The Education of Little Tree

Rating:
Summary: A story worth reading and keeping
Review: I first read this book 5 years ago and have purchased copies for several friends and just gave another away. It is a sensitive book, sad, funny and spiritual. Whether it is an autobiography, biography, fiction or non-fiction it has wisdom we can apply to our lives. I have read the book several times, as well as 'Watch for Me on the Mountain'. Another good read.

Rating:
Summary: Try the audio cassette
Review: Our family listened to the audio casette on a recent trip through West Virginia, Virginia, and North Carolina mountains. The scenery was really appropriate. All family member enjoyed it. It had humor, was insiteful and just a darn good story. I just found out about the controversy surrounding the author and I don't think it makes a bit of difference.

Rating:
Summary: Portrays harmony and conflict in one small volume.
Review: Within the first few pages of this delightful volume,we are given a view of the ignorance of bigotry and at the same time, the compassion of innocence. The story takes us into the world of the mountain and the harmonious existence that is possible with the living world. There are constant lessons to be learned; just as Little Tree is educated on what actions will sustain the living natural system of life and which are injurous, so is the reader. If you allow yourself, you will become part of the family and journey along the mountain trails with Little Tree and Grandpa, set at the table eating Grandma's wonderful cooking, and peer over the shoulder of the little boy as he memorizes the next set of words from the dictionary. I found myself sobbing uncontrolably as I closed this book, but not for the last time. There is more to learn and many to share this story with.

Rating:
Summary: Art is where you find it.
Review: Artists are not always the ideal human beings others would like them to be. See F. Scott Fitzgerald. See Charles Bukowski. See Andy Warhol. But it is important to remember that it is the art that is truly important. In the long run, the politics of the times are forgotten and the art is immortal. The Education of Little Tree is one of the most masterful pieces of writing I have seen in my 56 years, and I make my living writing. The deftness of character development is astonishing. The emotional response evoked with sich economy is virtually unmatched. Only Twain of American writers even comes close. I had one friend tell me he loved this book so much that he limited himself to one chapter a day, because he didn't want it to end. Forget about who (Asa) Forrest Carter was. His was a common failing that isn't worth remembering anyway. But don't pull a McCarthy on yourself and deny yourself what is this reader's very favorite American novel, bar none. Revel in this masterwork and pass it along.

Rating:
Summary: A good fictional story.
Review: The 27 reviews that preceded mine were enlightening. My thanks to the reviewers for the author background and text commentary. My ranking is based on the story itself, a fine piece of fiction that turned out to be far more enjoyable to read than I expected.

Rating:
Summary: This book readily available book can be a stepping stone.
Review: I first became aquainted with this story about eighteen years ago. At that time my mother subscribed to Reader's Digest condensed books club. My family took a trip that summer and as we drove to our destination, my mother read the condensed version of "Little Tree" to me. I was about ten years old and just becoming aware the diversity that existed in the world. I was impressed by the story and, over the years, I have often reflected on it. I was very excited to see that it was coming out in a movie--mostly because I could only remember the story and now I had the title so I could buy the book and read it again on my own. I think the story has affected me in that I have been sensitive to cultural differences and curious too‹-instead of affraid of that which is different. As for why it may be preferred over true accounts and Native Indian authors, perhaps it is because it is more widely known. This doesn't have to be a negative thing. I view it as a stepping stone to the real thing. Though it wasn't written from first-hand experience, I feel that the story may be a tool for encouraging the reader to seek out more understanding and their own first-hand experiences.

Rating:
Summary: Good Book, Bad Presentation
Review: I found this book quite a delightful read. It is full of universal truths regarding love and learning; however, I find it quite apalling that the University of New Mexico Press would represent this book as a true story. It is especially disturbing to me that this book is being read to young school children who will most likely take it to be true. I am particulary distressed about the fact that Carter writes about Cherokee beliefs which are not Cherokee beliefs at all. I think this book is great for adults who are willing to investigate the history of the author and the beliefs of the Cherokee; however, I feel that it is not appropriate for children.

Rating:
Summary: Changed My Life
Review: If Jeffrey Dahmer wrote a book that could touch me as much as much as this one did, then I would read it. The story stands alone. If you are looking for a book written by a Native Indian, then don't read it...and please don't review it. Review the story and how it made you feel. This book changed me, please try it out...and GO AND SEE THE FILM!!!

Rating:
Summary: A beautifully-written story of love and respect
Review: I loved this book. I thorougly enjoyed each chapter, each page. The detail is so wonderful it helped me see and remember all the little things about nature I had experienced first hand as a child, but had somehow forgotten or failed to see in my fast-paced, material, adult life. I laughed out loud too many times to count and was overwhelmed by the depth of love the grandparents and Little Tree had for each other. My wish is that every child could be as loved and cherished as Little Tree was by his grandparents. I abhor racism in any form, but this is a great story regardless of who wrote it and whether or not it is autobiographical. This book should stand on its own.

Rating:
Summary: Everyone should read this
Review: If at first this book doesn't grab you, please stay with it. It is the most insightful, "make you think" book I've read in a long time. Being white, and educated in public schools, I pretty much had no idea of anything that awaited me in this book. It is full of stirringly beautiful explanations of everyday things, seen from a completely different point of view than I have ever been taught to see. Definitely a classic for my collection.