From the Bookshelf of Bound Together…

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Betty Smith

Start date: June 1, 2011

Finish date: June 30, 2011

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What Members Thought

Feb 22, 2012 Irene rated it really liked it

This is a coming of age story in which the particular becomes universal. Betty Smith draws the reader into the life of the Nolan family with all of its strength and weakness. The book opens on a July Saturday in a poor immigrant neighborhood in Brooklyn in 1912. Eleven year old Frances Nolan and her brother take the week’s collection of rags and scrap metal to the junk man, buy penny candy with the proceeds, then, as Neeley goes off to play ball with other boys, Francie settles on the fire escap ...more

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Jun 15, 2009 Wendy rated it really liked it

Shelves: own, 2014-reads, read-with-kathy

I'm really not sure why it took me so long to finish this book. I knew going in that it wasn't going to be packed with action, but it quietly sneaked up on you and pulled you in to life through Francie's eyes. What an amazing, rich character! I loved her spunk - she was just so real. There is so much going on in this story that it seems like nothing is going on. But it is a masterful story and well worth the praise it has received. So many quiet, subtle lines that just resonated with me.

Here are ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Dec 12, 2009 Glenda rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: books-read-in-2011, all-time-favorites

The book is about a young girl named Francie Nolan who grows up in a poor section of Brooklyn. She is raised by her hardworking mother, Katie, who is strong willed and determined to create a better future for her children. Her father is a charming, handsome fellow who tends to drink more than he should. He has problems providing for his family. Each character in the book is full of life, truth, and beauty, but Francie herself is truly inspirational. Francie is intensely aware of herself, her sur ...more

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Jan 12, 2017 Angie rated it it was amazing

Shelves: classics, coming-of-age

I absolutely loved this book. I don't know why I waited so long to read it. What a beautifully written story about a girl growing up in Brooklyn. Absolute classic, I'd read it again and again. ...more

1 like · Like · see review