Betty Smith (1896 – 1972) is best known for her sensitive autobiographical 1943 novel, A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, often described as “raw and real.” Following is a selection of memorable quotes from A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, an American coming-of-age classic:

After years of struggling to write a novel (she had already achieved a measure of success as a playwright), Betty Smith struck literary gold with A Tree Grows in Brooklyn, her first.

Growing up in Brooklyn in the early 1900s is seen from the perspective of Francie Nolan, a down-to-earth girl who’s neither the kind of genius or beautiful heroine that are favored in novels. Read More→