Over the years, I have read an abundant amount of books and have empathized with plenty of fictional characters; Francie Nolan, from ‘A Tree Grows in Brooklyn’ by Betty Smith, is one of those special characters. Although my life story may differ from Francie’s, she was a relatable character that has experienced what many of us have experienced in life when growing into a young adult. I read ‘A Tree Grows in Brooklyn’ for the first time when I was eleven years old and I immediately began to identify myself with the young, aspirational Francie Nolan. Although I did not come from an impoverished home, I grew up with struggles (like everyone else) and had always seemed to view the world as a beautiful place despite the tragedies that occur in
