"Shel Silverstein’s the Giving Tree is a very short story carrying weighty message. As an adult reader, I love it very much. ….DS asked me a lot of questions and we had an very interesting discussion about life and relationships. this simple story will stimulate your emotion and discussion….It is about the relationship between a tree and a boy. the tree loves the boy so much that it is willing to let the boy cut down its trunk and make a boat to sail away…
there is a controversy on whether the tree’s unconditional love can make the boy happy….
personally feel the simple story depict complexity of life and relationships…." HyperKiasu

 
According to wikipedia, "Ever since the book was published, it has generated controversy and opposing opinions for its interpreted messages, on whether the tree is selfless or merely self-sacrificing, and whether the boy is selfish or reasonable in his demands of the tree. The story clearly shows childhood as being a time of relative happiness in comparison to the sacrifice and responsibility of adulthood."

Find out more