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I thought I would start with this great picture story book, although in truth I could have easily started with another by the same author (the always irrepressible, but sadly missed away Shel Silverstein). The other, of course, is The Giving Tree, but I'll assume most of you have actually heard of that one - if not, it's one of those no brainers, and worth the purchase, worth a look at the very least. Both, however, neatly fit into the "These are so awesome, that I've bought like dozens of copies, to give to my friends, to give to folks who are even necessarily friends, because I'd like everybody to check them out" category.
This is what The Missing Piece is to me. It's a story that supposes itself as a fun read, but really is a surprisingly successful allegory on the nature of going faster, making fixes, viewing improvement as an overall goal.
It's quite a similar venture to the thesis presented in James Gleicks Faster, except Mr Silverstein pulls it off without the academia - for some reason, it just resonated more strongly with me.
Comments
Holy shit! I just looked this up in a bookstore, read it, and was just floored by the story. It's so simple and yet so effective. Bought it on the spot, and like you, will also buy it for others. Will need to check the others now.
Posted by: briannaintexas | July 13, 2006 11:57 PM
just read the story to my first graders and they loved it. they were commenting on it and saying stuff like... if it doesn't fit, don't force it. the children say such truths! i was a bit tearful at the end of the storytelling time today. the wonderful thing about silverstein is that his stories are for people of all ages.
Posted by: chie | August 31, 2007 1:49 AM