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T is for Tree
Eddy knows he's not like other teenagers. He doesn't look like them. He doesn't think like them. He doesn't go to school or have friends like they do. Eddy's not even allowed to leave his bedroom – except on shower day of course. He doesn't know why; all Eddy knows is that he's different.
Abandoned by his mother and kept locked away by his grandmother, Eddy must spend his life watching the world go by from his bedroom window. Until Reagan Crowe moves in next door and everything starts to change. She's kind, funny, beautiful, and most importantly, she's Eddy's first friend. Over time, Reagan introduces Eddy to the strange and wonderful world outside his bedroom: maths, jam, love.
But growing up isn’t that simple for either of them. And Eddy has a secret. The tree that's slowly creeping in through his window from the garden is no ordinary tree. But then again, Eddy's no ordinary boy. He's special...
Set over the course of five years, T is for Tree is moving, life-affirming, and shows that we can all find greatness in the small things.
324 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 10, 2017
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July 25, 2017
Originally posted on Once Upon a Bookcase.
Before I start this review, I must warn you that it will be full of spoilers. This is because I feel this is an incredibly problematic and harmful book, and I need to explain my reasons why.
T is for Tree by Greg Fowler is about a boy, Eddy, who has Down's Syndrome. I don't know this because it tells us in the book - all the book tells us is that Eddy is different, and that his face isn't like other people's faces. From what we're told, I assumed he may have Down's Syndrome, but this is never confirmed in the book. The only reason I know for sure that Eddy has Down's Syndrome is because T is for Tree was originally self-published as Jam Sandwiches, and it says so in the blurb for that book.
I should point out before I go any further that I don't know anyone with Down's Syndrome, nor do I know much about it at all. However, pretty much the whole way through reading this book, I was distinctly uncomfortable about the representation. First, there is the tree. A branch from the tree next door to Eddy's house has started growing through one of his bedroom windows, a tree that vibrates when he touches it, a tree that makes him see colours - none of which is explained. But the tree also seems to change Eddy. The tree doesn't "cure" Eddy of his Down's Syndrome, but it does make him "better", or "smarter". Eddy ends up smart enough to take six GCSEs and get A*s in all of them. Simply by reading text books, at home, without a teacher. Sure, he has Reagan, his friend from next door, who will explain things he doesn't quite get every now and again, but mostly it's just through reading on his own. I don't know whether or not it's possible for someone with Down's Syndrome to to get A*s in their GCSEs, but the story puts it down to the tree. Not only does this whole thing make me uncomfortable, it also seems far fetched; five years previously, Eddy didn't know his alphabet or what letters words started with. "B is for tree" he said at one point, during a visit from Mrs Stanford, who I assume is from Social Services, but is never said. Now, five years on, because of the tree, Eddy now has six A*s. I couldn't tell in what subjects though, the book is pretty vague on specific details such as the subjects he was studying, or why exactly Mrs Stanford thought Eddy was now capable of taking his GCSEs. He just is, because he's smarter now.
To add to this, as the story goes on, the narration gets confusing. It's told in third person from Eddy's perspective, but sometimes I thought it might be told from some omnipresent unknown narrator because of the distinct change in language, but as I read on, it was clear this was all from Eddy's perspective. I am aware that not all people with Down's Syndrome have the same learning disabilities, that the learning disabilities can range from mild to moderate, but the language used in the narration is not something I would expect from someone with Down's Syndrome. To be honest, it's not the sort of language I would expect from most people. For example:
It just doesn't ring true to me. Even with Eddy being magically smarter, I can't see him thinking like that.
Then there's Eddy's Grandma Daisy. For the first 15 years of Eddy's life, Grandma Daisy has abused him. She keeps him in his bedroom, only allowed to leave to use the bathroom. She verbally abuses him and criticises him all the time. He's stupid, he's "dumb" (a word which is used so often, along with "retard", used by Eddy when he is assuming what others think of him). She is constantly looking for something to have a go at him about. She is supposed to be homeschooling him, but she isn't. She pretends that she does to Mrs Stanford, and makes Eddy lie about it too with threats of being taken away to a boarding school where they will hurt him everyday, just so she can get the benefit for homeschooling. Until Reagan moves next door, Eddy is friendless, and knows no-one except Grandma Daisy. He doesn't know love or kindness. He is bullied by his neighbours. His childhood is a living hell. But this all changes when, once the tree has grown a significant way into Eddy's bedroom, it blooms beautiful pink flowers, in the wrong season, and somehow this does something to Grandma Daisy. She turns a new leaf, full of guilt and apologies, and stops abusing Eddy. There are absolutely no repercussions at all for how Grandma Daisy treated Eddy. Nothing. Sure, she feels guilty, but she gets away with it. She doesn't suffer the consequences. Eddy forgives, and that's it. No. No way. That absolutely does not sit right with me at all. Not only is it disgusting, but it send the awful message that we should just forgive abusers, or that they will simply stop one day. This is terrible and so harmful! It's irresponsible and so appalling.
