A Tree Grows in Brooklyn

I know, hard to believe but I actually had time to read a book.  This is the longest that it has taken me to finish a book in a long time, but I loved every second.  

This is a classic book.  It deals with family that is in New York and told from the point of view of the daughter as she is growing and learning about reality.  She tells of her mom who doesn't like her as much as her younger brother, and her dad who she adores eventhough his lack of a work ethic and drinking are making her mom work harder than should have been necessary.  

Francie is smart and a good writer.  She reminded me of me a little growing up - I never really knew what to say around friends when I was little, spent most of my time imitating the way they acted because acting how I naturally would didn't seem to mesh.  Francie loves to read but is rarely noticed by the librarian, wants to take care of her family and has to wait for everything so she can do it with her brother. 

Francie's dad sings at bars for a living and he sings the Irish tunes he grew up with.  The whole time I was reading this book, I had all these Irish tunes in my mind, sweet melodies that I really do love.  This is just a beautiful book, lovely to read and enjoyable the whole time.  I thought it was easy to identify with all the characters, found each of them endearing in their own way in spite of their faults, and truly wished this book wasn't over when it ended.  

Side note...this is my 30th book review!!!