Episode 274: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

For the final book episode of 2023, Alli and her guest turn their attention to a real classic: Betty Smith’s A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. It’s the first time reading the 1943 semi-autobiographical novel for both of them… and there’s a lot to discuss in this hefty volume! Topics of conversation include imperfect adults, the importance of education, pragmatism vs. idealism, the evolution of our language around mental health, financial insecurity, red flags, anti-Semitism, and how they might have experienced a book like this had they read it as children.

TW: addiction, death of a parent, infant loss

Ore Agbaje-Williams is the author of The Three of Us. Follow her on Instagram (@oreawilliams).

CHECK OUT ORE’S BOOK HERE!

CHECK OUT ORE’S BOOK RECOMMENDATIONS:

Trust by Hernan Diaz

Women by Chloe Caldwell

MORE READING:

“A Tree Grows in Brooklyn Has Almost No Plot, and That’s Kind of the Point” (The Book Cafe, 2022)

“Why Mark Zuckerberg Should Read A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (The New Yorker, 2018)

“Review: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (Bob On Books, 2020)

“Book Review: A Tree Grows in Brooklyn” (Choosing Wisdom)

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