Then there's the ending. Reagan gets ill. She is ill for months, but doesn't see a doctor until she collapses. First of all, I cannot believe that she gets as ill as she does - tired and lethargic all the time with no energy, and completely not her bubbly, happy self - without her mother demanding that she go to the doctor. Oh, she and Eddy worry about Reagan, but no-one makes her go to see the doctor, because Reagan doesn't want to go. I'm sorry, it's obvious that there is something seriously wrong with Reagan, there is no-way her mother wouldn't take her to the doctor herself. It just wouldn't happen. But it does. She doesn't see a doctor until she collapses. Then they find out she has cancer, some form of leukemia - though we aren't told what form - as I said before, this book is kind of vague on the details. I'm not sure this element was researched well, if at all. When Reagan goes in for chemotherapy, she has radiation. I know a person with cancer can have both chemotherapy and radiation, but the story is written as if the process of having radiation is called chemotherapy, like the author doesn't that they are two separate treatments. She's on all kinds of drugs, though we're not told what, but in the end, the doctors can't help her, and she is taken home to die.
But Eddy can't have this. Nope, not his best friend dying. He noticed that his tree has just started growing into Reagan's bedroom, so when she's asleep, he makes sure she's touching it. Then he goes to his room. By now, the branch in his room has grown all around the walls of him room it's gone full circle, the circle complete by a leaf from the end of the branch touch the start of the branch that comes through Eddy's window. So he lies down to sleep, holding on to the branch. The very next day? Reagan is cured from her cancer. And Eddy? Well, he's dead, isn't he. He's given up his life for his best friend. This story - this terrible story about a boy with Down's Syndrome who is abandoned by his mother at birth because she can't love a child who isn't "normal", about a boy with Down's Syndrome who gets magically smarter, about a boy with Down's Syndrome who suffers through hellish treatment from a grandmother who suffers no consequences - is about a boy with Down's Syndrome who dies at the end. I cannot tell you how absolutely raging I am.
Why? Why?! Why this story? Why not a story about a boy with Down's Syndrome who is loved by his family, about a boy with Down's Syndrome who is treated with love and kindness and the respect he deserves, a boy with Down's Syndrome who is accepted for who he is without the need to be "smarter"/"better"/less "stupid", about a boy with Down's Syndrome who has some kind of fantastical adventure (because fantasy novels can have main characters with Down's Syndrome, too - and let's face it, with the magic tree, this is fantasy), about a boy with Down's Syndrome who doesn't die at the end, but lives a long and happy life?
I am absolutely disgusted by this story. It is so harmful, and so offensive, and I can't stand it. I can't understand how this novel was picked up by a publisher. How they could read this book and think that it was ok. It's absolutely appalling. I will never read another book by Greg Fowler.
*This quote was taken from a proof, so may not be in the final draft.
Thank you to Ink Road Book for the bookseller's proof.
Before I start this review, I must warn you that it will be full of spoilers. This is because I feel this is an incredibly problematic and harmful book, and I need to explain my reasons why.
T is for Tree by Greg Fowler is about a boy, Eddy, who has Down's Syndrome. I don't know this because it tells us in the book - all the book tells us is that Eddy is different, and that his face isn't like other people's faces. From what we're told, I assumed he may have Down's Syndrome, but this is never confirmed in the book. The only reason I know for sure that Eddy has Down's Syndrome is because T is for Tree was originally self-published as Jam Sandwiches, and it says so in the blurb for that book.
