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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By Diane , Armchair Tour Guide · 3 posts · 1371 views

last updated Jan 18, 2013 07:12PM

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What Members Thought

Aug 01, 2009 Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance rated it it was amazing

Shelves: the-great-american-read, the-classics-club, favorites, coming-of-age

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn tells the story of Francie Nolan and her family, from her childhood to her young adulthood. Francie grows up fast, often hungry, with her mom working in the poorly-paid job of janitor, and her dad seldom working. It's a powerful story, set in early-20th century Brooklyn, and Francie suffers many setbacks including the early loss of her father and having to quit school to go to work. ...more

5 likes · Like · see review

Sep 23, 2020 Linda Martin rated it it was amazing

Shelves: families, fiction, favorites, geo-new-york, 2020

I always thought this was a children's classic, but I would not give it to a child to read. There are too many mature themes. However it is a great family saga and coming of age story. I honestly wish I felt like writing more about it right now, but since my home burned in a forest fire earlier this month, I'm not in much of a mood for writing a lot about books right now. I hope I come out of my doldrums soon. This book was a great comfort to me during the days following the fire... and I really ...more

4 likes · Like · see review

Jan 03, 2017 Mary Paul rated it it was amazing

Shelves: life-guides-to-always-have, world-s-best-kids-books, as-american-as-apple-pie

“From that time on, the world was hers for the reading. She would never be lonely again, never miss the lack of intimate friends. Books became her friends and there was one for every mood. There was poetry for quiet companionship. There was adventure when she tired of quiet hours. There would be love stories when she came into adolescence and when she wanted to feel a closeness to someone she could read a biography. On that day when she first knew she could read, she made a vow to read one book ...more

1 like · Like · see review

Jun 22, 2011 Mary rated it it was amazing · review of another edition

This book beautifully meanders through life. It is a story of what it means to be human; the fabric of life, the limits of love, the loss of innocence and the birth of knowledge. Written through the eyes of Francie, a poor young girl growing up in the Bronx in the mid 90's. We fall in love with Francie, her brother Neely, mom Katie, Dad Johnny and baby Laurie. Through them we learn many life lessons; beauty is not always seen through ones eyes. Pride does not relate to status or money; intellige ...more

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Jan 02, 2011 Tina rated it really liked it

This has been on my 'to read' list for so long! I'm glad I finally picked it up and gave it a go. It was a nice read and a very good story. Loved the characters and the ending was satisfying. ...more

1 like · Like · see review