1988 CO
Removed
from a locked reference collection at the Boulder Public Library. The
book was locked away originally because the librarian considered it
sexist.
-Banned Books: Challenging Our Freedom to Read by Robert P. Doyle
I remember reading The Giving Tree
as a child, I believe when I was in the second grade, but the book had little
impact on me. Like all of the other kids in my class, I often poured
over Shel Silverstein's
poetry. Naturally, when I found another book by him, I read it. I
remember reading it, but the memory of what I read did not stick with
me. Reading it as an adult is quite emotional. The book focuses on a
tree and her love for a boy. Because she is a tree, there is little that
she can do for the boy, but she gives him everything that she has to
offer to make his life better and in doing so, she is happy. I can't
help but relate this book back to motherhood. I know that I would do
just about anything to help my son succeed and to bring him happiness. I
see the motherly aspect of the tree and how she will do anything for
her boy, even through it means reducing herself to practically nothing.
Even at the end of the book, when it seems that she has nothing left to
give, she still has just what the boy needs.
I
don't know if I like this book. I think it is beautiful but at the same
time it is very sad. I hate seeing the tree give and give and the boy
receive without every thanking the tree for her sacrifice. I think my
issue comes from the fact that I am not sure who the target audience is.
Clearly this book didn't stay with me as I was growing up so I'm not
certain if it is for children. I don't think I would have appreciated
getting it as a baby shower gift, which I know it often is. Even though
it is a picture book, I really don't see it having an audience with
children at all. It seems like the kind of book that would only resonate
with someone who has a higher level of maturity. Maybe I'm wrong, but either way, this particular book is not for me.
Happy Reading!
-Melly
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