I should point out before I go any further that I don't know anyone with Down's Syndrome, nor do I know much about it at all. However, pretty much the whole way through reading this book, I was distinctly uncomfortable about the representation. First, there is the tree. A branch from the tree next door to Eddy's house has started growing through one of his bedroom windows, a tree that vibrates when he touches it, a tree that makes him see colours - none of which is explained. But the tree also seems to change Eddy. The tree doesn't "cure" Eddy of his Down's Syndrome, but it does make him "better", or "smarter". Eddy ends up smart enough to take six GCSEs and get A*s in all of them. Simply by reading text books, at home, without a teacher. Sure, he has Reagan, his friend from next door, who will explain things he doesn't quite get every now and again, but mostly it's just through reading on his own. I don't know whether or not it's possible for someone with Down's Syndrome to to get A*s in their GCSEs, but the story puts it down to the tree. Not only does this whole thing make me uncomfortable, it also seems far fetched; five years previously, Eddy didn't know his alphabet or what letters words started with. "B is for tree" he said at one point, during a visit from Mrs Stanford, who I assume is from Social Services, but is never said. Now, five years on, because of the tree, Eddy now has six A*s. I couldn't tell in what subjects though, the book is pretty vague on specific details such as the subjects he was studying, or why exactly Mrs Stanford thought Eddy was now capable of taking his GCSEs. He just is, because he's smarter now.
To add to this, as the story goes on, the narration gets confusing. It's told in third person from Eddy's perspective, but sometimes I thought it might be told from some omnipresent unknown narrator because of the distinct change in language, but as I read on, it was clear this was all from Eddy's perspective. I am aware that not all people with Down's Syndrome have the same learning disabilities, that the learning disabilities can range from mild to moderate, but the language used in the narration is not something I would expect from someone with Down's Syndrome. To be honest, it's not the sort of language I would expect from most people. For example:
'For him at least, the feast of knowledge had a limited menu, and the most important answer of them all right now wasn't even on the page.' (p346)*
It just doesn't ring true to me. Even with Eddy being magically smarter, I can't see him thinking like that.
Then there's Eddy's Grandma Daisy. For the first 15 years of Eddy's life, Grandma Daisy has abused him. She keeps him in his bedroom, only allowed to leave to use the bathroom. She verbally abuses him and criticises him all the time. He's stupid, he's "dumb" (a word which is used so often, along with "retard", used by Eddy when he is assuming what others think of him). She is constantly looking for something to have a go at him about. She is supposed to be homeschooling him, but she isn't. She pretends that she does to Mrs Stanford, and makes Eddy lie about it too with threats of being taken away to a boarding school where they will hurt him everyday, just so she can get the benefit for homeschooling. Until Reagan moves next door, Eddy is friendless, and knows no-one except Grandma Daisy. He doesn't know love or kindness. He is bullied by his neighbours. His childhood is a living hell. But this all changes when, once the tree has grown a significant way into Eddy's bedroom, it blooms beautiful pink flowers, in the wrong season, and somehow this does something to Grandma Daisy. She turns a new leaf, full of guilt and apologies, and stops abusing Eddy. There are absolutely no repercussions at all for how Grandma Daisy treated Eddy. Nothing. Sure, she feels guilty, but she gets away with it. She doesn't suffer the consequences. Eddy forgives, and that's it. No. No way. That absolutely does not sit right with me at all. Not only is it disgusting, but it send the awful message that we should just forgive abusers, or that they will simply stop one day. This is terrible and so harmful! It's irresponsible and so appalling.
Then there's the ending. Reagan gets ill. She is ill for months, but doesn't see a doctor until she collapses. First of all, I cannot believe that she gets as ill as she does - tired and lethargic all the time with no energy, and completely not her bubbly, happy self - without her mother demanding that she go to the doctor. Oh, she and Eddy worry about Reagan, but no-one makes her go to see the doctor, because Reagan doesn't want to go. I'm sorry, it's obvious that there is something seriously wrong with Reagan, there is no-way her mother wouldn't take her to the doctor herself. It just wouldn't happen. But it does. She doesn't see a doctor until she collapses. Then they find out she has cancer, some form of leukemia - though we aren't told what form - as I said before, this book is kind of vague on the details. I'm not sure this element was researched well, if at all. When Reagan goes in for chemotherapy, she has radiation. I know a person with cancer can have both chemotherapy and radiation, but the story is written as if the process of having radiation is called chemotherapy, like the author doesn't that they are two separate treatments. She's on all kinds of drugs, though we're not told what, but in the end, the doctors can't help her, and she is taken home to die.
