The Giving Tree

ironic(?) sweet yet destructive

the tree was so happy in giving. she kept on giving and giving because that's what makes her happy. the boy and the tree were lucky they had each other until the end. though what the boys did was just taking and taking, the tree was still happy and lived the boy. she kept on giving the boy whatever she could give. what a heartfelt story.

just one of those stories that'd stick with you for a lifetime.

“Once there was a tree, and she loved a little boy.”

⭐️3 As part of my attempt to read more from my Goodreads TBR, I chose one of the shortest books. Although I didn't read the children's book when I was a child, nor do I hold any sentimental attachment to it, I was still interested in reading this picture book because of the book's impact and the controversy surrounding its interpretations of Shel Silverstein's work (which I consider one of the reasons the book is so great). Despite being a children's book, the writing and illustrations in this picture book were well done. Also, although this picture book is intended for children, thus the writing style, this picture book's topic/s or moral is universal for all ages, since it can be interpreted in multiple ways, from viewing the relationship between the tree and the boy as a positive and selfless one (similar to one of a child and a mother, or a religious figure and a follower) to viewing it as a negative one (e.g., viewing the relationship of the boy and the tree as abusive and one-sided).

It's a great book to show to your friends on what happens to them when they don't set boundaries.

This book was one of my favorites as a kid. It is such a beautiful, heartbreaking book. It is a children's book and it is short but it packs such a big punch. I think that it is a timeless children's classic and if you haven't read it, you should. Anyone, at any age, could enjoy this book. It has such a deep meaning within the few words/pages that it contains. People need to appreciate what they have and know that relationships, any type of relationship, are give and take. It shouldn't just be one-sided. But, the people who truly love you will sacrifice whatever they can for you, which is shown in this book. They can sacrifice so much for you that they are left with nothing. This book is such a great read; I highly recommend it. I love that even though it is a children's book, that was originally published in 1964, it still holds a very relevant lesson. It really makes you think about what you're taking and contributing to your "Giving Tree." It is a beautiful, heartbreaking story that everyone should read. It packs such an impact with so few words. Definitely recommend.

A book grown-ups should take more time to read.

How sad!

A really short story about parenthood and its consequences. Perhaps too deep for a child, but it will definitely point out a different perspective for parents.

A very sad and powerful story. I loved it very much. Definitely something I would like my children to read!

Uma história magnífica sobre a nossa relação com o planeta que habitamos, contado às crianças mas relevante para todos. Mas talvez a maior riqueza do texto seja a capacidade que tem de nos fazer refletir, pelo modo como conduz cada leitor a plasmar sobre a relação entre a criança e a árvore um conjunto de relações humanas da sua experiência e daí retirar leituras e interpretações, positivas e negativas. O livro foi transformado em animação e pode ser vista em várias versões no YouTube, uma dela com o texto lido pelo próprio Shell Silverstein.

My favorite book from when I was a child!

My intro to lit professor literally read me this book.

Well... that's... well.

This is a wonderful story. It is so perceptive and beautiful. I think every child and adult should read this.

not sure when I read this, so set for today

A very heartwarming story

Perfect example of a Mother-Son/Child relationship. Mirrors mine completely.

I cried

I just love Shel Silverstein!

Wonderful It will be always one of my favorite classics. Love the simplicity of the message and illustrations. For all ages

I recently had a go at reading Shel Silverstein's A Light in the Attic which was lovely (even if I am a little too old for these books now), and now I've read his The Giving Tree. There's not that much I can say about this book as it is only 60-odd pages, but I did find it super sweet. Even at 16, I kind of enjoyed reading this short, childishly simple book... It tells the unusual tale of love between a boy and an apple tree while the boy grows up and the tree gives everything she has to keep him happy. I thought it was just so cute! If you have any young family members, I would definitely recommend reading this book with them. I might have to give this 4 stars...

I just have to agree with the negative reviews here on Goodreads. It's disturbing to conceive a love so destructive. I don't get why people find this book so sweet.