The Giving Tree by Shel Silverstein

A young boy grows to manhood and old age experiencing the love and generosity of a tree which gives to him without thought of return

There's not much to say about this that hasn't been said. It's full of love and some sadness and it's perfect.

It's a little sweet on the surface, but after I thought about it, whether you interpret the story literally or representing parent-child bonds, I feel it conveys a bad message of selfishness.

Emotional and reflective.

I like Shel's other stuff, but I find The Giving Tree about the saddest thing I have ever read. The boy comes off as an uncaring gold digger that takes until there is nothing left to give to him.