A Tree Grows in Brooklyn and Some Business

Here are the questions I've come up with:

How is the novel's portrayal of poverty different from other books?

Is this a story of not only about Francie's maturation but also that of the United States in the early 20th century?

What kind of characters seem to thrive in Francie's Brooklyn?

How are societal values and attitudes different from today's?

This is said to be a great 20th century American masterpiece...why?

Does the story remind you of any other bildungsroman stories (and yes, I purposely made a question that used the word "bildungsroman")?

What do you think of Francie's relationship with each parent? Is that unusual or just taboo?

Was Francie careless with her heart? Is she playing it safe the second time around?

I have lots of questions I could post, so sorry if that is too many to deal with for one book. Answer what you wish.

TWO IMPORTANT BOOK CLUB ISSUES (which means respond)

If you want to chat on gmail about it respond. I think it should be done either in the next few days or sometime next week after the holidays. Whatever is good.

Annnnnnd somebody needs to pick a book for January.