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Book Nook provides readers with insights into the world of books. Vick Mickunas takes you into the center of the publishing world with the latest book buzz, book reviews, and exclusive chats with authors..Home > Blogs > Book Nook > Archives > 2008 > January > 26 > Entry
A Tree Grows in Brooklyn
One of the things I enjoy most about listening to audiobooks is when I have the opportunity to hear a new recording of a classic book. My favorite audiobook of this type from last year was a complete recording of Stanley Kubrick’s A CLOCKWORK ORANGE.
I was delighted to come upon a new recording of Betty Smith’s wonderful story A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN(Caedmon). This version features an introduction by the novelist Jacquelyn Mitchard. The story is read by Kate Burton. She does a splendid job and I think her talent must be genetic. Her father, the late Richard Burton, was one of the great narrators of all time. I still have scratchy copies of Caedmon recordings that Sir Richard made back in the 1950’s.
Smith published her heartwarming tale of the Nolan family in 1943. The story takes place in the slums of Williamsburg (Brooklyn) between the years of 1902 and 1919. Smith (born Elizabeth Wehner) knew the area well. She grew up there.
I think that Betty Smith would be very pleased with this new unabridged audio version of her book. She died in 1972.
Have you read A TREE GROWS IN BROOKLYN?? Isn’t it lovely? What do you remember about it?
Vick Mickunas
Permalink | Comments (2) | Categories: audiobook extra
Comments
By Barbara Delaney
January 28, 2008 6:34 PM | Link to this
My mother re-read that book every year and gave it to me to read when I was eleven years old. I remember crying buckets when Francie, (or was it Frannie? it’s been awhile), found the red roses on her desk that arrived posthumously from her father. What a tearjerker that book is, I’m sure it’s wonderful to listen to, especially by such a gifted reader.By lmj
January 26, 2008 11:10 PM | Link to this
I read Tree many, many years ago and remember it as a coming of age story. Coincidentally, it is the next book my reading group will be discussing. I just picked up my copy yesterday to read in preparation for the February discussion. Maybe I’ll respond again after I re-read it.