But Eddy can't have this. Nope, not his best friend dying. He noticed that his tree has just started growing into Reagan's bedroom, so when she's asleep, he makes sure she's touching it. Then he goes to his room. By now, the branch in his room has grown all around the walls of him room it's gone full circle, the circle complete by a leaf from the end of the branch touch the start of the branch that comes through Eddy's window. So he lies down to sleep, holding on to the branch. The very next day? Reagan is cured from her cancer. And Eddy? Well, he's dead, isn't he. He's given up his life for his best friend. This story - this terrible story about a boy with Down's Syndrome who is abandoned by his mother at birth because she can't love a child who isn't "normal", about a boy with Down's Syndrome who gets magically smarter, about a boy with Down's Syndrome who suffers through hellish treatment from a grandmother who suffers no consequences - is about a boy with Down's Syndrome who dies at the end. I cannot tell you how absolutely raging I am.
Why? Why?! Why this story? Why not a story about a boy with Down's Syndrome who is loved by his family, about a boy with Down's Syndrome who is treated with love and kindness and the respect he deserves, a boy with Down's Syndrome who is accepted for who he is without the need to be "smarter"/"better"/less "stupid", about a boy with Down's Syndrome who has some kind of fantastical adventure (because fantasy novels can have main characters with Down's Syndrome, too - and let's face it, with the magic tree, this is fantasy), about a boy with Down's Syndrome who doesn't die at the end, but lives a long and happy life?
I am absolutely disgusted by this story. It is so harmful, and so offensive, and I can't stand it. I can't understand how this novel was picked up by a publisher. How they could read this book and think that it was ok. It's absolutely appalling. I will never read another book by Greg Fowler.
*This quote was taken from a proof, so may not be in the final draft.
Thank you to Ink Road Book for the bookseller's proof.
April 7, 2019
I am SO frustrated with this book! I’ll definitely rant about this on my channel soon OH MY GOSH.
August 12, 2017
T is for Tree is a special book. I didn't love it but I didn't hate it. It would fall into my read again pile.
This book contained beautiful, beautiful moments both symbolic and realistic. I feel as thought, whilst it wasn't the greatest book, I will carry it in my thoughts for some time.
The book's message, sometimes unclear, is that life is too short, life is too precious and makes you think of all the stories that lie within one street. I'm very interested to know what Greg Fowler's aims/ideas/thought processes when writing this book as I feel it would help me understand it a lot more.
Whilst this was a magically symbolical book, you have to think about it symbolically in order to look past some of the far fetched moments that did almost make me want to put the book down in despair (but I couldn't and finished this in one sitting so that's a good sign).
Overall I gave this book 3 stars as it has the potential to be an amazing book but some of plot twists and turns and the time gaps didn't sit well with me whilst reading. I would recommend people to read this book however as I believe that this is a one of those books where it affects each individual differently and that is perhaps the most magical thing about it.
This book contained beautiful, beautiful moments both symbolic and realistic. I feel as thought, whilst it wasn't the greatest book, I will carry it in my thoughts for some time.
The book's message, sometimes unclear, is that life is too short, life is too precious and makes you think of all the stories that lie within one street. I'm very interested to know what Greg Fowler's aims/ideas/thought processes when writing this book as I feel it would help me understand it a lot more.
Whilst this was a magically symbolical book, you have to think about it symbolically in order to look past some of the far fetched moments that did almost make me want to put the book down in despair (but I couldn't and finished this in one sitting so that's a good sign).
Overall I gave this book 3 stars as it has the potential to be an amazing book but some of plot twists and turns and the time gaps didn't sit well with me whilst reading. I would recommend people to read this book however as I believe that this is a one of those books where it affects each individual differently and that is perhaps the most magical thing about it.
December 6, 2017
The thing is, I enjoyed reading this book quite a bit. There were things that bothered me about it but I only started thinking more about it after I had finished the book. T is for Tree is a book about a boy with Down Syndrome, which is not once mentioned in the book or the synopsis. Eddy is described as dumb, stupid and weird, not only by others but also by himself. Eddy is a sweet boy and I really liked him, however, other aspects of the story really weren't okay to me.
Eddy has been locked in his room for his entire life, is emotionally abused by his grandmother and has to spend almost his entire childhood alone in his room. I thought the whole thing about his grandmother was very problematic. At a certain point in the story, she finally realizes this is no way to treat a child and changes her ways. However, she NEVER has any consequences of her actions. She mistreated a child for 15(?) years and by some miracle stopped, and says sorry and is forgiven??? That only promotes the idea that abuse is okay and should be forgiven, if it has a "reason". No, sorry, I don't condone this.
