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Summary: This novel is about a families struggle to survive.
Review: A Tree Grows In Brooklyn is a great novel about a young girl, Francie Nolan and her family. The Nolans are a poor family living in Brooklyn. Francie's Mom, Katie, works very hard to support her family and loves them very much. Francie's Dad, Johnny, cares a lot for his family. Johnny often turns to drinking to solve his problems and ease his worries. Francie also has one brother, Neely. The Nolans struggle to save all of thier money, in hope that thier food, clothes, and shelter will hold up. Just when it seems things couldn't get any worse, they do. The Nolans struggle through the toughest of times, discovering a lot of love and happiness that wasn't in the family before. Then, there is a turning point for the Nolans. They become very rich not just with money, but as a family. I really liked this book because it was a very touching and interesting story. It gave me an idea of how fortunate I am to have the things I have. It was also a really touching story about families, and struggling; Even through the thoughest of times.
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Summary: This book is the best!
Review: I was not too excited when I first found this book. It was assigned as an English assignment, and I have NEVER, NEVER, seen, or read a better peice of literature. Read it and fall in love!
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Summary: A good story, a very good s t o r y, not a literary triumph!
Review: This novel tells a story: a can't put it down, page turning story. However, evaluations of this novel as a five star work, or "masterpiece", may lead prospective readers to believe that superlative literary technique is involved. Certainly it is a stunning work, something of a period piece (and enlightening in that respect), and it is an emotionally moving story. But it is a story that is told from a variety of viewpoints that are not clearly developed nor developed through inventive or identifiable technique. This limited criticism gains in perspective through contrast: whereas Toni Morrison may shift perspectives in many of her works, engage magical realism, and countless other techniques, Smith shifts without the clearly conscious development (requisite?) that an author such as Morrison employs. Smith, as authoress, speaks and speaks again interupting the voice of character and relating stories that develop the story -- punctuating the novel as story -- a very good story. The story that the novel tells is well structured and believable, replete with conditions and experiences of a protagonist that unviersally invite readers to recognize character-building truths within realistic parameters that resonate throughout the pending turn of the century. The foundations for empathy are believably developed and it is a page turning read. For these reasons, the work maintains the status of a "beloved" work, but in all fairness it reads as an incomplete work of "literature (of the highest rank)".
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Summary: powerful and moving
Review: So beautiful. Such an inspiring story of a girl's coming of age. Every adolescent girl should read this book, and most boys would be improved by reading it too.
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Summary: Nothing Fancy
Review: I have nothing fancy to say about A Tree Grows in Brooklyn like everyone else has (probably because I'd like to keep my feelings about the book to myself; it's one of those books you can't discuss with others - there's just no way to explain). But all I gotta say is: I am Francie! Read this book.
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Summary: Only 5 stars ?
Review: My mother recommended A Tree Grows In Brooklyn and I was actually reluctant to read it . I didn't want to read the book until I finished reading the first page ! Then , my mom would have to tell me to stop reading and come down for dinner .A Tree Grows in Brooklyn isn't any normal novel . This book actually makes you grow , not physically but - how can I explain - It made me feel reborn , in Francie's shoes . I 've read the book 6 times and am planning to read it again . I recommend this book to all people . I also don't understand how anyone could rate this masterpiece anywhere under 5 stars ! These are the ones who flip through the book and say " too long , too many pages , I don't feel like reading. " Please listen to me - I'm 13 , and truthfully say this:A Tree Grows in Brooklyn will always be the best written novel you shall ever read .
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Summary: Growing up in turn of the century New York City.
Review: While reading this book one truly understands Francie Nolan's struggle to grow up and live her dreams. Growing up isn't easy,but when your father is an alcoholic and your mother clearly favores your brother, most people would turn inward and reject the outside world. However, Francie Nolan is too strong for that. She knows she will accomplish her dreams, and she won't let anybody else tell her differently. Even when her father becomes ill, even when Francie must leave school to work, even when her heart is broken, Francie never gives up. I think Betty Smith gives courage and spirit to the Francie Nolan of today's world, a young girl growing up amidst anything else. Francie's struggles are the same struggles of girls of today, only in a different time. Parents, sibling, school, dreams, and simply understanding why the world works are all part of growing up. Just as Francie must learn these things on her own as part of growing up, young girls must learn these things on their own, as a part of growing up.The book shows that young girls are never alone in their struggles, and never will be, ever. Because this book gives hope and inspiration to girls of today, this book is among my favorites.
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Summary: My favorite book ever!
Review: I originally picked "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" off of a reading list my junior year in high school. I wasn't looking forward to the reading, and frankly I put it off until the very last day. I picked the book up the day before the report was due, and did not close it until the next morning when I was finished: not because I had to, but because I was enchanted. In a world that is so fast paced, I was overjoyed to read about a time when all a little girl wanted was to read every book in the library. When penny candy really cost a penny, and when ice was delivered. This book is magical and educational. It shows the aches and pains that all young women feel, regardless of what decade you were born. It is passionate, and full of love. Each sentance is crafted, caring for the finest detail. It is truly the best book I have ever read.
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Summary: A precious jewel in liitterature.
Review: I have read "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" two years ago; I was 14. Since then, I have fallen in love with the book. I simply like Betty Smith's profound and elegant style of writing; it was particularly effective since I couldn't put the book down. But often, after reading a few pages, I had to put it down to think about life: where I was going, what was my purpose on this earth, etc. These questions have been clear in my mind since then. I recommand this book grandly and I hope you'll love it as much as I did.
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Summary: very excellent - the best book I have ever read
Review: This book showed me what it was like to grow up in a low-income family in Brooklyn. It was a great coming-of-age book and would recommend it to anyone who wants to read a really heartfelt book.
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