A Tree Grows in Brooklyn in Classics Without All the Class

Sep 02, 2009 Kayla rated it it was amazing

Shelves: reviewed, own, favorites, classics-read, great-american-reads

Believe it or not, but the first time I ever heard of this book was from the HBO series Band of Brothers (the book was being passed around in one of the platoons). When I checked out this book from the library, I read the introduction by Betty Smith first thing and I learned that this book is quite popular for men at war and prisoners. I thought that was really interesting since I had originally thought of this book as a "girl book".

I love Francie. I love her passion for writing and for school. ...more

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Jul 24, 2009 Beth rated it it was amazing

Absolutely one of the best books ever written in the US. It should be required reading for all high school students. I went to the East Side Tenement Museum in New YOrk four years ago, and their museum store featured it. I read it 35 years ago, and a couple of times since. I've read several other books by Betty Smith.

The poverty at that time is unknown to most of us, and there was so little that the people could do to improve their living situations. Francie's life did improve, by chance, becaus ...more

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Jul 18, 2009 Margaret rated it it was amazing

Shelves: favorites

What a great story of girl coming of age! Loved it!

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Mar 12, 2009 Kosh Koshover rated it really liked it

wonderful introspective

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Mar 06, 2012 Staciel rated it it was amazing

Shelves: rated-5-stars, favorites, classic-lit, my-book-of-the-year

Such a great book!!!! This was the first time I'd ever read 'A Tree Grows in Brooklyn', but after hearing such high praise from so many people, I finally took the plunge and 'met' Francie Nolan-- the story's main character.

I will definitely be back to meet her again (and probably again and again)

UPDATE: My Book of the Year 2015 pick ...more

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Mar 09, 2010 Carol marked it as to-read · review of another edition

Shelves: american-classic, carols-magic-square, 2006

So this is my first time reading this book, and I had no idea that it was 493 pages. I did see the black and white film -- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3wvCP...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n-eFO...

There are five books. I am just starting BOOK THREE . . .

...more

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