From the Bookshelf of Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)…

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Betty Smith

Start date: August 1, 2019

Finish date: August 31, 2019

Discussion: New School Classics- 1915-2005

Discussion leader: Katy

Why we're reading this: Revisit the Shelf Group Reread, August 2019

Previous Group Reads:
Revisit the Shelf Group Read, May 2013
New…more
[close] Revisit the Shelf Group Reread, August 2019

Previous Group Reads:
Revisit the Shelf Group Read, May 2013
New School Classic, August 2012

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New School Classics- 1915-2005

The Stepford Wives - Spoilers
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last updated Sep 29, 2025 01:54PM

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last updated Sep 15, 2025 11:39AM

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What Members Thought

Nov 21, 2019 Anne rated it it was amazing

Shelves: 2020, classics, audio, favorites, read-pre-gr, kindle, reread, 2011, immigrant-experience, new-york

This was a reread of a reread... Just as wonderful and moving as ever. I tear up at the end every time. So wish there were a sequel.

46 likes · Like · see review

Sep 01, 2017 Ian Anderson rated it really liked it · review of another edition

So I heard people like this book. Now that I have read it I understand why. There's so much to like about it. Francie Nolan has to be one of the most likable characters there is or ever will be. The story begins during the early years of Francie's life, then jumps back to before she was born, illustrating her family's past, habits, and beliefs before putting the spotlight back on Francie.

Francie is an impoverished girl of Brooklyn with not many friends so she turns to books as her outlet, aspir So I heard people like this book. Now that I have read it I understand why. There's so much to like about it. Francie Nolan has to be one of the most likable characters there is or ever will be. The story begins during the early years of Francie's life, then jumps back to before she was born, illustrating her family's past, habits, and beliefs before putting the spotlight back on Francie.

Francie is an impoverished girl of Brooklyn with not many friends so she turns to books as her outlet, aspiring to be a writer and getting little help from her teachers. The book is essentially plotless. It's more of a descriptive account a family's struggle for happiness in the years leading up to the First World War. But happiness is not a thing that can be measured by fortune and status which A Tree Grows in Brooklyn epitomizes. Though the Nolan's struggle for steady income, have little to eat, and have seemingly all odds against them, they remain a happy family because of the bond between them.

The novel is very descriptive, particularly in the first half. Although the book is easy reading, there is one point where Betty Smith is describing each and every family member and telling each back story which became a bit tedious. It did help later on with the depth of the different family members but I felt it could have been approached differently. The style of writing was a bit of an adjustment here because it felt like a rundown of the characters rather than a description within the context of the story. It also surprised me by being written in the third person. For some reason, I expected a first person narrative. I had no problem with this once I got into the book but it's worth mentioning. The first half is more descriptive than eventful, but the second half picks up the pace dramatically.

The book really takes the reader into the time period. It has stood the test of time and is beloved for a reason. Even if you are a 26-year-old male like myself you can still enjoy the story and connect with it. The relationship between Francie and her little brother was heartfelt and reminded me of my own relationship with my older sister. I don't think there's anything here that is groundbreaking, but the book is an enjoyable experience that will make a mark on your emotions. I look forward to watching the film to see how it compares.

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6 likes · Like · see review

Dec 05, 2012 Katy rated it really liked it

Great book. NIce coming of age novel with a hope for the future.

2 likes · Like · see review

Jun 18, 2012 Melanti rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

Shelves: young-adult, e-book, 2013, classics, historical

I'm so glad I read this as an adult and not as a teen.

I loved it, but I know there are nuances and innuendo that I definitely would not have picked up on if I'd read it when I was young -- like Sissy's job in a condom factory. That one certainly would have gone way over my head! ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jan 28, 2014 Darla rated it liked it · review of another edition

Shelves: modern-mrs-darcy-reading-challenge

As others thought I was one of the only ones who hadn't read this book. I can only like this book. Yes, there are some beautiful, DETAILED descriptive passages. I did enjoy the last chapters much more. And the tree paragraph at the end. ...more

Like · see review