Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

First, let me say that I adore Shel Silverstein... usually. When I was a child, I thought this was a sad story about a generous tree and a thoughtless boy. Despite that, I thought it was a wonderful ideal to be that giving. I read it again as an adult and was disturbed. "And the tree was happy... but not really". I know some people see this selfless sacrifice as a sign of unconditional love. I think there are a myriad of other stories that give children a positive view of unconditional love that doesn't entail a life long cycle of use, abuse, and abandonment. What's worse is I have to wonder with whom would my children identify: the doormat of a tree or the selfish user child? Please, don't dismiss me as cynical. I cry at sentimental stories. I have, however, seen people in my life who are stuck in unhealthy relationships that remind me way too much of this tree. Silverstein, however, was a clever writer, and I wonder if we've missed the point of this book. I don't know that it's supposed to leave us with a warm, fuzzy feeling as many claim. Perhaps we were supposed to feel a bit uncomfortable. As a child, I knew something was wrong with this relationship. As an adult, it makes my skin crawl.