From the Bookshelf of Around the World in 80 Books…

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

Betty Smith

Start date: March 15, 2015

Finish date: April 15, 2015

Discussion: Group Reads Discussions

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Group Reads Discussions

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What Members Thought

Feb 14, 2017 MichelleCH rated it it was amazing

Shelves: memoir, fiction, own, favorites, new-york-new-york, mt-tbr-2017

I'm not sure why it has taken me so long to read this amazing book.

Francie Nolan is the oldest child of Irish immigrant parents who have many struggles but will do anything for their children. We follow Francie's family as they change and grow over the years.

Francie is a reader and finds her escape in books and dreams. Her day-to-day experiences allow you to share in her discoveries about life and love.

Why did I love this book?

The writing was breathtaking. The insights that Smith shares through ...more

2 likes · Like · see review

Jul 12, 2008 C. rated it really liked it

Shelves: fiction

This is a Classic that takes place in the early 1900's in Brooklyn, New York. It is the story of a family and its main character is a little girl named Francis. She grew up in a neighbourhood of immigrants due to her poverty. It is a good read, although the story doesn't move too fast, it does capture the reader. You feel for the suffering caused by poverty, alcoholism and need of expressed affection, as perceived by the child. You feel for the rushed growing-up Francis and her brother had to do ...more

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