The Giving Tree

[prog]

Via jadelennox, I learn that The Giving Tree, one of my beloved books from childhood, has a great deal of controversy around it and is actually reviled by some children's literature scholars, herself included.

I find the controversy both surprising and interesting, but I think this is the first time I've seen a book I hold so dear (there are very few) get attacked like this. I put up a little defense for it in that thread, but seeing all the other commenters pour righteous scorn on it makes me feel queasy, as if all these people were rushing in to talk about how my Aunt Jan was actually a pirate who molested them as children or something. Bad news.

Comments

[chocorisu.livejournal.com]

I haven't read the book in full but I get the gist of it. I'm quite astounded by the degree with which people dislike it, and other children's books. This is the worst book anyone could give a child kind of opinions.

It seems to me that it's far better to expose a child to a wide range of opinions and stories, than attempt to program them with one set of morals. Real life is not that simple and it's better they're prepared to deal with the fact that most people have really peculiar moral values.

Honestly, it's like every book has to be the absolute truth and nothing but. I can't imagine where THAT idea comes from, oh wait, yes I can.

[jadelennox]

Children's lit scholars absolutely don't try to program children with one set of morals, and don't advocate censorship. What we do like to do is point to places in the much-loved and unexamined books given to children where maybe a little examination would not be amiss.

[chocorisu.livejournal.com]

I certainly don't disagree with that. I'm all for parents examining the things they give their kids, to the point that I can't believe anyone would do otherwise! No criticism of literary scholars intended at all.

I was merely surprised by how many people were saying "I HATE THAT BOOK" or words to that effect. That is not very scholarly :o)

[aspartaimee.livejournal.com]

but i really do hate it. i am not a scholar, but do work in publishing. does that count? ;)