English 101 #1: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

It may have kept me up until after my bedtime, but last night I finally finished re-reading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.  First off, I don't know if I've ever read a novel that was so devoted to capturing the finest, most intimate details of a time and a place.  I was just on Lorimer Street last weekend, and reading about the tenements of 1900s Williamsburg was pure time-travel. I agreed with much of what Erica wrote, including the fact that this time around, the Nolans' poverty hit home in an entirely new way.  In fact, I found the book to be far more upsetting than The Bell Jar (more on that book here). 

When I read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn as a pre-teen, I related heavily to Francie, especially her furious passion for writing.  But as a 20something, I found myself looking up to her mother, Katie, and wondering how she managed to work so hard, love so well, and keep everything together in the face of abject hardship.  Katie, who was also in her twenties, fought tooth and nail to give her children a better life, sacrificing the better part of her own happiness to do so.  I was unequivocally humbled reading this book, and newly grateful for so many of the things we take for granted on a daily basis: a warm apartment, a stocked refrigerator, and most of all, an education.  Have you read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn? Would you re-read it? Leave a comment, or discuss it on Twitter (#english101).  And for the full Modern Classics reading schedule, click here.   

 

Comments

[Andrew Shaffer]

I agree that "A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" captures the time and place like few other books do. As a historical record, it's certainly intriguing. I've heard it described as "heartwarming," but it is, as you say, somewhat upsetting. At times, the lengthy descriptions of food and its scarcity were just plain difficult to read.

I had just finished reading Julie Powell's "Julie and Julia" prior to reading "A Tree..." Talk about two different Brooklyns! In one book, there's barely enough food to scrape together a full meal more than once a week. In the other book, there's almost more food than the author has time to eat.

Reading both books back-to-back was a surreal reading experience, but definitely a reminder that although times may be tough, there's little comparison to the world our grandparents were born into. I could relate to one ("Julie...") and not so much to the other ("A Tree...")--and for that, I'm thankful.

[Patti B.]

A Tree Grows In Brooklyn is an excellent book..recommended on the AP English Class list at the local high school in town.

[Term Paper]

I have read this book many times about "A tree grows in Brooklyn. This is fantastic book. I can't wait for the next edition.

[tutors in brooklyn]

Nope, but as you elaborate about the good content in the book, I am going to read this,I love reading books especially with good content,and I want to avail of this one,

[Buy software]

Interesting title and I want to read it for my spare time.

[Louis Vuitton Sneakers]

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