Reviews

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

clfirlik's review against another edition

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4.0

The characterization and scene setting is lovely, but the frequent anti-Semitism, racism, and sexism were jarring enough to take me out of the reading experience.

corrina_macc's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? No
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

110982's review against another edition

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emotional reflective sad slow-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? It's complicated
  • Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

emilykcannon's review against another edition

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5.0

wow wow wow. I loved this book. I looooved the way the author told stories.

cassiewalek's review against another edition

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5.0

Goodness I loved this book. Francie Nolan will steal your heart.

calstar's review against another edition

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4.0

A wonderful coming of age story. Loved it.

johon4's review against another edition

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emotional 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? Yes

5.0

savannar's review against another edition

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5.0

Reread June 2017 (always lovely to re-read it, but especially comforting in these troubled times).
Re-reread (I don't even know how many times it is now) - March 2020.

This is my favorite book, which is why I'm including it now despite having first read it over a decade ago. It has stayed with me in a way that no other book has-- particularly the character of Francie, who feels like a kindred spirit.

The beauty of this book, for me, is that it's not just about one particular thing that happens. It's such a vibrant picture of Life in that time and place, in all its glories and its struggles-- with everything from piano lessons to Francie's father's death described in such detail that I can really imagine myself there. And its people, Francie and her family and all their neighbors, are so colorful and memorable.

joborn's review against another edition

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4.0

4.5 ⭐️
I loved this book - can be a lot long - but is blunt about life

abiwyatt3's review against another edition

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emotional hopeful inspiring medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

5.0