Yeah, saw that on AICN yesterday. I'm optimistic that Spike Jonze will do a good job, though I'm worried about how they'll stretch it out to a full film and still keep the feel of the book.

But overall, MTV's films are extremely hit or miss, and this looks like it has all the potential of being the former.

Oh, and what's next? "The Giving Tree"?

Given that it's Shel Silverstein, I wouldn't make the assumption that you should take it at face value. That doesn't mean that people don't, though. In fact, I wouldn't be surprised if Shel intended it to be read both ironically and not ironically, depending on his and the reader's mood.

Hmm- ok, my first post was mainly in response to the WTWTA production and not specifically to The Giving Tree- a story I've never read or heard of.
Your comments have led me to Wikipedia's entry, and now the irony in Dignan's comment is much clearer to me.

It seems that The Giving Tree (story) has the ability to spark discussion and yield a variety meanings and viewpoints. So what is the problem with that? THAT'S GREAT! That's one of the best things about art in general, IMO. I know I may sound like I'm arguing against a stand that has not (in this thread) been taken, so please, nobody get offended or in a huff.
I'd just like to say that a production of The Giving Tree could be as great at promoting thought and discussion as something like, say, The Cube.

Besides, I think that kids are much more clever and deeper than most people think and can examine a morality play for its variety of viewpoints. I imagine a world where all the 'children's stories' are black and white would be quite bland and certainly not true to life.

Again- not going off on a rant or arguing against anyone here- just clarifying some thoughts in my head.

I agree, and it's always been marketed that way. But I wouldn't put it past him to have ignored that all along.

I'm not saying that that's the way he intended it. I have no idea. But it might have been.

BTW, Uncle Shelby's ABZ Book is hysterical.

As a young child, I somehow crossed paths with Baaa. It's a children's book about the self destructive avarice and exploitation of the human race, ending (an starting) with their harrowingly void demise. This was likely the birth of my vast cynicism and I forever curse and praise this book. Go ahead, read it at Amazon.

I didn't see that in The Giving Tree. I guess the point is, that giving those five minutes of luke warm comfort is really worth taking a beating for.

Now I want to dust off my old Silverstein books to check some of my old favorites. "Sara Cynthia Silva Soudt, would not take the garbage out." And that one about turning into a TV.

Good find l0ser. I'm hopeful, after how well they did Bridge to Terabithia. But Matt, what do you mean about MTV films? Please tell me they aren't getting their hands into this.

I was mistaken. I thought MTV was involved at some point, but they're not.

I've wanted to see Bridge to Terabithia badly. I wanted to see it in the theaters, but nobody I knew wanted to go, because nobody I knew had read the book (to my surprise). It had a big impact on me in the 4th grade.