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A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (P.S.) (平装)
by Betty Smith
| Category:
Teens Fiction Classic literature |
| Market price: ¥ 198.00
MSL price:
¥ 168.00
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| Stock:
Pre-order item, lead time 3-7 weeks upon payment [ COD term does not apply to pre-order items ] |
MSL rating:
 Good for Gifts |
| MSL Pointer Review:
Named by the New York Public Library as "one of the books of the century," A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is the story of young, sensitive, and idealistic Francie Nolan; 50 years passed since it's first published, book's humor and pathos still ensured its place in the realm of classics, and remains in the hearts of readers, young and old. |
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AllReviews |
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Walter Sobchak (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-28 00:00>
Of all the books I have ever read, Betty Smith has somehow jammed more "life" into A Tree Grows in Brooklyn than any other novel my eyes have scrolled across. And that, my fellow readers, is a tremendous accomplishment. This book came highly recommended to me by some reliable sources, so I bought the book without even knowing what it was about. When I found out it was a coming of age novel about a young girl, I almost didn't even bother to start it. Smith's timeless novel (with some of the most touching scenes I've ever read) struck my closemindedness a fatal blow. This book IS family life. Smith allows one to see the world through each character's eyes. Let me also add that the final quote made by Francie on the last page is something that every single living person can relate to. I haven't come across too many books that offer its readers so many gifts...
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Megan Cremer (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-28 00:00>
Betty Smith is well knows for her many works, but the one book that almost everyone knows about, that she wrote is A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. In this book she shows herself to be an author of great depth and knowledge into the human soul. All her words come strait from the heart to make a book that engulfs all who read it.
This book gives great insight into life; it shows why many people strive to become someone better and how some people are able to craw up to a better station in live against tremendous odds as well as forces working against them. A tree Grows in Brooklyn touches every ones hearts.
It is about a little girl, Mary Frances Nolan (also known as Francie), growing up in the poorer part of Brooklyn with a drunken, singing waiter for a father, yet this father somehow always make her feel so special and unique. She lives with her father, a severely realistic mother, and a brother who is always favored. She is treated poorly throughout school because she is so different and independent. Even at birth she was thought of as "different"; Francie was born with a caul which was supposed to indicate that the child was set apart to do great things in the world. Francie always kept to herself and was the silent studious type. In fast she entertained herself with books from the local library; she promised herself that one day read all the books in the library, she started this goal by reading a book-a-day. Her brother's birth, not one year after hers, doesn't help this division at all; she feels even more disconnected and different from the rest of the world at Neeley birth, fore he is the favored son and get all the attention that Francie lacked growing up. At a very young age Francie learned how important money is as well as the division is society caused by money and education. Because of this division and favoritism, Francie becomes the sole provider for the family after the death of her father. She goes to work straight after graduation from grade school and never gets to have the pleasure and luxury of a high school diploma, but that doesn't stop her from her dreams. Her dreams of moving up in the world, to a place were you don't have to worry about where your next meal comes from.
True, this sounds like a ridicules dream considering that today this is a requirement from everyone, but at this point in time very few people, without wealth, were able to get a higher education or even be able to go to high school. Nothing can stop Francie from getting her dream. This wonderful book cuts right to the heart of life. It show the true American dream; the dream of higher education and a better live for everyone. If you don't read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn you will be denying yourself a rich experience of the true American dream. A dream that has made this country what it is today.
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-28 00:00>
This is a novel to be read and enjoyed for many different reasons. As an initial matter, it paints a portrait of Brooklyn at the turn of the twentieth century. Many books contain descriptions, but this book contains something more. I could hear the chaos on the streets, including the noisy children, horses and vendors. I could smell and taste the coffee that Francie's mother left boiling on the stove at all hours of the day and night. It went beyond mere description--this novel involved all of my senses and made me truly feel what it was like to live in that time and place.
