A review by profoundpondering
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

5.0

I will continue thinking about this book forever as I live through my life. It was such a pleasure reading Francie's life through her eyes, the way her thoughts and emotions evolve as she grows older, the way she is so generous to the people that hurt her, the way she deals with the hurt and fury, the way she so properly articulates her emotions. Francie and Katie are so admirable in their way of thinking and how they go about life... I will think about them and their virtues forever.

Here are some of the most impactful quotes to me:

Spoiler

'Maybe,' Thought Francie, ' she doesn't love me as much as Neeley. But she needs me more than she needs him and I guess being needed is almost as good as being loved. Maybe better.'

Dear God, let me be something every minute of every hour of my life. Let me be gay; let me be sad. Let me be cold; let me be warm. Let me be hungry...have too much to eat. Let me be ragged or well-dressed. Let me be sincere- be deceitful. Let me be truthful; let me be a liar. Let me be honorable and let me sin. Only let me be something every blessed minute. And when I sleep, let me dream all the time so that not one little piece of living is ever lost.

"People always think that happiness is a faraway thing," thought Francie, "something complicated and hard to get. Yet, what little things can make it up; a place of shelter when it rains- a cup of strong hot coffee when you're blue; for a man, a cigarette for contentment; a book to read when you're alone- just to be with someone you love. Those things make happiness."