Sunday, February 03, 2008
Head Shots
Shel Silverstein wrote what in my youth I thought was a wonderful children's book. Now when I read it to my kids I think what a selfish personthe main character is. Yes the tree is wonderful and giving but it seems the man cannot learn from the generosity he just takes and takes. Anyhow the point of this blog is to mention that on the back of The Giving Tree is the most god awful head shot I've ever seen. I mean how did this man ever sell any of these books? When Z saw the back cover she said "scary" and I wholeheartedly agree. Take a look for yourself and tell me what you think.
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6 comments:
I totally agree with everything you've said. I don't really remember reading the book as a kid, but I was aware, growing up, that adults seemed to think this was a good gift. When I read it as an adult, I was a little shocked at the insensitivity of the human in the book. It's sad. Maybe it's supposed to be a sad, truthful portrayal of human desire--but ugh. Give me something uplifting!
As far as the book photo goes--also shocking. It was one of the first things little Z showed me when I came to stay at the house. I can see why she'd be fascinated / horrified by it--my first instinct was to immediately turn the book over.
Ka
Even more shocking was when I found some of Shel Silverstein's adult cartoons in a bookstore. I was fascinated that they came from the same mind as "Lazy Lazy Lazy Lazy Lazy Lazy Jane..." but at least those pictures match the aforementioned author photograph!
-2kool4skool
I used to rant about this story too, however, the book that's floating around the house right now was a gift from someone who's very special to us. She insisted it's a story about pure generosity, that the tree is the star, not the (selfish little) boy. She didn't say that ( ) part, though.
-S
He looks like someone from a 1940's prison. I don't like him.
I always thought the story was so beautiful. I may have to reread next time I am over and see if I get a different take on it.
Either way he needs a new publicists.
jb
I agree with S, the tree is the star, the sad part is that the boy/man doesn't seem to fully appreciate the true friend that the tree is.
Is the idea that we should be trees?
Right now many true tree friends have been downed from our recent ice storm--their limbs cracked and scraping the ground--they look like giant brooms trying to sweep up all that shattered ice.
love, Ka
We received this book as a shower gift when i with I. [this last sentence needs some deep reflection - whoah.] It did seem like the perfect gift as it's such a "classic" from our own childhoods. But I'm with you - when I read it again I found it very depressing. It sits on a tall shelf and I has never seen it!
MS
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