The Giving Tree

So I know everyone loves this book, it's a classic children's story, and blah blah blah. But here's the thing. It's a book about a selfish little boy who takes and takes and takes until the tree has nothing left to give, and we're supposed to respect the tree for bending over backwards for this ungrateful prat. This book reinforces gender roles BIG time and propagates the idea that real love...more

So I know everyone loves this book, it's a classic children's story, and blah blah blah. But here's the thing. It's a book about a selfish little boy who takes and takes and takes until the tree has nothing left to give, and we're supposed to respect the tree for bending over backwards for this ungrateful prat. This book reinforces gender roles BIG time and propagates the idea that real love means mothers/women/lovers should give of themselves no matter the cost--that is the highest good. And even if the gender roles were reversed--with the man giving it all to the woman--it's just as bad, because one party is completely obliterating self in service of the other. And that's just bad business. And a bad message to send to children. And sometimes, a bad one for adults too. As a child, I loved this story. Now I feel it's not really about the tree, but about the little boy who just takes and takes and never things twice.   hide

Childhood classic.

This book will damage you for life. This is one seriously dysfunctional relationship.

identical to life.

One of my favorite children's books ever!

Can't read it with the kid anymore. It makes me cry every time.

Okay, I know this is one of those classic children's books that everyone loves. Am I the only one who finds it disturbing? Is the message that if you love someone you should demonstrate said love by submitting to their greed,self-centeredness and general disregard until you have nothing left? Reading it just pisses me off and makes me want to give the greedy little boy/man a piece of my mind....more

Okay, I know this is one of those classic children's books that everyone loves. Am I the only one who finds it disturbing? Is the message that if you love someone you should demonstrate said love by submitting to their greed,self-centeredness and general disregard until you have nothing left? Reading it just pisses me off and makes me want to give the greedy little boy/man a piece of my mind. Creepy.   hide

LOVE IT I LOVE ALL OH SHEL SILVERSTINES BOOKS :D

my favorite children's book ever !