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 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? ;)