A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

BOOK 12 OF 2021

RATING: 4.5/5

I bought this book when I visited NYC in 2018, and it's been staring me down on my shelf since. I've been really into literary fiction lately, and I want to read a few classics this year, so I dove into A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

Very character-driven and descriptive, this book follows young Francie Nolan at the turn of the century in Brooklyn. With a dad who struggled with alcoholism and other demons, and a loving but stern mom who tried to protect her kids from the harsh reality of the world, Francie and her brother Neeley kept themselves busy with trips to the store for their mom, picking through junk to sell, and playing ball.

It is a very realistic look at what life was like for many American families at the time. Even though Francie was constantly reminded of the poverty she and her family lived in, she was idealistic, optimistic, hopeful, and made the best out of what she had.

I'm a sucker for a coming of age tale, and I love books that get me all up in my feelings. There was so much heart in this book, which is why I loved it so much.