Tree Grows in Brooklyn, A

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Summary: One of my all-time favorites!
Review: I could NOT put this book down!
I have read it three times in total and plan to read it again. Betty Smith writes of the coming of age of one young girl in turn-of-the-century Brooklyn. Smith does well in characterizing Brooklyn and its inhabitants, from the "fast" but warmhearted woman to the lonely army boy.
Smith accurately portrays the hopes and fears as well as the crushed dreams and ambitions of one young girl looking for happiness in a world full of nostaligia.
A time that is past comes alive with glitter and grit in Smith's words.

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Summary: Required reading...
Review: Reviewer "Mai from North Carolina" , I am a college professor and I do assign _A Tree Grows in Brooklyn_. Historical fiction can sometimes make history more accessible, compelling, and memorable than a lecture or textbook account, in this case for example, of the urban poor in early 20th century America. Those of you who graduated from college a few decades ago might be shocked to learn that many college students today are unaccustomed to reading. So, I always include classics along with textbooks and primary source readers in all of my history courses.

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Summary: BEST BOOK FOR ANYBODY OF ANY AGE!!!!!!!
Review: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one of the best peices of literature ever written. It follows the story of Francie who lives in a poor family in Brooklyn, New York in the early 1900's. It follows her as she grows up, starting from her years of inocent childhood to her struggles with money, to the hardships and sadness in her life. If you read one book, make it this one. You wont be sorry

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Summary: So So....
Review: I read this book for our book club. The reviews for this book got my hopes high before I started reading it, but disappointed me after I completed the book. Betty Smith wrote this book based on her own life experience, but she did not add any value for the readers who read the book (in my opinion). If you have no interest in experiencing poor childhood or awkward adultlecense, I would not recommend the book.

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Summary: help
Review: I am a student of Betty Smith's and have read all the reviews on this site. Many of you loved this book and described it as a classic. Unfortunately, as great as it is, it is not considered a classic academically. It is not canonized, it is not often read in high school and college classes. Do a web search on Betty Smith and her name will rarely link with any websites. That is where you come in. If you truly love her works, spread the news. This author, who wrote 4 novels and over 70 plays, is quickly becoming forgotten. It is time for a revival.

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Summary: Very Sweet
Review: I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn when I was about 12 years old, and have had reason to return to it as an adult. I recommend that adults who loved this book as a child return to it. The story of Francie Nolan and her family will most likely have a different, and interesting effect on the reader. Francie is a bright young girl growing up in a poor, but hardworking family in Brooklyn in 1912. Although her life is a constant struggle for money, she still manages to eke out much joy. The novel, which does not really have a plot, is rather a collection of vignettes about Francie's life. While so much of her life appeared to be conspiring against her success, she never, ever gave up, never gave in to defeatism. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is an inspiring and a sweet story, squeaky clean, one which both young teens, and their parents should enjoy.

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Summary: Worst book ever
Review: I don't think I've been forced to read a book so poorly written. You would think Smith could put in at least a little plot and maybe a better point. This book is a dull read and not worth the time or money to buy.

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Summary: Irish-American coming of age in early 20th century
Review: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is the coming of age story of Francie Nolan, an Irish-American girl growing up in the early 1900s. This book gives the reader a look into the daily lives and struggles of Francie's traditional, if not sterotypical, early Irish-American family. Poverty, alcoholism, and struggling to survive in a harsh urban environment are major themes in this book. Betty Smith's well-structured and detailed narrative helps the reader to experience the day-to-day hardships, emotions, and triumphs of the Nolan family, and is peppered with interesting details about life in early 20th century Brooklyn. Although the Nolans are poor and struggling, their intelligence and humanity never fails to shine through.

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Summary: A tree grows in Brooklyn
Review: This is my favorite book ever!! A touching strory of a young girl, Francie Nolan and her life in Williamsburg, Brooklyn.

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Summary: THE BEST BOOK I HAVE EVER READ
Review: I had always wanted to read this book and I finally bought it last month. I read it in 2 days and simply could not get enough of it. The characters and story touched me forever. It made me both cry and smile. It was without a doubt the greatest book I have ever read and one of the most beautifully written. When I was finished I found myself going back to read certain parts over. The part with the roses was my favorite. This is a truly wonderful book and I highly recommend it!