A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

The story of a young girl coming of age at the turn of the century , "A Tree Grows..." is not spectacular in any way.  It is simply real.  Our protagonist, Francie, dreams of life beyond the tenements.  Her life is ordinary.  But even in ordinary families there are dark secrets, there is heartbreak, there are mistakes and disappointments, and above it all there is hope.  Although the circumstances presented were all too common at the time a lot has changed in the last century!

- Women could not vote
- Not everyone had electricity
- Most babies were born at home under the supervision of a midwife
- You could actually get something with a penny !

One reason I especially enjoyed this book was that it's one that my Grandmother has read, and her mother has read.  It is so precious to be able to share a story with them!