I just finished this and must say it's one of the best books I've ever read. Normally when I pick up a book I either like it or hate it. And when I like it, I can't put it down. I have to read through it as soon as possible. This one was different for some reason though. I could read a couple of chapters, put it down for a couple of days and then just right back in like I had never left...like the last words of the last chapter had been burned in my mind. Today I was home sick, and so I burned through the last half. I know this is a strange way to recommend a book, but it's high praise in my mind.

It's a tale of a girl and her family in Brooklyn at the turn of the century (circa 1900-1920). I think Betty Smith (the author) managed to capture human life and emotion better than any other book I've read. Or maybe Francie's life appealed to me more personally. I've gotta think about that more. I'd write more, but I don't want to give it away for those who haven't read it. Plus I have to digest some it further. Still I love this book and highly recommend it.