The Giving Tree

Rating:
Summary: A must for kids of all ages (1-99!)
Review: The Giving Tree is simply put, a story of how giving is the only true way to be happy. In giving to others, we receive. I was given this book by a friend and read it to my children now. It's a good reminder that we should think of others first.

Rating:
Summary: Most Misunderstood Children's Book Ever Written
Review: I worked in a book store and was pained every time someone requested this book because I believe it is grossly misunderstood. Everyone focuses on the "giving" tree and fails to see what the author has indicated in numerous interviews he intended to show, as well, the selfish boy who only took. In fact, he took so much he eventually destroyed the tree. There is no account of the boy attempting to re-pay or give back to the tree by watering or fertilizing. True friendships require that both parties give, thereby, strengthening each other so that both will have more to give each other. Like much of Silverstein's works, this is irony folks, the meaning is much beyond the obvious.

Rating:
Summary: A beautiful story of unconditional love
Review: The Giving Tree is a powerful lesson in love and spirituality. This book has become my gift to every child I love and to their parents. Thank you Shel.

Rating:
Summary: Wonderful!!
Review: After reading the above reviews all I can say is... I would rather spend my time with those individuals who rated the book highly...trying to analyse this book too deeply ruins the joy!

Rating:
Summary: beautiful story -- hateful reviews
Review: As with all literature, there could be a sub-plot, intentional or misconstrued. If the fact that the character is a boy and the tree is seen as feminine (as all nature is personified), then let the story switch itself around in your mind: a girl taking from a male tree. Does it matter? The story remains the same, one of unconditional love. We all live with the possibility of experiencing it ... It's our choice whether we become the tree or the girl/boy or, as is more common, a balance of both. Step down from the feminist calvary, already. You're giving us women a bad name...

Rating:
Summary: The Giving Tree - You Must Read It!
Review: I just finished listening to my 7 year old son read this book to me, and I was so touched, by the story it told. The unconditional love this tree held for this boy. It is so true to life. It also hit so close to home. We live in an area where there are so many pine trees, and they have become a nuisance for so many, us included, and so everyone in our neighborhood have been cutting these trees down, and now I see this in such a different light because of this book. I really feel bad, not to sound like I'm nuts, but these trees had so much to offer us, and we could not see beyond our selfish needs, and now they're gone and they can never offer us anything again.. I will never cut down another tree. P.S. - I can't wait to pick up another Shel Silverstein book.

Rating:
Summary: This book can perpetuate disrespect for nature and women!
Review: Although the story has a certain charming loving relationship between the boy/man and the tree, the details of the simplistic analogy are horrifying. As the male takes and takes from the giving female in the story, she remains forever forgiving and accepting that her role is to give without question or limit. She is used, abused, sliced, dismembered, and finally cut down (read: killed), only to powerlessly allow the male in the story to continue to take and abuse. In a final insult, the man sits on the stump and somehow the reader is told that the (dead) tree is "happy." This story, may seem like simply a "happy" tale at first glance to many parents, teachers, and gift givers, but it is a masogynistic metaphor for thoughtless deforestation and violence against women.

Rating:
Summary: Never forget!!
Review: My friend gave me this book when I was in the most extreme hardship in my life, that was, the divorce. I was exhausted by the fighting and struggles with my ex-wife. In such a time, I read this book and I literally got shocked. Every word in this book speared straight into my heart. I could not help asking myself if I was, or maybe both of us, really thoughtful to the partner? Did I consider giving anything to her not expecting getting any rewards? I felt this book saved my soul. Several years later, I got married again and resumed the family life. I will never forget what this book told me, that is, what the real love will be.

Rating:
Summary: THE Book with a capital 'b'
Review: I remember when I was in Primary school when my librarian read this book to us and even now, in Highschool, I still remember it, still very fresh in my mind. This book displays a very easy understanding of giving and taking, love and care for another in any sense.I know, for sure, and if I can, I will hand this book down onto my children and so forth and read it to them EVERY night.

Rating:
Summary: What is it really about?
Review: The Giving Tree is popularly thought to be about selfless giving and it's virtues. But the author himself says, "it's basically a story about a relationship between 2 people, 1 who gives, and 1 who takes"....this is revealing, because it shows to me more of an unhealthy "co-dependent" relationship, and what happens when a "tree" gives and gives (she's bled dry) and that the "boy" (a taker) is never satisified, even 'til death with the taking. No, this book is not about the virtue of selfless giving, it's a study in a certain type of human relationship. Not necessarily the best, and healthiest of those types. Shel himself doesn't think the tree is worthy of veneration. Neither do I. But it's just as powerful...it's a study of symbiotic relationships...and ask yourselves, "Would I want to be the tree??" and ask yourselves, "Would i want to know the boy?" Think on the answers after you read it and your view of the book may change. Even more powerful perhaps when you really see what it's about.