Beyond the amazing imagery is a somewhat simple story of a family in crisis. Johnny, the father, drinks too much and can't hold a job but is the light and life of the family. Katie, the mother, loves her family ferociously, but has been imbittered by the strain that Johnny and their perpetual state of poverty places upon her. The story truly belongs to Francie and Neely, the two children, who survive by staying together, inventing stories and games for each other, and finding joy in their meager surroundings.
The most noteworthy aspect of the novel, to me, was its utter anger. I have heard Steinbeck's Travels with Charley described as "an angry book". A Tree Grows in Brooklyn was much angrier. Francie's childlike but astute observations concerning how society ignores the needs and struggles of the working poor explode with anger. Francie's shining moment is when she shames the doctor who comments in front of her that all poor people are dirty, without thinking that she and her brother can understand him. Sissy's shining moment is when she shames Francie's teacher who ignores poor children to the point that she fails to release them to use the bathroom, causing them to have humiliating accidents. Even Francie's and Neely's victories contain an undercurrent of anger. They catch the leftover Christmas tree, warming the heart of the peddler who threw it. But because he is poor, he cannot openly be happy for them, and has to throw curses after them as they parade home with their prize.
This book contains magic and heartbreak, heroics and cowardice, beauty and hideousness. It describes what it was like to be a poor child in Brooklyn in 1908. Above all, it reminds us that poverty and human behavior is universal. Shamefully, children and adults are still going through what Francie and her family went through 100 years ago.
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Busy Mom (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-28 00:00>
In the first page of this book, Betty Smith writes very gently and calmly of Francie Nolan, a pre-teenager just beginning to step out on the edge of adulthood. And Smith ties the book up neatly at the end as if she's giving a present to the reader ... which she is. This is one of the sweetest, most eloquently written books I have ever had the pleasure of reading.
Francie Nolan lives in Brooklyn with her brother Neely, mom Katie and dad Johnny. It is in the early 1900s where the book is set. The family is poor ~~ living almost on the edge of starvation. Francie has taken to reading like a duck takes to water ... once she discovered the joy of reading, she becomes a big bookworm. She is also a keen observer of life around her ~~ her thoughts are often witty and funny as she observes the strange behavior of her mother's sisters and their lives, the neighbors, her brother Neely, her mother and father's relationships with one another. Till Francie grows up to be this amazing woman set on the path of her destiny.
Betty Smith takes you along for a wonderful story-filled walk in Brooklyn in the early 20th century. She introduces the smells of old Brooklyn, the noise, the joys and sorrows of being in a poverty-stricken family ~~ the hopes and dreams of the immigrants that left the old country because there was nothing there for them. The hopes and dreams of the parents for their children to have better lives than they did ... falling in love with one another ... the disappointments of being disappointed by life, the wonder of finding joy in anything new or rediscovering something old. Betty Smith has captured the nuances of life and shares a bit of her soul for us readers to find.
What I like most about this book is how much I can relate to Francie and her reading habits and her growing up years. She is full of insecurities and questions, loves to read and takes such joy in reading ... especially when she promised herself that she was going to read every book in the local library, starting from a to z. And Smith captures that longing perfectly, as if she has had the same dreams and desires when she was 11.
I can rave about this book forever, but it isn't as much fun as reading this book. This book deserves to be read by everyone who has such joy in reading. This book deserves to be given to young girls on the verge of adulthood and encouraged to be read ... discussed. The love of reading is what all of us here have in common, and reading about it just encourages you to read more!
I urge you to buy this book and read it. It's worth every minute and hour of your time. It's one of those rare treasures that won't leave you without leaving a small imprint on your heart. I can guarantee you will fall in love with Francie and her family ... they're just like every other family you know. Just different ... Francie is one character you love to love. Just like I love to read. Don't delay ... buy!
