Alice’s Comments (group member since Sep 12, 2016)

Alice’s comments from the A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Readalong group.

I finished this wonderful book a couple of days ago and I've been hesitant to start the next book because I want to savor "Tree". (Usually I'm right on to the next good read!).
Such a lovely, tender, bittersweet story. I read a library copy so I couldn't write in it. I'm thinking that I need to buy a copy and reread it and underline many an interesting, moving, insightful passage.

Has anyone seen the movie version? Is it worth watching?

What do you think happens to Francie after the book ends? Wonder if anyone will ever attempt to write a sequel.
Thanks, Katie, for recommending this special book.

I think the title has to do with the struggle to survive In a rough world and finding that you can actually thrive there, a picture of Francie. I've been noting places where this tree is mentioned. Early in the first chapter the tree growing out of the cement in Francie's yard is described, as it grows out of the cement and flourishes there.
Later when we are learning about Francie being a sickly baby, her mother rises up against pitying neighbors and says, " everything struggles to live. Look at that tree growing up there out of the grating. It gets no sun and only water when it rains. It's growing out of sour earth. And it's strong because its hard struggle to live is making it strong. My children will be strong that way. "
In chapter 15 when they move into a new flat Francie notices the tree growing out of cement where nothing could possibly grow, "Yet there was this tree growing in the yard ". She too is growing with little sun or water.