The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

[KLyons1]

My least favorite Silverstein. As others have said, I disliked it because the boy never gives the tree anything. My frustration with his lack of appreciation and courtesy outweighed the lessons of sacrifice to be learned from the tree.

Where the Sidewalk Ends, on the other hand, is a book I have given to each of my nieces and nephews, because there's something in there for everyone

[audre_child]

I was read this as a child, but didn't fully understand the context and meaning of the story until later in life. It is a very emotional book I found myself greatly intrigued by.

[pt_12]

It has been a recurring book throughout my life. It makes me more sad now. Not even depressed -- just sad. Because I have a stronger sense of empathy, because it connects humans to nature both literally -- in both definitions of the word -- and allegorically. It tells us that we take a lot for nature, it tells us that we take recurring people in our lives for granted, tells us about our parents, our friends, our pets. It poignantly tells us about aging.

[CuriousJorgi]

When I read it has a child, I was sad but didn't understand why: how can I feel for both characters, that's not how books work, there is a good guy and a bad guy. Those were my thoughts as a child. I have re-read the book and I now feel for both the tree and understand that a person can feel for both the antagonist and protagonist in a story.

[Titanoboa92]

This is a really sad book. It is a classic because pretty much no matter your age, you will experience a strong emotional response from reading it. I like it a lot.

[Enijmas]

This is definitely a book that could touch people of all ages; children learn something different from it at different ages; adults find connection to it based on past experiences. Definitely a book to buy, treasure, and bring out for a read throughout the years. <3

[mandap24]

This was the first Silverstein book that I read. I read it countless times as a child and eventually understood the true meaning. I really liked it but I do believe Silverstein has better poetry.
I think there is a strong lesson within the book and think it's good for children to read.

[darkandstormyknight]

I remember reading this as a kid! It made me sad, still does. I think I thought that something was wrong with their relationship back then, but it really hits me now, I don't think I really got it back then.

[bluebutterfly2]

I was read this story when I was very young. (Probably second grade or so) I remember enjoying the book, and thinking that it was nice that the tree and the man in the end had each other.

[Wind Wise]

I'd say I enjoy his poetry books far more than this one. The boy never gave anything back to the tree, he just took everything until there was nothing left but a stump. He should've given something back, like planted another tree close by so that tree wouldn't be lonely while the boy was away or something.

[WinterCandyMints]

I'm always so sad when I read this book. I've actually stopped re-reading it entirely because it makes me so sad. I agree with your thoughts on it. It would appear that this is the message the author is getting across.

[andicakes9]

I love Shel Silverstein's book but this one was my favorite. Nowadays I can't find people who've heard of him. The Giving Tree was such a good book!

[TLGabelman]

This is my favorite book to read to my kids. Yes its sad, but it has layers.

I once talked to my 7yr old about how stories can mean something more than just what you read, and pulled this book out as an example. I told her " Mommy is the tree, and mommy simply wants you to be happy." Then we talked a lot about how happiness comes from within and others cant make you happy if you are not.

Its a book full of lessons for all generations.

[ariesdollface]

did not expect to find a forum on The Giving Tree. it seems so appropriate though because it's an amazing book that is also really very widely read (at least by the people i know). I don't remember how old i was when my mother brought this book home but i know that i was reading this as early as 6 or 7 years old. it always made sad, and angry with the little boy. but it's such a true reflection of the many asymmetrical relationships we encounter in life. it's pretty impressive that a book can resonate so widely. i suppose that's about as good a measure as any to consider a book a work of greatness.

[mmandy38]

Maybe I should go re-read this book (it's been years since I've read it). I remember being sad but I didn't think deep enough into it to see what a lot of these other people saw. But I loved Shel Silverstein as a kid, but I don't remember this one being my favorite from him.

I'd say I enjoy his poetry books far more than this one. The boy never gave anything back to the tree, he just took everything until there was nothing left but a stump. He should've given something back, like planted another tree close by so that tree wouldn't be lonely while the boy was away or something.

I never thought about giving him another tree friend but that is a brilliant idea!