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A reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-28 00:00>
While many novels offer an escape through some fantastical storyline set in a faraway place, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is the kind of novel that makes you realize the universality of common feelings, frustrations, and hopes - and the role that sorrow and sacrifice play in the development of character. One of my favorite scenes is that of the Charity Party, when Francie is torn between her desperate longing for the doll being offered to any "poor child named Mary" and her resentment towards the manner in which affluent individuals approach giving. The author allows Francie to be a child - she lies in order to receive the charity doll, knowing that on the stage in front of her neighborhood peers she is both pathetic for taking charity as well as envied for owning such a rich toy. However, despite giving in to her desire, Francie is also a spirit beyond her years. She walks home both clutching her doll and cursing the insensitive givers, cyring out that for once, people should give to the poor without having to say, "I am rich and you are poor." Another remarkable aspect of the book, further demonstrating it's stark realism, was the fact that Francie never places moral judgement on her father. If we contrast A Tree Grows in Brooklyn with Angela's Ashes, we see two opposing manners in which families respond to alcolohic fathers. Francie's strength, we may surmise, is most likely a product of her genuine belief that she led a happy childhood with two loving parents that had her best interests in mind. While she may later look back and realize her father's problems robbed her of some opportunity, her sense of security and love for her father would still remain intact, and judging from the role her father played in the household, Francie seemed to need a tender male role model to counter her mother's harsh pragmatism towards her children. We also see this in Francie's reaction to her ignorant writing teacher's claim that Francie's stories were "ugly," as Francie recognized that these tales (which were about her relationship with her father) were important and beautiful enough to be saved.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a book that provides deep insight as to how individuals can be stronger, wiser, and more grounded. Above all else, it is an essay on love, trust, and suffering as it relates to the character strength humans need to be survivors. It was after reading this book that I realized for the first time in my life that suffering, though difficult to ride through, really is one of the most positive influences an individual can experience.
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Kelly Budd (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-28 00:00>
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a timeless classic. This is a book that warrants more than one reading, it is a keeper, with a special place of it's own. The metaphor of the tree that kept surviving is highly appropriate and mirrors the life of the novel's heroine, Francie Nolan. This tree, not unlike Francie herself, has been subject to harsh conditions, but it continued to grow and bloom. Both the tree and Francie are able to rise above the adversity and thrive.
The characters are lively and real. The main character, Francie, who is articulate and bright, desperately seeks affection from her mother. Katie Nolan, is a mother that can not recripricate that love to her daughter. Instead, Katie directs her energy and affection to her son. Neeley. Francie is drawn to her father, a local drunkard, who pays her much attention. The reader expereinces the pain of growing and reconciling her relationships with her family.
Francie Nolan is a survivor. The reader will follow Francie as she faces numerous challenges and diversions in life. We watch as she learns and becomes resourceful. We struggle with her during the hard and traumatic times in her life. Most importantly, we see her resiliancy and perserverance shine through.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a novel that should be read more than once in a lifetime. It's poignant message speaks volumes to all readers. I encourage you to read this book and share it with others.
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Heather (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-28 00:00>
A friend of mine once said, "A classic is a book which has never finished saying what is has to." This book is definitely a classic, one that I will read every year I'm sure.
"Serene was a word you could put to Brooklyn, New York." If that opening line doesn't hook you in, keep reading. With each word, sentence, phrase... it just keeps getting better. Smith writes beautifully, her words magically making something out of the life of a child who could have been a nobody. This story is moving and beautiful-a must read for anyone who loves books and an inspirational story.
The story follows the life of little Francie Nolan, poor child of a penniless singer-waiter-drunkard Johnny, and hardworking-penny pincher-beautiful Katie. Francie is a smart child who loves to read. Her life is by turns happy, sad, melancholy and poignant. With parents determined to see her and her brother Neeley to do better in life than they did, she moves through school and into the working life of her teens. Her life is never easy, but one of her best characteristics is her ability to find beauty is the smallest things. One of my favorite examples of this is, upon a visit to the old, shabby library, she sees in a plain brown bowl "... nasturtiums! Red, yellow, gold, and ivory-white. A head pain caught her between the eyes at the taking in of such a wonderful sigh. It was something to be remembered all her life. (page, 21-chapter 2)."
