Take a photo of a barcode or cover
4.3 AVERAGE
4.3 AVERAGE
dark
hopeful
inspiring
sad
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A used copy of this book has been sitting on my shelf for I don’t know how long, and I finally decided to do the audiobook version. (The Brooklyn accents are absolute perfection - highly recommend!)
I don’t think my little review can do this book justice; it's like writing a review for Little Women by Louisa May Alcott or Anne of Green Gables by Lucy Maud Montgomery - how can I review a beloved classic?
But very much like these stories, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is about a coming of age at its heart but branches into so many different aspects of life in a way that remains timeless. Semi-autobiographical in nature, we get a glimpse into the life of Betty Smith - her dreams, her hardships, and formative stories of her childhood.
If you love a strong female lead, love a story with themes and morals that transcend time, then you need to read this book ASAP.
(I think I may have a slight book hangover, so reader beware - in a good way :))
This book took me a really long time to read and was probably about 100 pages too long. But, I know now why everybody calls it a classic and I'm so glad that I read it. You can't help but love every character in the book, and I loved how the story was told through Francie's perspective, but there were also times when the omnipotent narrator came in and saw something in the future, like Johnny Nolan would die at 34. The ending made me cry and I really liked how it wasn't overly happy or unrealistic, but instead a moment where Francie realizes how far she's come.
adventurous
inspiring
sad
slow-paced
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
This was a really interesting read. It was a unique view into life in the 1910s. However, it really bugged me that the mom, Katie, favored the son. And the fact that at the very end, she basically told Francie she should’ve slept with the piece of crap guy where they spent two days together and he was engaged to another woman!! Like we went through this character development for that? Otherwise, I’m glad it ends with a hopeful tone after so much sadness and strife.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Alcoholism, Bullying, Miscarriage, Death of parent
Minor: Sexual harassment
emotional
hopeful
reflective
slow-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
A beautiful, timeless book of a poverty-stricken family in the early 1900s. It's a slice of life novel that takes its time to show how the Nolans struggle, survive, and create their own happiness despite the steep uphill climb to success. The adults are deeply flawed and deeply human. They make mistakes and hurt each other and the children but you know why they act like that. You cannot help but sympathize with them. The children meanwhile had such an innocent look on life despite the harsh realities surrounding them. It erodes, yet their love for their family keeps them moving forward.
All in all, it's a tale of pain and resilience. A classic worth reading.
emotional
informative
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I laughed, I cried, I fell in love, I cried again. This is a book I will never forget. The words so easy and simple, yet tremendously impactful. I imagine nearly everyone will see a little bit of themselves in this beautiful book about life. Life is hard, everything seems agains you, but you keep on going and enjoying the few little moments in which there’s some beauty to be found. Gosh, I’m so in love with this book. Every single moment with it, I will cherish!
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
adventurous
emotional
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
A beautiful book. I felt like I knew Francie and Katie and Sissy. Hopeful and heartbreaking at the same time.