Why did it take me so long to read this? Since it’s such a well-known classic, I won’t summarize the plot except to say it’s about a girl from Irish-Catholic descent facing poverty and family struggles in Brooklyn.
(Spoilers ahead!)
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I loved Francie. I loved how she fought to go to a good school and how she loved her father. And of course, how she loved books-in spite of the not-really-there librarian. How awful was she?! The grandmother’s advice about reading the Bible and Shakespeare was excellent. Carrying it out for all those years was even more admirable. I loved seeing her grow and develop into a young woman. The responsibility of a 14 year-old to support the whole family! Amazing.
Some favorite quotes:
That is what is called learning the truth. It is a good thing to learn the truth one’s self. To first believe with all your heart, and then not to believe, is good too. It fattens the emotions and makes them to stretch. When as a woman life and people disappoint her, she will have had practice in disappointment and it will not come so hard. In teaching your child, do not forget that suffering is good too. It makes a person rich in character. (Mary Rommely’s advice)
From that time on, the world was hers for the reading. She would never be lonely again, never miss the lack of intimate friends. Books became her friends and there was one for every mood. There was poetry for quiet companionship. There was adventure when she tired of quiet hours. There would be love stories when she came into adolescence and when she wanted to feel a closeness to someone she could read a biography. On that day when she first knew she could read, she made a vow to read one book a day as long as she lived.
(Katie, Francie’s mom:) You wait until us women vote. . . You don’t believe we will? That day will come. Mark my words. We’ll put all those crooked politicians where they belong-behind iron bars.
(Francie’s dad:) If that day ever comes when women vote, you’ll go along to the polls with me-arm in arm-and vote the way I do. He put his arm around her and gave her a quick hug.
Katie smiled up at him. Francie couldn’t help noticing that mama was smiling sidewise, the way the lady did in the picture in the school auditorium, the one they called Mona Lisa.
1943, 528 pp.
Rating: 4.5
Now I feel like I need to read this again. It’s been years, and I remember really loving it. I think I’d like to visit with Francie again, thanks 3M.
By the way, I got “Equilibrium” from Netflix (on your recommendation). I thought it was pretty good. You neglected to mention that William Fitchner played the head of the underground resistance! I love him. He makes everything he’s in 50% more awesome. Thanks for the tip.
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is one of my favorite books of all time. I love that quote about reading. I really should re-read it…it’s been far too long!
Kookiejar, glad you liked the movie. I like William Fitchner, too. I actually used to watch him on the soap As the World Turns! Sort of an embarrassing admission-I don’t watch soaps at all now. I didn’t mention him because I didn’t know if people would know who he was. I guess he’s on Prison Break now.
Megan, I really loved it and can’t believe I waited this long!
This is one of my all time favorite books too. It’s been a few years since I read it – feels like time to read it again!
I want to read this one, eventually.
I haven’t read this one but should.
This is one of those books that I loved as a child but I don’t remember anything about now! How awful. I should re-read it though.
I, too, didn’t read this until I was an adult although I don’t know how I could have possibly missed reading it when I was younger. I really loved this book. It seems to be a rarity these days to find books that really stir my emotions, but this was one that did. The writing was so well done that I felt that Francie was my friend…I laughed with her and I cried with her. Highly recommended!
I have had this book in my stack to read for several years. Loved your review. I’ve just revised my stack and A Tree Grows in Brooklyn is now on the top of the pile!
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