Another aspect that really bothered me, was the fact that Eddy is intellectually impaired but by the help of some magical he gets incredibly smart. How about no. Let's not. Eddy might not be smart, but having some magical tree make him smart, which results in praise and therefore makes Eddy believes he is a good person, is not okay. You can still be loved if you're not smart and I hate that the book promotes the opposite of this.
Lastly, (I promise I'll stop ranting soon) I hated the ending. Over the duration of this book, Eddy becomes friends with Reagan, the girl next door. He is in love with her, but she doesn't love him back, but they stay friends. I like that he loves her so much to do this for her, but again it promotes such bad ideas: that disabled kids' lives are worth less than not-disabled kids' lives. And also this whole thing is so vague, nothing is described, it just happens?? That is actually the fact for so many things that happen in this book.
So conclusion. I liked this book and I actually really liked the writing style, but it was so problematic that I just can't give it more than 2 stars. I wouldn't recommend reading this book for all the reasons I mentioned above.
"Statues were cold, hard and unfeeling and that's just how she needed to be. Anything less than that would see her world come tumbling down around her."
Eddy has been locked in his room for his entire life, is emotionally abused by his grandmother and has to spend almost his entire childhood alone in his room. I thought the whole thing about his grandmother was very problematic. At a certain point in the story, she finally realizes this is no way to treat a child and changes her ways. However, she NEVER has any consequences of her actions. She mistreated a child for 15(?) years and by some miracle stopped, and says sorry and is forgiven??? That only promotes the idea that abuse is okay and should be forgiven, if it has a "reason". No, sorry, I don't condone this.
"Life was all about circles, not squares. Squares had ends, hard, sharp ends that refused to budge. Circles, on the other hand, never ended, they just kept renewing themselves."
Another aspect that really bothered me, was the fact that Eddy is intellectually impaired but by the help of some magical he gets incredibly smart. How about no. Let's not. Eddy might not be smart, but having some magical tree make him smart, which results in praise and therefore makes Eddy believes he is a good person, is not okay. You can still be loved if you're not smart and I hate that the book promotes the opposite of this.
Lastly, (I promise I'll stop ranting soon) I hated the ending. Over the duration of this book, Eddy becomes friends with Reagan, the girl next door. He is in love with her, but she doesn't love him back, but they stay friends. I like that he loves her so much to do this for her, but again it promotes such bad ideas: that disabled kids' lives are worth less than not-disabled kids' lives. And also this whole thing is so vague, nothing is described, it just happens?? That is actually the fact for so many things that happen in this book.
"The world was indeed filled with magic and wonder if you were only able to see it. And Eddy saw it now."
So conclusion. I liked this book and I actually really liked the writing style, but it was so problematic that I just can't give it more than 2 stars. I wouldn't recommend reading this book for all the reasons I mentioned above.
April 7, 2019
Greg Fowler’s writing, use of imagery and heartfelt sentiments ultimately made this book enjoyable for me. However, although magical realism stories thrive off ambiguity, this story left extremely important situations unaddressed and/or unresolved. In many ways, it felt like Fowler was shying away from discussing more complex topics by hiding behind magical realism and leaving everything up to interpretation. I was initially going to give this book 4 stars as the sentiments of the story are beautiful and well delivered, but the story itself was problematic and a little bit on the lazy side. It’s a shame really.
“We have the ability to touch every life we meet in the most incredible ways.”
- Eddy Sullivan
“We have the ability to touch every life we meet in the most incredible ways.”
- Eddy Sullivan
January 30, 2019
Read this review and others on my blog: https://thriftybibliophile.com
T is for Tree by Greg Fowler is about Eddy, a young boy with Down Syndrome, and his friendship with the neighbor girl, Reagan. It is a story of friendship, love, and loss.
I thought this was a very well-written novel. Once I started reading it, I didn’t want to put it down.
So what did I like?
The symbolism. The symbolism with the tree and Eddy’s relationship with the tree is beautiful. The tree brings Reagan and Eddy together. As the tree grows, Eddy grows. Towards the end of the book, the tree symbolizes life and the circle of life.
