Have you read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith? It’s one of those classics that you think everyone has read. I picked up a copy in a free book pile (score!) on Norman Ave and got instantly hooked. After asking around, ALOT of people haven’t read it, either!
If you haven’t read it – YOU SHOULD! Especially if you live in Greenpoint or Williamsburg because the entire story takes place here at the turn of last century and the descriptions of the area, with references to places like Cheap Charlies (perhaps at a different location with surely a different sign) are unbelievable!
It’s a great summer read in that I have been reading it all summer, but that’s what makes it great, nothing really happens, but everything happens to Francie the main character who grows up poor in Brooklyn and aspires to become a writer. After putting it down for a bit, you can just pick it right back up and begin where you left off, like having coffee with an old friend.
You can buy it now from Word, Greenpoint’s best bookstore!
Got any great reading recommendations?