Book Review: The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

Title: The Giving Tree

Author: Shel Silverstein

Publisher: HarperCollins

Pages: 64

Format: E-book

Published: February, 2014

Price: $11.99 -> Rp156.020 (Amazon)

Rating: 3 / 5 stars

Date started: April 2, 2015 - Date finished: April 2, 2015

Synopsis:

"Once there was a tree...and she loved a little boy."

So begins a story of unforgettable perception, beautifully written and illustrated by the gifted and versatile Shel Silverstein.

Every day the boy would come to the tree to eat her apples, swing from her branches, or slide down her trunk...and the tree was happy. But as the boy grew older he began to want more from the tree, and the tree gave and gave and gave.

This is a tender story, touched with sadness, aglow with consolation. Shel Silverstein has created a moving parable for readers of all ages that offers an affecting interpretation of the gift of giving and a serene acceptance of another's capacity to love in return.

*this review may contain spoilers of the story

Review:
The Giving Tree told us a story that represents greed from the side of the boy. One day a boy was friends with a tree, he played with that tree everyday but as he grew older he didn't play as much as he did before. He came back when he was a teenager and asked for money, a man and asked for a house, and then as a old man and asked for a boat. The tree always give everything the man wanted.

In the perspective of the tree it was all about giving sincerely to others. In this story the tree always try to give everything the boy/man needs even if it means giving every part of her being.

You know I can't help but compare the boy-tree relationship to the relationships of parents and their children. Parents always give everything they can give to their children just like what the tree did with the boy. This short book has quite a deep meaning.

What I got from this is that we shouldn't be too greedy or selfish in asking for something we should consider the feelings and capabilities of the ones we ask favors to. Also in giving something to others we should be sincere and kind.

You know, this book reminds me of what my parents did for my sister and I. They are kind of my giving tree and I'm the selfish and greedy boy. I sure hope in the future I can return the favor and become their own personal giving tree! :)

“And after a long time the boy came back again.

"I am sorry, Boy," said the tree, "but I have nothing left to give you-

My apples are gone."

"My teeth are too weak for apples," said the boy.

"My branches are gone," said the tree.

"You cannot swing on them-"

"I am too old to swing on branches," said the boy.

"My trunk is gone," said the tree.

"You cannot climb-"

"I am too tired to climb," said the boy.

"I am sorry," sighed the tree.

"I wish that I could give you something... but I have nothing left. I am an old stump. I am sorry..."

"I don't need very much now," said the boy, "just a quiet pleace to sit and rest. I am very tired."

"Well," said the tree, straightening herself up as much as she could,

"well, an old stump is a good for sitting and resting. Come, Boy, sit down. Sit down and rest."

And the boy did.

And the tree was happy.”

Great short book, recommended if you're looking for a very quick read cause it'll only take you minutes to finish. Read this one if you guys haven't yet.

This post is intended for the 13 Days Reading Children and Young Adult's Literature.

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