Why people recommend it
The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein is a classic children's picture book about the relationship between an apple tree and a growing boy who takes from it throughout his life. Elizabeth Egan referenced the book on The Book Review in July 2024 to contrast its themes of depletion and taking with another title. Meanwhile, an episode of No Stupid Questions featured hosts Angela Duckworth discussing the story in depth during a conversation about whether a person can be too nice. Duckworth and her cohost explored the narrative's themes of self-sacrifice versus generosity, with Duckworth frankly characterizing the central dynamic of the story as a somewhat sado-masochistic relationship based on an editor's interpretation.
Who recommended it
- Angela Duckworth Discussed
- Elizabeth Egan Discussed
Angela Duckworth — 2 mentions
Discussed
“and I think maybe that very famous book The Giving Tree Giving Tree”
Critiqued
“I think it is basically a book about a sedom masochistic relationship”
Elizabeth Egan — 1 mention
Discussed
“I compared it to The Giving Tree but the message of it is very different from the giving tree where the giving tree is all about somebody taking”
Mentioned on the show without a named speaker — 1
Discussed
“And I think maybe that very famous book, The Giving Tree, if you'll remember the book, is about this tree.”
Also mentioned in the same episodes
Other mentions (2: passing, ad reads, own books)
Own book
“We wrote a book about it, actually; we wrote a book with Jessica Alba.”
Passing
“now you are John Irving now you are anyone you want to be michael crichton shel silverstein you know I'm saying the giving tree'”