Eddy and Reagan’s friendship. The friendship between Eddy and Reagan is enviable. For Eddy, Reagan is his whole world. For Reagan, Eddy is her rock. Reagan doesn’t see Eddy as disabled—she sees him as a constant friend, worthy of love and jam sandwiches. Eddy makes the ultimate sacrifice towards the end of book and trades his life for Reagan’s. I think this is seen as controversial, since Eddy is mentally handicapped (his life is worth just as much as Reagan’s), but I didn’t see it as controversial. I thought it was a beautiful show of friendship that capped off a tragic circumstance.
Eddy’s supporter’s. From the sweet elderly lady down the street to Mrs. Crowe, Eddy has strong supporters who want him to succeed. I like how everything tied back to Eddy and his ability to bring people together.
Eddy the philosopher. Eddy turns into a little philosopher towards the end of the book. He discusses life, the meaning of life, and his purpose in the world. I’m not sure how believable it is, since my knowledge of Down Syndrome is practically nonexistent, but it was a neat addition, regardless.
What didn’t I like?
The grandmother. I thought the first part of the book where Grandma Daisy keeps Eddy locked up is strange. I don’t think it did much to develop the plot towards the end of the book, and I’m not sure what purpose it really served. After I finished the book, this part still stuck out to me as strange.
Not realistic. While I liked the symbolism of the tree, I still don’t really understand the tree. Is it magical? Is the magic in Eddy’s head?
Overall, this was a wonderful story. It made me smile, and it made me cry.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing the Kindle version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
T is for Tree by Greg Fowler is about Eddy, a young boy with Down Syndrome, and his friendship with the neighbor girl, Reagan. It is a story of friendship, love, and loss.
I thought this was a very well-written novel. Once I started reading it, I didn’t want to put it down.
So what did I like?
The symbolism. The symbolism with the tree and Eddy’s relationship with the tree is beautiful. The tree brings Reagan and Eddy together. As the tree grows, Eddy grows. Towards the end of the book, the tree symbolizes life and the circle of life.
Eddy and Reagan’s friendship. The friendship between Eddy and Reagan is enviable. For Eddy, Reagan is his whole world. For Reagan, Eddy is her rock. Reagan doesn’t see Eddy as disabled—she sees him as a constant friend, worthy of love and jam sandwiches. Eddy makes the ultimate sacrifice towards the end of book and trades his life for Reagan’s. I think this is seen as controversial, since Eddy is mentally handicapped (his life is worth just as much as Reagan’s), but I didn’t see it as controversial. I thought it was a beautiful show of friendship that capped off a tragic circumstance.
Eddy’s supporter’s. From the sweet elderly lady down the street to Mrs. Crowe, Eddy has strong supporters who want him to succeed. I like how everything tied back to Eddy and his ability to bring people together.
Eddy the philosopher. Eddy turns into a little philosopher towards the end of the book. He discusses life, the meaning of life, and his purpose in the world. I’m not sure how believable it is, since my knowledge of Down Syndrome is practically nonexistent, but it was a neat addition, regardless.
What didn’t I like?
The grandmother. I thought the first part of the book where Grandma Daisy keeps Eddy locked up is strange. I don’t think it did much to develop the plot towards the end of the book, and I’m not sure what purpose it really served. After I finished the book, this part still stuck out to me as strange.
Not realistic. While I liked the symbolism of the tree, I still don’t really understand the tree. Is it magical? Is the magic in Eddy’s head?
Overall, this was a wonderful story. It made me smile, and it made me cry.
Thank you to NetGalley for providing the Kindle version of this book in exchange for an honest review.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 23, 2017
This book was amazing. I couldn't put it down. the author articulates the connection to God, the universe or whatever you want to call it in a way that grabs you and just makes sense. I reckon anyone who reads this will be better off and will carry around this book's messages for a long time.
June 19, 2018
Truly and absolutely beautiful. Near damn broke my heart at the end.
A wonderful master piece which I couldn't put down at all.
A wonderful master piece which I couldn't put down at all.
August 9, 2017
Once upon a a time, there was a mentally disabled young boy, who through a process beyond his kin, grained knowledge and became smarter than most people around him. That book is
Flowers for Algernon
and I suggest you read that great book before you read this one.
Yes, like the book of Algernon, Eddy in this book goes from not being able to read, to being able to pass all his university entrance level tests, and get a scholarship to go to university. But unlike Flowers, he does so with a "magic tree" called Mr. Tree, which was planted by his grandfather. He feels the spirit of the tree, which gives him confidence, and helps him learn. He is also able to see things, sometimes, when he holds onto to the tree.
