2025 Reading Challenge discussion
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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: Chapters 15-29
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Alissa
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Mar 29, 2014 03:22PM
For discussion on chapters 15 - 29 of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
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This story is a harsh understanding that no matter how you try or wish life might not change. The Nolans still have hope and optimism even when it backfires. My favorite part so far is the Christmas tree and how the children got it.
I also really enjoyed the boat trip. It was funny and sad at the same time.
The boat trip made me way sadder than anything else. Here's Johnny trying to do the right thing, but he's basically incapable and his kids (thankfully) can't see it.The Christmas tree part, though, I loved. It was so full of joy.
I love how the children make the best of their situation. No matter their struggles the Nolan's always find a silver lining.
Although the boat trip was very sad the section of this story that brought me to tears was the story of the vaccination. Francie was incredible when she said "My brother is next. His arm is just as dirty as mine so don't be surprised. And you don't have to tell him. You told me." This doctor was so far from being a compassionate, caring person and the nurse "forgot" that a few years earlier she had been in the same position as the two kids. The smallness in these two "professionals" was disgusting.
Can we talk about Sissy? I love Sissy. I don't totally understand the relationship between her and Johnny, but I love that she stands up for herself and the people she cares about. The scene with the teacher wasn't the best written part of the book, but I like how she brings the kids little surprises and lightens up their day.
Sissy seems like a woman with a heart of gold, so well-meaning but some of her intentions that were meant to be loving go awry. I think that losing all those babies has left her with a maternal instinct that is so strong it just has to branch out in lots of directions.
I liked how she would just decide she didn't want to be married anymore, go oh, we weren't really married and move on to the next. Not saying its a good life strategy but it makes her a good character.
Really enjoying the detailed descriptions in this book. I just loved it when they moved into the new place and found the piano.
Kaitlin wrote: "Can we talk about Sissy? I love Sissy. I don't totally understand the relationship between her and Johnny, but I love that she stands up for herself and the people she cares about. The scene with t..."I loved the part about Sissy standing up for Francie! Sissy telling the mean teacher that Francie has a kidney condition and that she could die if she didn't relieve herself in time! Sissy is a very caring and loving woman.
I agree that the Nolans, especially Francie, always find the silver lining. "There had to be the dark and muddy waters so that the sun could have something to background its flashing glory."
