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, The Giving Tree
) although everyone else seemed to love them. The Missing Piece was repetitive, dull and completely pointless by the end, and The Giving Tree is about a horribly selfish little boy who thinks he can talk to a tree... I guess I just missed how it's more about unconditional love, because I don't think love should inspire selfishness.Anyway, in the last little while, I've tried again to read Silverstein because everyone I know loves him. So, I read my nephews' favorite, Don't Bump the Glump
, my brother-in-law's favorite, Where the Sidewalk Ends
, my friend's favorite, The Giving Tree (tried it again, still didn't care for it) and a few others just for good measure. I read Falling Up
, A Light in the Attic
, and Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book
. I genuinely enjoyed A Light in the Attic and I thought Uncle Shelby's Adult Primer was morbidly funny but was not at all impressed with any of the others. Each book does contain some poems that I really enjoyed, but as a whole, I felt that there were better things I could be doing with my time.I do enjoy reading these books with young kids, because they just seem to love them, but reading them by myself is boring. I think perhaps the utterly and absurdly ridiculous is wasted on me. I like a little ridiculous in my life, but these just seem to much, almost like they are trying so hard to be funny. Some of them are legitimately great but most of them just don't do it for me.
So tell me- what am I missing? What is it about Shel Silverstein that everyone loves but I just can't seem to get?! Can any one fill me in here? I'm at a loss.
Maybe you're just broken, Ashley. :P
ReplyDeleteI like his sense of humor a lot. That's probably the biggest reason I like his books. Your sense of humor is a little different than mine. I am glad that you tried his books again. No one could say you didn't give them a chance. There's also nothing wrong with having a different opinion.
oh my gosh, I didn't like THE MISSING PIECE either! my professor even read it in class and I groaned so loud everyone looked at me :S
ReplyDeleteIt was repetitive, but it was also stupid, and what exactly was the message? something about us completing ourselves and not needing anyone or whatever? I don't know, but oh my gosh I've waited my whole life to hear someone else say they didn't like Silverstein!
*HIGH FIVE*!
I'm not much of a fan either. I much prefer Remy Charlip.
ReplyDeleteOk, yes - he was creepy looking. My parents gave me Where the Sidewalk Ends and A Light in the Attic when I was a kid, and I really liked them. I think it's a kid thing. And, I was a weird little kid (maybe). :) But I really didn't like The Giving Tree or the book about the lion. At all.
ReplyDeleteHaha! YES! I'm so happy that I'm not the only one!!
ReplyDeleteHigh Five back Amelia! Give me some knuckles! ;)
I believe I am way worse since I have no idea who the guy is....
ReplyDeleteOk, so for the record I haven't grown up in an English-speaking country *feeling less ignorant for saying so* (lol) but the guy looks slightly cree-py indeed!
Shall I bother reading one of his books?
Caroline- If you want to try one, go for it. They are pretty short, read really fast and are generally worth at least one shot (I recommend A Light in the Attic (1st) or Where the Sidewalk Ends)
ReplyDeleteIf you have access to a children, these are a lot of fun to read aloud to them (unless they are like I was...)
If you do read one, I would definitely love to hear what you thought!
I wonder the same thing about some things: recently I read Gena Showalter Darkest Passion and it did nothing for me but so many others rave about it. Yeah, what am I missing? Stopped on the hop - your newest follow. I have a great giveaway until Wednesday -- stop on by!
ReplyDeleteFangs, Wands and Fairy Dust
steph@fangswandsandfairydust.com
THANK YOU for this! As a teacher and parent, it seems almost taboo to not fawn over The GIving Tree. Not a favorite to say the least. Brava!
ReplyDelete