Book Review

Adrielle Massey
Book Review Essay
Sophomore English
22 January 2008

The Giving Tree is a wonderous book with intriguing evasive qualities, simple writing, but complex concepts that makes one prod their cerebellum with a sharp stick.
The book is a mystery in itself. The reader does not know very much about the tree or the boy. The author, Shel Silverstein, does not provide a name, as the young human is simply referred to as "the boy" and the tree is just that, "the tree." The reader has no idea where this depressing story is taking place, but the lack of titles and locations makes the story universal and identifiable for anyone willing to set eyes on the book and intake the information it is offering.
As The Giving Tree is only approximatley 52 pages long and posesses a facile language; it is considered a children's book. This makes the book easy to understand with uncomplex words. There are no puns or idoms, the words that make up the story are very direct, understandable by everyone. A child of five to whom is being read a bedtime story can relate to the story the same as a 50-year-old college English professor who just wished to read a well-written piece of literature.
Now, even though the book has an easy way of putting words together it still makes the reader ponder the actions of the characters long after the last page is turned and the book is returned to the dusty shelves it calls home. The Giving Tree is an engaging piece of literature with an elaborate message. This message is so valuable to everyone because however the reader interperates it, the answer is always correct. The book explores the natural evils of humanity, and whether one can bring themself to understand or deem the lack of generosity of the boy unforgivable, either are acceptable.
The Giving Tree is one of the best books ever written because of its obscure yet tantalizing qualities. The book takes such effortless understanding that anyone can enjoy it. Best of all, it is an intricate story of a boy and tree that is elaborate but not impossible to understand.


so this assignment was okay. Not too terrible, but not fun...just an assignment...