A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (P.S.)
by Betty Smith
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Book Reviews of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (P.S.)
Book Review: Beautiful!
Summary: 5 Stars
This is an incredible coming of age story that everyone should read regardless of social class, race, etc. It is the story of Francie Nolan and her often impoverished family and their daily struggles to put food on their plates and to become educated. Francie's voice is so innocent and perceptive as she narrates her family's history, the Brooklyn neighborhood she was raised in and the adjustments she must make as she grows older. She is able to find pleasure in the simplest of things, yet her life is a constant struggle filled with small joys and immense tragedies. Smith's beautiful writing immerses the reader in the Nolan's lives, effectively conveying the atmosphere of their existence and defining the era. I was so absorbed in this novel and am thrilled that I was prompted to read it for my book club. It will be a favorite that I will recommend and revisit over the years.Book Review: Good, but too long
Summary: 4 Stars
I did enjoy this book, but at some parts I felt the author could have done without. Some places have too many details and over explain; I got it the first time....the book is about a family, focusing on Francie as she grows up in Brooklyn, beginning in 1912. pre WWI. It's about loss of innocence in many ways, the harsh cruelty of life and the sacrifices that must be made, and the downfall of Francie's mind after a tragedy, dealing with her emotions, not being favoured by her mother and finding herself through the experiences of her life, her job and war. Francie triumphs in the end,and how she gets there is incredible and will leave you feeling like you've a diary of someone who had it harder than you and you will feel better and more confident about yourself and finding the strength to accomplish your goals no matter the hardships that come your way.Book Review: Inspiring & Touching book
Summary: 5 Stars
I'm so glad that I decided to read this book. I'd initially purchased it because it was on sale (and I really needed something new to read). Nonetheless, this book has become one of my, if not all time, favorite novels. The characters and situations are so real, and I'm a firm believer that ANYONE (male or female, young or old) can somehow relate to Francie Nolan. In this day and age where the youth seldomly read and are exposed to terrible mediums of entertainment (reality tv--Paris Hilton??) we need books such as "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn." It's so genuine and full of spirit and heart, despite the characters' dismal situations. This book has the ability to inspire readers to live their lives with integrity and to persevere--especially in seemingly hopeless situations.Book Review: Couldn't put it down
Summary: 5 Stars
I read "Joy In The Morning" as a teen, but this one just didn't make my reading list until now, in my 40s. What a great book. I had just finished reading Angela's Ashes and I'd thought, that even though the books are 60 years apart, and one was written by a man about a boy, and the other by a woman about a girl, they were quite similar.
They both drew me in and held me. It's incredible to me when an author can touch on something as unpleasant as poverty but not weigh you down and depress you with it. You aren't horrified by it and unable to finish it, and you aren't gobbling it up for morbid thrills as if staring as you pass by the scene of an accident. You come to admire the characters, and dread the last page.
This is one that will always be on my shelf.
Book Review: Moving and Interesting
Summary: 5 Stars
Reading this book felt like falling in love. It helped me re-connect with an appreciation for small pleasures and grow to appreciate the importance of how I look at the world around me.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn changed my life more than any other book I've ever read. The first time I tried to read it, I thought the beginning was slow and didn't try it again for a few years. Oddly, the second time I picked it up, I couldn't put it down. Because I enjoyed this book so much, I sought out some of Betty Smith's other novels. While they were all moving and wonderful, this one is by far her best.
I think everyone should try this book.