The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of The Giving Tree
Book Review: A Cautionary Tale
Summary: 5 Stars
"The Giving Tree," beautifully written and simply illustrated, is a five-star book for adults in need of a cautionary tale: this book warns us, powerfully, that to give to the point of self-destruction is harmful both to the giver and the receiver. The tree, so admirable from one point of view, dismembers herself for the sake of the boy, who only becomes more selfish and more demanding as the story progresses. He does not grow or learn or experience love; instead, he squanders what is given to him and makes the tree, in one sense, responsible for his happiness. How eloquently the book cautions us not to become this selfish, spoiled boy who takes what he is given so for granted: what a wonderful metaphor for adults to use in teaching children to be truly grateful, rather than truly self-aborbed, demanding, and manipulative. We know the boy is not to be admired from any point of view: we strive, hopefully, not to be like him. And the tree, who gives to the point of her own destruction and dismemberment: she too teaches us that giving blindly neither helps the giver nor the receiver. We learn from her that our happiness does not have to depend on giving to the point of our own destruction to another who learns to take us for granted. This book is a source of learning and self-reflection; we can learn from both characters, and teachers and parents can use this book to help children understand the how we do not need to be like the tree or the boy, but how instead we can learn the true nature of giving and receiving.Book Review: A Changing Lesson for EVERY Age
Summary: 5 Stars
Every child and adult should have this book.
There are many controversies about The Giving Tree, many will write that it is a self-less act of love, an issue with co-dependency, or may even send a bad example of relationships with creating selfish children/adults.
I think one of the greatest things about this story is that you can interpret it differently at evolving life stages.
From a child who sees a self-less act of love to an adult who has been in a troubled relationship (much like the tree and the boy).
Regardless, I believe that this story clearly shows 2 sides of A relationship, and if the the reader feels bad for the tree - it is a way to learn how to appreciate and recognize such unconditional love. To always be thankful.
Book Review: A Classic!
Summary: 5 Stars
I read The Giving Tree when I was a kid, and now I read it with my son. The illustrations are simply wonderful, and the story gets me every time. I've heard that Shel Silverstein intended this as a metaphor for parenthood, but I think the interaction between the tree and the growing boy speaks to everyone. This is a beautiful book, and I highly recommend it.Book Review: A Delightful Display of Selflessness and Unconditional Love.
Summary: 5 Stars
The Giving Tree is read too deeply by some people who want to make issues out of everything. When I read it for the first time- I was inspired and filled with love. I automatically wanted to become the tree. I wanted to center my life around giving, much like how Christ is always giving to me. I recommend this book to anyone-young or old, for it teaches the most valuable lesson of all- "...love your neighbor as you love yourself".Book Review: A GOOD STORY ABOUT LOVE AND THE PERFECT HAPPINESS OF GODs' handy WORK!
Summary: 5 Stars
Hello spiritual family,
This book is about loving caring and being blessed by God.
Sincerely,
Michael E Litchmore