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Summary: Short Simple Sweet
Review: I am 20 years old and this book still remains my favorite book of all time. After going several years without reading it, I picked up my own personal copy of this book in the summer of '98. Although "The Giving Tree" is simple enough to be understood and appreciated by young minds, it has a deeper meaning for adults. The simple message implied in the charmingly told story continues to keep me grounded. This book is proof that a lot can be said in only a few words. Buy it for your kids. Buy it for yourself.
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Summary: Even more meaningful as an adult
Review: I ran across this book yesteday after almost two decades. It was touching, moving, and profound - yet expressed with so much simplicity that it is deceptively easy to read. In reality, it shows what love is - patient, generous, undemanding, and joyous. I am giving copies of it to my friends for Christmas this year - to express my love and affection for them all. It is that special.
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Summary: Best book ever
Review: I first read this book as a child and it remains my favorite book after over 15 years. It is a touching story of unconditional love and ultimate friendship. It is a must have for every child and adult.
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Summary: TIMELESS CLASSIC
Review: This lovely little book is open to interpretation. It tells its simple truth on many levels, all valid I guess. Here's an old traditional poem/hymn that reflects the same simple truth to me. The tree of life my soul hath seen, Laden with fruit and always green: The trees of nature fruitless be Compared with Christ the apple tree. His beauty doth all things excel: By faith I know but ne'er can tell The glory which I now can see In Jesus Christ the apple tree. For happiness I long have sought, And pleasures dearly have I bought: I missed of all; but now I see "Tis found in Christ the apple tree. This fruit doth make my soul to thrive It keeps my dying faith alive Which makes my soul in haste to be With Jesus Christ the apple tree.
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Summary: A great book if you see its true meaning...
Review: I have loved this book ever since I was a child, and it still remains one of the most touching stories I have ever read. After reading some of the reviews of the book here, especially the negative ones which focus on the boy's selfishness, I think the point of the story is being lost. True, it's about a tree that gave everything it had to the boy, and received almost nothing in return, but it also received the boy's love. Also, the boy's selfishness is so apparent that upon reading the story, you have to wonder if you have ever been as selfish. Like with most stories, this is an exaggeration, but the heart of the message is there if you look for it. I see this book as a lesson on how not to be as selfish.
Rating:
Summary: Good Book
Review: This book is probably the most read on my shelf. The story of a boy and a tree that gives whatever he wants even if the tree suffers. This book is very good to read to your child at night, before their prayers, or to read to yourself. It's very touching and I fully recommend it.
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Summary: Positivly Negative
Review: I find that the lesson taught here is uniquely a yin and yang type philosophy. This idea is NOT taught to kids. This book dares to show the imperfection of human emotion and how it is dealt with by all parties. And it sure doesn't fail to portray the absurdity one may cross in life. I love it! Its about time we are moving away from perfection and realizing the truth about humanity! Teach it to your kids!
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Summary: The tears still fall after all these years...
Review: When a book causes a reader to feel an emotion strong enough to physically affect them, that is pure art. Shel Silverstein has created such a work of art and it is called, "The Giving Tree". I first read this book when I was just a toddler and was in fact one of the first books I ever read on my own. I cried uncontrollably then, and to this day even the mere mention of this book sends tears running down my face. The book has a powerful affect on me even today as a 25-year-old. Though the book may seem depressing due to the great sacrifices made by the tree on behalf of the "uncaring" boy, I feel that a deeper meaning lies within this. Just as a mother or father would give everything she or he had to ensure thier child's happiness, so did the tree. For in a sense, the tree was the boy's mother or father. And so, the tree gave up every physical possession it had to try to make the boy happy. And although the boy shows very little affection toward the tree (save for the beginning when he was a young boy and told the tree he loved it), there is a subtle hint of the boy's affection. (The boy continues to come back to the tree depending on it for support.) And when the boy becomes an old man he returns to the tree even then just to sit and enjoy it. That is a form of love-companionship. Why does the book make me cry even now? Because it makes me reflect upon how much I love my child and how I, like the tree, would give everything to make her happy.
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Summary: The Absolute Best Book In Print Today
Review: The "Master of Children's Books" has proven his worthiness of such a title. This has been my all time favorite book. I give it as gifts for people of all ages. The lessons taught by the "Master" are bitter sweet. The book in many ways reminds me of my mother and how I did not appreciate her untill she was gone. I hope others can learn the valuable lesson from this book before it is to late. I own every Shel Silverstein book known, including his out of print adult book, Different Dances. He is a genius! If you must only purchase on of Silverstein's books, this is the one. But please consider enlightning yours and your loved ones by adding as many of his books to your library.
Rating:
Summary: Its A Wonderful Book
Review: I like the Giving Tree it's a wonderful book. It's about a boy when he was young he used to swing on his branches. Will when he gets older he asked for his leaves to make a house,and then he wants his trunk to make a boat,and his apples to sell. When he gets older the tree has nothing to give to him and at the end he is about in his 50s and he is sitting on the strump sitting alone and lonely. Can't tell you the rest so read this book!
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