I laughed, cried and cheered with this tiny child, desperate to make something of herself and find love. Smith gives the lives of these poor, desperate, sometimes even starving people a measure of pride and beauty that is unforgettable.
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A kid reader (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-28 00:00>
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is a very, very great book. I don't see why anyone wouldn't want to read it. I mean it has everything: romance, fun, adventure, sad stuff, down-to-earth characters, or whatever else you might be looking for. But really, this story one you read and then forget about. It really stays with you and makes you look at life in a different way. I know that I am a different person after reading this book.
Anyway, now that I told you how truly wonderful this book was, here's a summary: This book is mainly about Francie Nolan, an eleven year old girl growing up in the slums of Brooklyn, New York. The book goes all the way up until like she's seventeen and the author does a good job of showing in an indirect way just how hard her life is. Sometimes her family doesn't even have enough to eat, and instead of going to high-school, Francie has to go get a job. Plus she has to deal with many problems in her family.
I loved this book because of Francie's courage and strength and because the author knocked down the typical stereotypes about people living in slums. But what I really should have just said along time ago is you should just read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn instead of this corny review that lasted way too long. |
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Sandra Peters (MSL quote) , USA
<2007-02-28 00:00>
I first read this book thirty years ago and have since read it many times over. It is a rare classic that will stay in your heart long after the pages have been read. You will become deeply and emotionally attached to Francie Nolan, a young girl who overcomes many obstacles and challenges beyond her control in order to survive. Taking place in the slums of Brooklyn, Francie is part of a family who dotes on her brother. Her parents are not without their own set of problems, and Francie is faced with growing up in a world that is not kind to her. She understands only too well the meaning of hunger, doing without, leaving school and not having enough money to go around.
A Tree Grows in Brookly takes place in the early part of the century and was written over fifty years ago. With this in mind, it may be difficult for today's generation, particularly if financial stability was never a problem, to fully understand and appreciate Francie's life. Unless, of course, the reader also experienced poverty - "no money" means no money, no matter what year you are living in. You will marvel at Francie's determination, strength and courage, smile at her resourcefulness, and feel compassion for a girl who, by necessity, is far more mature than her years.
One other excellent book by the same author that I also treasure among my collection is "Joy in the Morning." It is written with the same grace, style and emotion as this one. Both classics are highly recommended and would make a cherished part of your library.
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Bethany (MSL quote), USA
<2007-02-28 00:00>
I have read many classic books, but A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is by far the best work of literature I have ever had the pleasure of experiencing. As a sixteen year old young woman from suburban America, many may question how I can possibly relate to the unfortunate life led by Francie Nolan. However, this is the beauty of Betty Smith's masterpiece, for every young woman is capable of relating to many of the scenes found in this timeless classic. These include Francie's sexual assault, the favoritism Francie's mother has for brother Neeley, and the close relationship Fancie has with her father, whose alcoholism ultimately leads to his untimely death.
Despite the hardships Francie is faced with, she perseveres, acquiring a job in order to help her family survive. Although her education must be put on hold for the time being, Francie remains hopeful that the day will come in which she, like her brother, Neeley, will be capable of going off to school.
Not only is the ongoing story of a young girl growing up in Brooklyn simply timeless, but the metaphor of the tree outside Francie's window that has grown through unfortunate circumstances is absolutely perfect. The tree had been cut down and was even the victim of a bonfire, but it continued to grow and blossom. Just like Francie, the tree beat the odds and rose from nothingness to beauty and strength.
Never have I read anything and cried at the end simply because it was over. As you read "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn", you become wrapped up in Francie's life until you feel as though she and you are one in the same. The fact that I have only read this book once astonishes me, and I can guarantee you that I will read it again this summer. The purchase of this book may set you (a few)... dollars, but the experience of reading "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" is absolutely priceless.
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