A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
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I was not enthralled with this book. I wanted to be, hoped I would be, after having seen the movie many times, (and having the same last name as the main character) but it didn't happen. Maybe if I had read it when I was girl it might have resonated more with me. After reading all these wonderful comments, I feel kinda bad for not liking it. :(
Karen wrote: "I was not enthralled with this book. I wanted to be, hoped I would be, after having seen the movie many times, (and having the same last name as the main character) but it didn't happen. Maybe if ..."I loved the book too, but don't feel bad for not enjoying it. That's why there are so many books out there - something for everyone!
I enjoy history. I think it is hard to learn many times, about a period of history through a history book. I learned a lot of about the time period through reading this book.
I agree with Jim, sometimes it is much more interesting to learn history via a novel than a history book. I've learned so much history and geography by way of story backdrops and am often awed by the amount of research done by some authors of fiction.
I first read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn when I was in the 4th grade. Living in Williamsburg at the time made it all that more special to me. I remember walking home from school and being excited to walk down the same streets Francie had walked down(my fourth grade self refused to believe it was a work of fiction). This book made my world make more sense and that's of the reasons why I retread it at least once every year.
Like many commenting here I read this book as a child, which would now be some fifty years (!?!) ago and I'm afraid I only recall snippets of it. The business of Francine only liking the smell of coffee and getting grief for pouring this luxury away sticks in my memory for some strange reason. I also recollect I suppose equally strangely a bit in an old Warner Bros. cartoon where Bugs Bunny being cornered in an alleyway by a pack of dogs, shows them a book and the dogs all run off over a bridge. The book is, of course, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.
I was born in Brooklyn and have a strong family connection with the boro and I'm sure that was a factor in my reading this book. Mind I read everything in the house anyway, which again I can’t tell people with children often enough; read to your kids, have them read to you, make sure they see you reading for yourself and keep your home stocked with a wide variety of books.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn certainly had an effect on me, ‘though I rather suspect rereading now I’d find it a bit too sentimental. I think it’s one those books perhaps best read when young.
To those who might have an interest in novels about immigrant experience in New York City (of which there are myriad) I can recommend Elizabeth Street by my friend Laurie Fabiano.
Thank you all for reminding me of this book. I loved it years ago and now must re-read!
Janie wrote: "After reading this entire thing in eight hours, I would like to say that this is the most well written book about nothing that I have ever read. :D Except, I hated Francie's name. This reminded m..."right Janie
I think it definitely reflects a little of Angela's Ashes and The Glass Castle, if you ask me! I loved this memoir, and I loved Francie...she's probably one of my favorite literary coming-of-age novel characters next to Charlie from Perks of Being A Wallflower.
Robert wrote: "Like many commenting here I read this book as a child, which would now be some fifty years (!?!) ago and I'm afraid I only recall snippets of it. The business of Francine only liking the smell of ..."I completely agree about reading to children and keeping literature in their lives. That's how I grew up. :)
I read this book for the first time when I was about 10 years old and re-read it many times after that. Reading it at different stages of my life, I felt differently about some of the characters, in particular the mother. When I was young, I was tough on her. As a young girl, I hated that she didn't give Francie the opportunity to continue school but had her go to work and Nealy continue his education. As I got older, I understood what she was trying to do. She knew Francie would pursue her education but that Nealy would not. As a more modern woman, though, Francie was still the more deserving. One of the best (and saddest) books I've ever read. The movie was also well done but didn't capture the humor or good times and focused more on the sadness. The book was real life.
Though I grew up in a different time, and of a different life, I saw so much of myself in Francie. The loner, bookworm girl, who did not always fit in, until she was older. I can remember when I read this first as a young teen, I so wished Francie was one of my friends.
I am so pleased that I came across this book here on Goodreads! I had never heard of it before but purchased it because of the reviews I've read here. I've finally finished and am very grateful to have it in my library so that I can lend it to others who may enjoy it, also. The writing was simply beautiful and the characters very vivid and well developed. A timeless story of overcoming the challenges that life throws our way.
It was probably the most honest novel ı've ever read.
I have always loved A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, it is a wonderful book, and because I adored my father, and when he left my family (not by death) when I was 11, I could also relate to Francie's grief. I read a book similar to this, but I cannot remember the name. It is a coming of age book, that takes plece at almost the same time, but the girls parents are deaf. Has anyone read this, and if you have please let me know the name of the book? I would be grateful.
Kandi wrote: "I am so pleased that I came across this book here on Goodreads! I had never heard of it before but purchased it because of the reviews I've read here. I've finally finished and am very grateful to ..."Lovely review. :)
Karen wrote: "I have always loved A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, it is a wonderful book, and because I adored my father, and when he left my family (not by death) when I was 11, I could also relate to Francie's grief..."Is it In Silence: Growing Up Hearing in a Deaf World byRuth Sidransky?
Karen wrote: "Karen wrote: "I have always loved A Tree Grows In Brooklyn, it is a wonderful book, and because I adored my father, and when he left my family (not by death) when I was 11, I could also relate to F..."no that is not the book. It was a work of fiction.
Janie wrote: "After reading this entire thing in eight hours, I would like to say that this is the most well written book about nothing that I have ever read. :D Except, I hated Francie's name. This reminded m..."I love this novel soooo much! It was the number one novel I was glad school required in freshman year. I think you should try Little Women and Jane Eyre (Jane Eyre is my favorite piece of literature!!!)
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To Kill a Mockingbird (other topics)
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In Silence: Growing Up Hearing in a Deaf World (other topics)The Catcher in the Rye (other topics)
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There's a thought. . . :) I was also introduced to this book in my 10th grade English class. I read it all the way through that weekend (my classmates and I got the book on a Friday). I loved it. I can't pinpoint a specific reason except perhaps that it felt so down-to-earth and real. It was about growing up and the challenges that come with it. And I cried when her dad died. It was so sudden. Next chapter: boom, he's dead.
One of my favorite books. :)