A Tree Grows In Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Fifteen members shared discussion of this classic favorite.  Most liked or loved it!

One member said it was interesting "how different from our current adult fiction, slower than what is written today."  It was written almost 75 years ago, written in 1943.  Some of us had read the book before (one person read it three times) and some reading it the first time!  One person said "I can't believe I am the age I am and haven't read this book.  Enjoyed it and if I had read in junior high would have loved it!  It's like Anne of Green Gables, well written, an older book."  One person said it was her favorite book when younger but she had a different perspective then.  Another person said she read it 40 years ago and remembered she couldn't "get into it."  She listened to audio this time and really enjoyed it.

One person said she loved the descriptions in the book and loved how it ended, with the tree and all the details.  Another member said "liked the slow pace, calming and peaceful.  When you live life out of necessity, you grow up so fast."  Another said: "Even though Francie was young, she was very independent."

"I discovered books can take you places," like Francie did when she was younger.  This member liked the older characters and brought in some autograph books of her mothers!

A favorite quote of one member was "Look at everything always as though you were seeing it either for the first or last time:  Thus is your time on earth filled with glory."  Good lesson, this member said!

One reader said she grew up very poor but she still had plenty to eat, but if you lived in the city like this, it would be hard to find food.  Another reader was concerned that Francie didn't get the love from her mother, but she was surrounded by love.

We talked about the stories that were in the book, Francie running around barefoot, turning items into money, the Christmas tree story, and about the love of learning. Back then students didn't get help when they were in poverty, now we have services that might help.

Francie grew up among the obstacles, she survived, growing against all odds.  She became a strong woman, just like the Tree that Grew in Brooklyn -- against all odds.