Yes, both books show someone who has mental deficiencies gaining smarts, but in T is for Tree, he does it totally without help from his unloving grandmother.
So, if I am so disgusted with this book, why do I give it three stars? Because it did engage me enough to find out where it was going.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
Yes, like the book of Algernon, Eddy in this book goes from not being able to read, to being able to pass all his university entrance level tests, and get a scholarship to go to university. But unlike Flowers, he does so with a "magic tree" called Mr. Tree, which was planted by his grandfather. He feels the spirit of the tree, which gives him confidence, and helps him learn. He is also able to see things, sometimes, when he holds onto to the tree.
Yes, both books show someone who has mental deficiencies gaining smarts, but in T is for Tree, he does it totally without help from his unloving grandmother.
So, if I am so disgusted with this book, why do I give it three stars? Because it did engage me enough to find out where it was going.
Thanks to Netgalley for making this book available for an honest review.
October 12, 2017
Mild spoilers ahead.
I liked, and kind of enjoyed this book. The story flowed nicely, so I managed it in two sittings, and I was sad through some parts, so I can say it touched me on some level, but there were too many inconsistencies and some quite illogical events for me to enjoy it completely. I'm conflicted really, because I did enjoy this, but I just couldn't get over some things, like:
-child abuse (abuse of a mentally challenged child to be exact), which goes unnoticed for 12 years
-no repercussions for the abuse, quite the opposite, the person is magically changed and then completely forgiven
-the implication that the above mentioned child is made "smarter" or "normal" by a magical tree. Not cured, just "not dumb". It's offensive, really
- Plus many, many things the boy couldn't have possibly known, living in such conditions (Being locked in a room for 12 years and not knowing how to read)
-The ending itself
If you can disregard such things, this is a quick, light, and emotional coming of age/magical realism novel
A thank-you to NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
I liked, and kind of enjoyed this book. The story flowed nicely, so I managed it in two sittings, and I was sad through some parts, so I can say it touched me on some level, but there were too many inconsistencies and some quite illogical events for me to enjoy it completely. I'm conflicted really, because I did enjoy this, but I just couldn't get over some things, like:
-child abuse (abuse of a mentally challenged child to be exact), which goes unnoticed for 12 years
-no repercussions for the abuse, quite the opposite, the person is magically changed and then completely forgiven
-the implication that the above mentioned child is made "smarter" or "normal" by a magical tree. Not cured, just "not dumb". It's offensive, really
- Plus many, many things the boy couldn't have possibly known, living in such conditions (Being locked in a room for 12 years and not knowing how to read)
-The ending itself
If you can disregard such things, this is a quick, light, and emotional coming of age/magical realism novel
A thank-you to NetGalley for providing an arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
August 14, 2017
This is a book which in places has an engaging way of describing the emotions attached to the events occuring over a 5 year period in 12 year old Eddy's life, however it has too many points of confusion for me. From some of the wording within it, you would think it is set in England yet other parts of it led me to believe that it was originally based elsewhere and has been slightly clumsily, in the way of a badly dubbed advert, adjusted to reflect the country it is being marketed in. More careful research of exams, medical details and the use of more commonly used terms for gurney and intersection would have helped me to rate this higher. Nonetheless, T is for Tree has a beautiful underlying message and a slightly unexpected ending.
April 5, 2020
I absolutely loved this book! I definitely realise that this book is no where near perfect and has many flaws. But for me it holds a special place in my heart. This book got me out of a reading slump and make me very emotional with moments of tears which may have been caused because I became too invested with the characters.
Anyway this book isn’t without many flaws. It isn’t a high ranking, super well written, structured to perfection, character or plot driven book. But if your looking for something quite basic and just a quick read it could be good for you.
It’s very easy to read, it’s very fast paced and can be read in one sitting. If your just looking for something to pass the time I would definitely recommend.
It isn’t amazing but I rated it high because it’s special to me. Please give it a chance with a open mind, without high expectations and you might be pleasantly surprised.
Anyway this book isn’t without many flaws. It isn’t a high ranking, super well written, structured to perfection, character or plot driven book. But if your looking for something quite basic and just a quick read it could be good for you.
It’s very easy to read, it’s very fast paced and can be read in one sitting. If your just looking for something to pass the time I would definitely recommend.
