"A Tree Grows in Brooklyn" by Betty Smith

528 pages

This classic novel chronicles the life of young Francie Nolan as she grows up in the slums of Williamsburg in Brooklyn, NY, in the early 20th century. The rest of her family consists of her mother, Katie, a practical woman who works tirelessly for her children; her father, Johnny, a warm, friendly dreamer who makes wonderful plans that are ruined by his alcoholism; her younger brother, Neeley, who shares her childhood adventures. Young Francie seems to have traits of both her parents: in many ways she is logical, like her mother, but she is also a dreamer like her father. More than anything else, Francie wants to get an education so she can become someone important. No matter how many obstacles get in her way, Francie perseveres. As she tells Francie's story, the author paints a vivid picture of life in Brooklyn during the early 20th century.

For a long time, this book was on my Librarian's List of Shame. Honestly, I avoided reading it because I thought it would be long and dull because whenever I heard it described there didn't seem to be much action. I was totally wrong about it being boring, though! Even though it's driven by the characters rather than the plot, it never felt tedious. There are plenty of little interesting stories throughout the book, and the characters come to life extremely well. Even though my situation was very different from Francie's when I was growing up, I still totally related to her. I think anyone who struggles to find their place in the world and fit in with their peers will find a connection with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn.

The Death of Sweet Mister

By: Daniel Woodrell, 196 pp

Wow! It is very difficult for me to describe this novel...It is very dark & harsh.

Daniel Woodrell again has this novel set in the Ozarks. He has no boundaries whatsoever. Meaning, it might be a bit offensive to some.

I do not suggest letting a kid or even a teen read this; even though it is in the point of view of a thirteen year old boy named Morris (Shuggie) Akins. Shuggie is also Glenda's Sweet Mister.

Shuggie lives with his mother, Glenda, and (when he is home) his father, Red, in a house in the middle of a cemetery that they take care of in order to live there rent free.

Drugs, alcohol, and abuse is practically all Shuggie knows. He has a strange obsession for his mother that at times is described in very disgusting details.

It is hard for me to say whether or not I liked this book. However, I could not put it down for wanting to find out the ending. Yet I found myself wanting to take the book back to the library before I had completely finished it because of some of the offensive writing.

The death of Sweet Mister may be quite different than you think. I will not say in case you want to read this book for yourself. I don't want to give it away.

tomato red

by: Daniel Woodrell 169 pp.

Sammy, an ex-con just passing through towns, does not fit in with just anyone. He does find a couple of kids who will have him. Jamalee and her brother, Jason, find Sammy drunk and doped up and asleep in a huge mansion that he broke into the night before. Tomato Red is the color of Jamalee's hair and Sammy has a liking for her. This novel is placed in the Ozarks and the kids mentioned live in what's known as Venus Holler.
The story is in first person of Sammy. It is as if he is actually telling you the story as you read it. Some words may not be suitable for some, but without the vulgar words, it would not be Sammy telling the story.
They are planning a future for themselves, but the future changes; and all because of fate - bad fate. Remember, not all stories have a good ending, but it is a journey of day to day events.