- Jen Hadley
The Giving Tree
Updated: Aug 21, 2019
Hey friends! Happy Valentine's Day week! This is either a "love" it or hate it kind of holiday - oh yes I DID just do that! With that being said, I felt the need to give you a "love" story of sorts. The Giving Tree was given to me as a gift by my mom when I was 18. I remember it so clearly and the personal message she wrote on the inside of the cover. I hold this as such a treasure and always will. I'm not crying, YOU'RE crying...kidding!
When I decided to share this sweet book, the voices had been there for MANY years. The narrator needed to be soft and tender, believable. She has an interest in the story. The tree was the loving, motherly voice who loved the boy so much she gave all she had. Not only did she give it, but it was given unconditionally. Without regret, without strings, without angst...pure, unconditional, motherly love. The boy's voice has been in my head for a long time as well. If you've ever seen Charlie and the Chocolate Factory (the original) think Veruca Salt - "Daddy, I want a pony and I want it NOW!". The boy started out so lovable and sweet and turned into someone who cared about no one except himself. Oddly enough, the boy always knew where to go to get support.
There's really two aspects of this book that gives me all the LOVE feels. 1. The tree loves unconditionally, without the "I told you so" or "this may not be the best choice". She gives until she has absolutely nothing left to give and yet finds MORE to give, and does it with love and grace. I mean, if I'm honest, I'm hoping to be that tree when I grow up! 2. The boy had such a love for the tree that he knew who to come to for help, when all other options were exhausted. Not only did he know who to come to, but he was raw and unedited. He wanted something and he wanted it NOW regardless of how it hurt the one thing he loved. In the end, when all was said and done...the tree was his answer.
There's so many analogies I see with this, but I'll leave that deeper thoughts for you to ponder. For now, I hope you enjoyed the story and my ideas/thoughts about it!
Happy Valentine's Day week and until next time!
Jen xx