a tree, does in fact, grow in brooklyn

In honor of this blog's namesake, i am rereading A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. I realized that it had been such a long time since I last read the book, maybe even more than 10 years. I remember having loved it and in those early teen years, I had deemed it my "favorite book" and swore it would always hold that place. So i grew up a bit and i read a bit more and though other books have rivaled it, ATGIB has remained in my memory as an all-time favorite, a book I just couldn't shake.

It occurred to me recently that it might be worth a reread of the novel since I didn't so much remember the actual story, only that I adored it.

And the second time around, i think i love it even more. Maybe because the book takes place RIGHT in my neighborhood and even mentions the street I live on. Maybe because I can recognize even more now what a beautiful piece of writing it is. Maybe because it reminds me of who I was when I last read it. Maybe because it is simple and true and it is unadulterated from the modern world.

I'll be sad when i've finished it for a second time but it will be good to know that in 10 years or so, i will be able to go back and live it all over again.