Tree Grows in Brooklyn, A

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Summary: So many superb children's books, but this one is only "Good"
Review: A fine book. An interesting book. But hardly one that I would single out for highest praise. Why not try "Anne of Green Gables," "Harriet the Spy," "Caddie Woodlawn" or "From the Mixed Up Files..." instead?

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Summary: A review of my favorite book
Review: This book is, in my opinion, one of the best books ever written. I think it gives an excellent view of life in Brooklyn during this time. Other people might not agree with me, but I think this book is excellent.I didn't know what it was about, but I am glad I read it and found out.

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Summary: Teenager Says Read This
Review: I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn for a school summer assignment and loved it! Once you get into the story, you don't even realize you are turning the pages. There is a lot of action and different events going on the whole time. It is very realistic about life tragedies and joys. The author has a unique vocabulary and I can't wait until I can read another one of her books, Joy in the Morning.

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Summary: ABSOLUTE MUST READ
Review: This book is a foundation for all others. The author is a master - she has captured a life and preserved it forever for us with her words -- the life is not that of a stranger or just a randome little girl -- there is a piece of every American whose roots stretch back to poor immigrants. Many, many timeless quotes are seeded throughout the novel. I highly recommend this book to all readers!

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Summary: It's an awesome book!
Review: I first started reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, because a friend had recommened it to me. But when I started reading the book, I loved it! It was really good!

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Summary: A true literary experience!
Review: I just read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, and I could not put it down. All of Betty Smith's characters are vivid illustrations of types of personalities, yet she manages to show a bright side to all of them; the alcoholic father who loves his daughter, the "free" aunt who knows the true meaning of family loyalty, and a strong, sometimes harsh mother who will fight to the death for her children. This book is poignant and touching, with scenes that expose the tender and fragile nature of childhood. Francie's insights about society and people are also thought-provoking. The novel is an easy-read; however, by no means should it not be considered a literary treasure. Pick this one up for a novel study, a reading group, or just some summer reading next to the pool.

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Summary: a reader from florida
Review: A Tree Grows In Brooklyn was a wonderful book. It gave me a realization that everywhere you go there is poverty. People like me who have not traveled much out of their region of living only see big cities like New York and Brooklyn as a place for the rich and famous with tall skyscrapers. Now I realize that there is life other than riches in the cities you see on television. Along with riches there will always be rags.

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Summary: A Review of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
Review: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is the story of Francie Nolan, her brother Neeley and all of the people who live with them in Brooklyn. It is sort of a documentary of Francie's growing up. This book has so much detail and excitement that it is hard not to understand, although it may seem complicated when you first pick it up. This is a good book for people age 10 and up, and is the perfect book to buy for the ummer- it would be ideal to bring to a cottage or on a camping trip. Altogether, this is a fantastic book that you don't want to miss.

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Summary: A treasured friend
Review: I read this book when I was in junior high (over 20 years ago) & still regard this book as a treasured friend. Betty Smith's description of life in Brooklyn in the early 1900s is magnificent--you can smell & taste it right along with Francine. (The Elia Kazan movie does some justice to the book--Peggy Ann Garner's portrayal of Francine is haunting & makes rereads of the book even more enjoyable.) No matter how many times I read this book I never get tired of it. I return happily as if to a long-lost friend.

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Summary: A book that forced me to think about myself
Review: Every so often I find a story that is so authentic in the revealing of its characters, that I find myself wondering about them when I'm finished. "How is Francie?" I think to myself..."Is Katie happy?" I wonder..."Does Neely sing just like his father?"...as if they are real, and their lives continued somewhere in the cosmos after I finished the last page. This is one such book. Although I found the everyday drudgery of the Nolans just trying to survive a bit tiring, I would often chastise myself with the thought that "This is very real for many people, even today..." The crisis of poverty and hunger remains with us, and I was struck by my own frivolity as I watched the Nolans struggle to save every single penny. I wonder if I had read this book at a younger age, would my lifestyle have been any different? It is well worth the occasional struggle to complete this novel...for I believe it will impact you internally.