Changes to A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

Shelfari edited the description of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 2 weeks ago.

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. (Ages 10 and older) --Emilie Coulter

( see all changes to this book’s description )

George M edited the ridiculously simplified synopsis of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn 3 weeks ago.

Added: Francie Nolan, a poor girl, is growing up in Brooklyn. It's kinda sad and stuff sometimes.

Amanda edited the glossary of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Wednesday, October 21 2009.

Added the definition of Goyem: A Goyem or Goyim (the standard spelling for the word) is a Yiddish word for a person who is a non-Jew and who is ignorant about Jews. It is often used as a pejorative term. In Chapter 5, the Jewish pickle seller calls Francie a "Goyem," a word that she does not understand.
Added the definition of Spats: Spats are a piece of leather or heavy cloth that were worn by men. Spats covered the upper part of the shoe, extending to the ankle. In Chapter 45, Neeley wants spats for Christmas, but when he wears them, the other boys who live nearby make fun of him.

Amanda edited the books influenced by this book of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Wednesday, October 21 2009.

Amanda edited the books with additional background information of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Wednesday, October 21 2009.

Amanda edited the characters of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Wednesday, October 21 2009.

Changed the section title: Cast of Characters
Added the description of Mary Frances Nolan: The protagonist of the novel. Francie is the daughter of second-generation Americans living in Brooklyn, New York in the early twentieth century.
marked the description of Mary Frances Nolan as not a spoiler
Added the description of Katie Nolan: Francie's mother. Katie comes from a family of strong women, and epitomizes this type.
marked the description of Katie Nolan as not a spoiler
Added the description of Johnny Nolan: Francie's father. Johnny is a young Irish singer-waiter as talented as he is weak. He is a dreamer without the resources or abilities to make his dreams reality.
marked the description of Johnny Nolan as not a spoiler

Timothy Gray approved Daniel Z’s request to change the contributors of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Tuesday, October 13 2009.

( see Timothy Gray’s edits | report abuse )

Daniel Z edited the contributors of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Monday, October 12 2009.

Timothy Gray approved this request. ( see Daniel Z’s edits | report abuse )

Shelfari edited the contributors of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Thursday, October 1 2009.

( report abuse )

Laura Stiller edited the books like this book of A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Tuesday, September 8 2009.

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn (edit title)