all the time so that not one little piece of living is ever lost.'" (p.421)   hide

Great book!

Wow! I regret that I have waited until now to read this book - lovely all around. Just loved it.

I read this book on a whim, I didn't know anything about it, but it ended up to be an amazing read. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is probably one of my favorite books because of Smith's intricate descriptions of each character, no matter how small, in the novel. They all had stories that were different, but somehow tied together and contributed to the story of life in Brooklyn.

It was interesting to read how little everything cost in the early 1900's and read what this family had to sacrifice in order to survive. I enjoyed seeing how Francie blossomed into a "tree" with deep roots in her Brooklyn neighborhood. Despite several setbacks and hardships, Francie is able to find her way in this coming of age novel and blossom into a successful woman. I liked...more

It was interesting to read how little everything cost in the early 1900's and read what this family had to sacrifice in order to survive. I enjoyed seeing how Francie blossomed into a "tree" with deep roots in her Brooklyn neighborhood. Despite several setbacks and hardships, Francie is able to find her way in this coming of age novel and blossom into a successful woman. I liked how Smith was able to make Francie's dad and Aunt Sissy be compassionate and sympathetic characters despite the poor choices that each of them made. Some of the choices that Francie makes in regards to her education are heart wrenching and powerful. As a teacher, I was really pushing for her to make it because I've seen a lot of students with hard backgrounds who do not try and just give up.   hide

This is a fabulous book! I read it for the first time many years ago as a teenager and it had a huge impact on me then. Rereading it now this many years later, I see it with different eyes, but it moves me all the same. It is truly a classic, depicting life in the early 20th century. I think I'll read it again 20 years from now! LOL!

I wish it hadn't taken my this long to finally pick up this book and read it, as it was poignant, readable and well written. Not the same ol' take on urban poverty, Francie's story is hopeful and triumphant and left me wanting to know what happens to her next. There are a handful of books that I have re-read; this will certainly be one of them. Will also be given to my children when they are...more

I wish it hadn't taken my this long to finally pick up this book and read it, as it was poignant, readable and well written. Not the same ol' take on urban poverty, Francie's story is hopeful and triumphant and left me wanting to know what happens to her next. There are a handful of books that I have re-read; this will certainly be one of them. Will also be given to my children when they are old enough to handle some of the subject matter...   hide

Classic. Must read.

Betty Smith is an excellent writer.