Give It to Shel

When I was a Mom of toddlers and reading book after book after book to my kids, one book kept getting recommended to me more than almost every other book.  That book was Shel Silverstein's The Giving Tree.  Great title and sounded worth reading.  When I sat down to read it, I was appalled.  What in the world was the message that Mr. Silverstein wanted children all over learn from his book?  Have you read it?  It's about a boy through his entire life and a tree that loves him unconditionally.  You see, the love is one way.  The boy comes back only when he wants or needs something.  The tree gives everything to the boy with all the way to being a stump.  Huh?  The message is give, give, give and get nothing back in return?  Really?  WTF?  I had such a strong reaction to this story that 10 years later, it still pisses me off.  I can't understand why it's such a classic.  Why would you want to teach children to just love and give unconditionally when the recipient doesn't share the feelings?  I think it is an abhorrent message to send children.  

When I was a kid my Mom used to say I was a "thank you, please." She was referring to being treated poorly by friends and come back for more. Thank you for ditching me, please do it again or whatever.  Did you get that?  Have you heard that before?  Well, I grew out of that.  I expect to treat people with respect and, in turn, be treated with respect.  Maybe that is why I have such an aversion to The Giving Tree.  No one should let anyone treat you the way the boy treated the tree.  I would never recommend this book for a child.  Did I make that point clear?  I bet this book is on my bookshelves all over the country and maybe the world. I wouldn't really recommend it for anyone except maybe a student studying psychology.  

Sidebars:  I still think Amazing Race rocks. The Good Wife found its footing again and ending too soon for the season. The Voice still is going strong. Love to hear the judges sing with their team.  Christina Aguilera dressed a tad ridiculous. She could barely walk in her high heels. Blake Shelton and his team were simple and flawless. The definition of less is more. Christina was the star of her team song. Blake's team was the star. Hmmmmmm. Dancing With the Stars, latin night.  Another great night of dancing.  Hot, sexy and can't imagine who will go home. Based on last night's performance, probably Gavin DeGraw, but he has a very large fan base so....Tonight is The Biggest Loser episode that I've been waiting for. The contestants revolt, walk off the show and stop production for a few days!  Really? Tonight they bring the lawyers on to tell them, I'm sure, that they are under contract. Woops.  

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