86. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith episode artwork

EPISODE · May 21, 2025 · 1H 32M

86. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

from Literature & Libations · host Taylor Made

In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Betty Smith’s 1943 novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Topics include horrible Brooklyn bits, elusive cocktail ingredients, the incredible detail and specificity of the characters and events in this book, how relatable people are even 100+ years later, the current real estate situation in Brooklyn, class prejudice, education as a means to improve your life, Katie and Johnny as people and parents, and singing the praises of Francie Nolan. Plus, we talk about the state of streaming, movies, and connectivity today.This week’s drink: Brooklyn via liquor.comINGREDIENTS:2 oz rye whiskey1 oz dry vermouth1/4 oz maraschino liqueur1/4 oz Amer Picon (or 1/4 ounce Bigallet China-China Amer or 2 dashes Angostura bitters)Garnish: Luxardo maraschino cherryINSTRUCTIONS:Add the rye whiskey, dry vermouth, maraschino liqueur and Amer Picon (or substitute) into a mixing glass with ice and stir until well-chilled.Strain into a chilled coupe glass.Garnish with a skewered maraschino cherry.Current/recommended reads, links, etc.:The Boxcar Librarian by Brianna LabuskesFollow us on Instagram @literatureandlibationspod.Visit our website: literatureandlibationspod.com to submit feedback, questions, or your own takes on what we are reading. You can also see what we are reading for future episodes! You can email us at [email protected] leave us a review and/or rating! It really helps others find our podcast…and it makes us happy!Purchase books via bookshop.org or check them out from your local public library. Join us next time as we read Gone Girl by Gillian Flynn.

Episode metadata supplied by the publisher feed · Published May 21, 2025

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In this week’s episode, Kayla and Taylor discuss Betty Smith’s 1943 novel A Tree Grows in Brooklyn. Topics include horrible Brooklyn bits, elusive cocktail ingredients, the incredible detail and specificity of the characters and events in this book, how relatable people are even 100+ years later, the current real estate situation in Brooklyn, class prejudice, education as a means to improve your life, Katie and Johnny as people and parents, and singing the praises of Francie Nolan. Plus, we t...

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86. A Tree Grows in Brooklyn by Betty Smith

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