This book is a great read.I loved the main character Francie and if you enjoy reading books about a person growing up you will love this one.Her life is so believable it makes you believe that if you want something and you persevere it will work out in the end. *****5 stars

Francie Nolan, avid reader, penny-candy connoisseur, and adroit observer of human nature, has much to ponder in colorful, turn-of-the-century Brooklyn. She grows up with a sweet, tragic father, a severely realistic mother, and an aunt who gives her love too freely--to men, and to a brother who will always be the favored child. Francie learns early the meaning of hunger and the value of a penny. She is her father's child--romantic and hungry for beauty. But she is her mother's child, too--deeply practical and in constant need of truth. Like the Tree of Heaven that grows out of cement or through cellar gratings, resourceful Francie struggles against all odds to survive and thrive. Betty Smith's poignant, honest novel created a big stir when it was first published over 50 years ago. Her frank writing about life's squalor was alarming to some of the more genteel society, but the book's humor and pathos ensured its place in the realm of classics--and in the hearts of readers, young and old.

This is the third time in my life I have read this book, first time was as a young girl like Francie. I LOVED it even more this time if that is possible. All the little stories about the people and their day to day lives, their values,their struggles,their pettiness, their failings, their kindness- its all there. It's interesting that nothing is "whitewashed " as so many books written in that time were. This book has not lost anything as time moves on - it a "must read" either for the first time or the 3rd or 4th!!

A good read, especially on the beach.

This book is one of the few that holds a special place in my heart. The story of Francie,and her beloved father Johnny is a timeless treasure. This is a classic that is still relevant in today's world, a young girl growing up poor in Brooklyn.

A poignant story about a young, imaginative and resourceful girl growing up in the slums of Brooklyn in the early 1900's.

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An excellent book. Well written with a good story line. I love historical novels so this was a good choice for me, definitely put me right at the turn of the century. I pictured my grandparents and how they grew up. I am not as wowed by some (like Oprah claiming this book changed her life?) but it was a very good read! Very Women's Lib for the day and probably a bit shocking back then. I gave the book to my daughter to read so sorry won't be posting just yet. But it is worth the wait!

Oh my God, what a wonderful book. I have read and reread this book from my first time to now. My sister and I both sooo identified with the main character, Francine. I love how it ends: no "happy" ending, just Frannie saying "good-bye" to her old life sooo well!!!

I'd heard about this book for many years but didn't even know what it was about. After reading the reviews on PBS I wanted to read it. It's a wonderful story about a young girl growing up in Brooklyn in the early 20th century. Even though it was written more than 60 years ago, the writing style is contemporary and easy to read. I loved the detail of everyday life in Brooklyn in the early 1900s. Ms. Smith brought the characters and the story to life. This book is truly a classic. I highly recommend it.

This story touches me every time I read it. My favorite book!

A wondeful book! Everyone should read it at least once. Me, I've read it at least ten times.

one of my favorite classics. betty smith does an excellent job of telling the story of a young girl growing up at a time when there was alot of confusion in America.... beatifully told!

Betty Smith does a good job of pulling you into the story from the start, but some parts of the story were a little slow. She painted a good picture of what it was like to live in the early 1900's. There are some dated vocabulary/slang that I was not quite sure of, but it did not take away from the story. Overall I think it is a pretty good read.

A great book. Really intriguing story of a young girl as she grows up!!

I enjoyed this book. Had never read it before we picked it for a book club selection.

A coming of age story of an Irish girl living through adversity in Brooklyn in 1902, this is a wonderful story with great descriptions and character development. The joy of the book is in the details of our leading lady's life, rather than big dramatic action. I really liked the book.

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