Subscribe now for just $5/month to join us on this 8-week readalong and discussion of Betty Smith’s 1943 classic, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn: Betty Smith’s classic, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, has been capturing hearts since it was first published 80 years ago in 1943. It’s a coming-of-age story that follows teenaged Francie Nolan as she grows into adulthood in hardscrabble Brooklyn, New York.
I first read this book when I was in high school in the 80s. I’ve reread it many times since then. It is hands down my most loved book. It has spoken to me in a different way each time I’ve read it.
I completed Lonesome Dove recently, and I would never have read it if it was not included in The Big Read. My husband (a non reader) downloaded LD on Audible so he could "read along" with me. We both got completely engrossed in this American Epic and finished the novel quickly. My husband and I have even listened to one of the prequels to LD (Dead Man's Walk). I am now more than halfway through A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I have heard of it for years of course, but never read it. It is a deeply emotional read on many levels. Francie's sensitivity is very very affecting. Truly a timeless classic.
Having read LD and now Tree Grows, my main feeling right now is that these two books are giving me a renewed appreciation for the people--the Americans--who came before us. Making a life in this country during both these periods was HARD. Extremely hard. Death was an accepted part of life, and usually imminent. There was by no means the social safety nets in place that we enjoy today. The concept of freedom was very real to these pioneers and immigrants. In many cases, they gave their lives, left everything they knew in the "old country" just to have a taste of independence. But that independence came with some very steep prices. These books have given me renewed appreciation for all that I have in life, and an appreciation for those who came before me. Thank you.
I’m only half way through Lonesome Dove but I’m really enjoying it. I do 2 or 3 chapters a week and read other things in between. I’ve not taken part in the Big Read and I’m loving it and the fact that I can look at the comments at my own pace.
Being British I don’t think we have anything like the cowboy history or the land space that they ride through which ,quite honestly, blows my mind! ( To give you a comparison land mass wise :I live in the South Eastern corner of England and I drive at an average speed of 60 mph and it takes 5 and a half hours to get to my son in coastal mid Wales (almost as far West as you can go!)
I was recommended A Tree Falls in Brooklyn by an American friend but haven’t read it yet. I’m looking forward to it.
Respectfully, I am the type that 'must' finish any book that I start and I had to quit this book early. It felt just too much like a book for very young readers. If you are looking for an intellectually challenging read perhaps this might not be it. ... I'm always eager to understand how I am wrong.
I first read this book when I was in high school in the 80s. I’ve reread it many times since then. It is hands down my most loved book. It has spoken to me in a different way each time I’ve read it.
I completed Lonesome Dove recently, and I would never have read it if it was not included in The Big Read. My husband (a non reader) downloaded LD on Audible so he could "read along" with me. We both got completely engrossed in this American Epic and finished the novel quickly. My husband and I have even listened to one of the prequels to LD (Dead Man's Walk). I am now more than halfway through A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I have heard of it for years of course, but never read it. It is a deeply emotional read on many levels. Francie's sensitivity is very very affecting. Truly a timeless classic.
Having read LD and now Tree Grows, my main feeling right now is that these two books are giving me a renewed appreciation for the people--the Americans--who came before us. Making a life in this country during both these periods was HARD. Extremely hard. Death was an accepted part of life, and usually imminent. There was by no means the social safety nets in place that we enjoy today. The concept of freedom was very real to these pioneers and immigrants. In many cases, they gave their lives, left everything they knew in the "old country" just to have a taste of independence. But that independence came with some very steep prices. These books have given me renewed appreciation for all that I have in life, and an appreciation for those who came before me. Thank you.
It's a great book, read it in another book club. I'm still not done with Lonesome Dove, so I probably will not be joining you. :(
I’m only half way through Lonesome Dove but I’m really enjoying it. I do 2 or 3 chapters a week and read other things in between. I’ve not taken part in the Big Read and I’m loving it and the fact that I can look at the comments at my own pace.
Being British I don’t think we have anything like the cowboy history or the land space that they ride through which ,quite honestly, blows my mind! ( To give you a comparison land mass wise :I live in the South Eastern corner of England and I drive at an average speed of 60 mph and it takes 5 and a half hours to get to my son in coastal mid Wales (almost as far West as you can go!)
I was recommended A Tree Falls in Brooklyn by an American friend but haven’t read it yet. I’m looking forward to it.
Thanks for writing such interesting stuff.
Looking forward to it!
Looking forward to reading this classic!
This is perhaps the GOAT. I do not say this lightly. 🐐
Nice. Made me think of catcher in the rye
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Respectfully, I am the type that 'must' finish any book that I start and I had to quit this book early. It felt just too much like a book for very young readers. If you are looking for an intellectually challenging read perhaps this might not be it. ... I'm always eager to understand how I am wrong.