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mkhoffs's review against another edition
3.5
I’m a sl*t for a coming of age story and what a lovely one this one was. Following the Nolan family (but particularly focusing on Francie and her mother Katie), we are thrown into the gritty, poor neighborhoods of Brooklyn during the 1910s.
In this book you will find the heart of the human experience: grief, laughter, love, and family. Something that will always stick with me after reading this book is the complicated nature of the women’s relationships in it. Very Ladybird-esque (my favorite movie hehe).
This book really made me FEEL with the characters, I cried a couple times reading it. I think it’s beautiful in the way that it’s one of those books that every single reader can find a part of themselves in, no matter how much time has passed.
In this book you will find the heart of the human experience: grief, laughter, love, and family. Something that will always stick with me after reading this book is the complicated nature of the women’s relationships in it. Very Ladybird-esque (my favorite movie hehe).
This book really made me FEEL with the characters, I cried a couple times reading it. I think it’s beautiful in the way that it’s one of those books that every single reader can find a part of themselves in, no matter how much time has passed.
dr_dick's review against another edition
5.0
marvelous. i loved this book. great writing and beautiful storytelling.
dogearedprints's review against another edition
5.0
I loved the writing in this book. I loved Francie. I loved the Nolans. I loved the look back to a time that is so distant and yet feels so relatable. As a writer, I loved watching the growth of these characters as their lives changed. And I wonder about my family growing up in Brooklyn around the same time and wish I could ask them questions. What a wonderful read!
emilycrall's review against another edition
5.0
Oh wow. I don't remember who told me to read this book, but I can't imagine that I chanced across it in the library solely from luck. This book drew me in so deeply that when I'd tear myself back to reality, I wouldn't know for a moment who I was or where I was. I was Francie and I lived in Brooklyn. It was that simple. The words, the depth, the growth, the sorrow, the happiness, every single emotion that she felt, I felt. This is a book that I wish I could tell someone why they need to read it, but I only have words enough to say that they must read it. No explanations; no reasons. There are none needed. This book stole my heart.
gunnarstrange's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
llesky's review against another edition
5.0
I loved this book! It was great historical fiction that really put me into the time period. Francie's story was very moving, especially the story about her father. I could have sobbed. Francie is an amazing young woman, and I loved her family's attitude about life and education. I'm glad I finally read it!
alfuria's review
emotional
hopeful
sad
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.5
camillek226's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
kalidaviraga's review against another edition
2.0
I really, really want to say that I liked this book, because it's obvious that it's extremely well-written and probably appeals to a lot of readers. Readers who are not me. I think it just wasn't my bag. I'm not the biggest fan of character-driven books, vs. plot-driven, and I usually steer clear of war novels as a rule. But, I'd heard such good things about this book that I figured I'd give it a shot. I guess in the end I'm glad I read it, but mostly just so I can say I have, rather than because I actually enjoyed it. :-/
drkimburns's review against another edition
5.0
I’m going to miss Francie, Neely and Katie. I enjoyed their kindness, honesty and zest for life despite their poverty and challenges. How often do you read about characters that have so much goodness?