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tchallis35 's review for:
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
by Betty Smith
I have been meaning to read this book for years. It did not disappoint, but at the same time, it was so unexpected. It was real and raw, touching and tear-inducing, blunt and beautiful.
There was so much to love in this coming of age story: an understanding of tenement life, the magic of days old bread turned into tasty casseroles by a crafty mother, entertaining stories about relatives (I couldn’t help but love Sissy), and the love and heartbreak of family.
A favorite part of mine was about a miserable teacher who told the main character, Francie, that her stories about her family were “sordid” and that she needed to write about beautiful things. So many people do not want to see truth and would rather see a beautiful lie. This book shared some hard truths - sometimes, our parents are alcoholics or are unaffectionate; sometimes, we can work unbelievably hard and not get ahead, sometimes, people die or leave us and we have to find a way to go on. Life is difficult. You fight to survive and become stronger because of it.
I loved the characters in this book. They seemed real. I loved how reading, writing, and education was portrayed. I loved that hardship was not the end of hope.
If you have ever told yourself you should read this book - just read it already. It is more than worth the time. It is a wonderful book.
There was so much to love in this coming of age story: an understanding of tenement life, the magic of days old bread turned into tasty casseroles by a crafty mother, entertaining stories about relatives (I couldn’t help but love Sissy), and the love and heartbreak of family.
A favorite part of mine was about a miserable teacher who told the main character, Francie, that her stories about her family were “sordid” and that she needed to write about beautiful things. So many people do not want to see truth and would rather see a beautiful lie. This book shared some hard truths - sometimes, our parents are alcoholics or are unaffectionate; sometimes, we can work unbelievably hard and not get ahead, sometimes, people die or leave us and we have to find a way to go on. Life is difficult. You fight to survive and become stronger because of it.
I loved the characters in this book. They seemed real. I loved how reading, writing, and education was portrayed. I loved that hardship was not the end of hope.
If you have ever told yourself you should read this book - just read it already. It is more than worth the time. It is a wonderful book.