It isn’t amazing but I rated it high because it’s special to me. Please give it a chance with a open mind, without high expectations and you might be pleasantly surprised.
September 1, 2017
Review can be found here: https://weezieswhimsicalwritings.word...
August 9, 2023
This book wasn't my cup of tea. It felt like the author was going through a checklist of tear-jerker cliches to tug on the heartstrings. I couldn't get past the huge disconnect between the main characters voice and inner narration. He had an isolated, sheltered and emotionally abusive existence. He didn't know what a kiss was, but he knew about photosynthesis. He didn't know how to swing, but knew about cancer and chemo. It was all a bit too convenient and wrapped up with a bittersweet, heartfelt message.
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the ARC
Thank you to Netgalley and publisher for the ARC
July 16, 2020
This book is incredible, a story about a true test of friendship, love, forgiveness and family. This book has truly put me through the ringer of emotions, it’s the first book that’s bought me so much happiness but at the cost of so much sadness. I will remember this story for a long time, if you haven’t read it I Highly recommend you do... ps have some tissues ready because you’re going to need them.
April 14, 2020
This is about a boy named Eddy. He isn’t like any of the other kids. He looks different, and his learning is slow. His whole world is in his room, and he was only allowed to go out if he was going to take a shower. His mother abandoned him, and he was raised by his grandmother, who was grouchy and mean to him. The only good thing in his life was a tree that stood in between his house and the house next door. That tree was special, and he begged hard for the tree not to be gutted every time his grandma threatened to because it was being disruptive to the house. One day, a girl named Reagan moved in next door and becomes his first friend.
.
The story is divided into parts spanning time periods. During that time, Eddy and Reagan become the best of friends, and Eddy’s eyes are opened to the world beyond his window. He stands as an observant in Reagan’s life as she goes through some situations herself: her parents’ divorce, her boyfriends, her school work, but Eddy is always part of Reagan’s life. They even have a jam sandwich club where they climb the tree from their respective windows, and eat their sandwiches while talking. While Reagan’s away at school, Eddy spends most of his time with the tree, admiring the branches and the leaves. When he’s feeling anxious or troubled, the tree is his source of energy: the tree soothes him.
.
It’s not explicitly stated in the book, but based on some reviews I’ve read, Eddy has Down syndrome. I think the book was written as an uplifting journey for someone who isn’t the same as everyone else. However, I don’t think it delivered the message that it was supposed to. The concept between the tree and Eddy’s life away from the tree are disjointed. I’ve also read that the book isn’t a good representation of someone with Down syndrome, and that having the tree be ‘magical’ is kind of a way to say that the author is trying to ‘cure’ the syndrome. I think that the story could have had a positive representation if it didn’t end the way it did, and if the story actually left the room. Oh, and if the magical realism part of the story had more strength rather than just being convenient to the plot.
.
This is mainly a character-based story, and all that really happens is that we watch him watch everyone else. I would have been okay with him overcoming his obstacles when it comes to learning, and to be able to be given a chance to explore the world - and have narration accompany that, instead of just being information. The book was longer than it should be.
.
Some positive points: it was easy to read. It was simple, and it does get into Eddy’s head a lot, even if it is from a third person POV.
.
The story is divided into parts spanning time periods. During that time, Eddy and Reagan become the best of friends, and Eddy’s eyes are opened to the world beyond his window. He stands as an observant in Reagan’s life as she goes through some situations herself: her parents’ divorce, her boyfriends, her school work, but Eddy is always part of Reagan’s life. They even have a jam sandwich club where they climb the tree from their respective windows, and eat their sandwiches while talking. While Reagan’s away at school, Eddy spends most of his time with the tree, admiring the branches and the leaves. When he’s feeling anxious or troubled, the tree is his source of energy: the tree soothes him.
.
It’s not explicitly stated in the book, but based on some reviews I’ve read, Eddy has Down syndrome. I think the book was written as an uplifting journey for someone who isn’t the same as everyone else. However, I don’t think it delivered the message that it was supposed to. The concept between the tree and Eddy’s life away from the tree are disjointed. I’ve also read that the book isn’t a good representation of someone with Down syndrome, and that having the tree be ‘magical’ is kind of a way to say that the author is trying to ‘cure’ the syndrome. I think that the story could have had a positive representation if it didn’t end the way it did, and if the story actually left the room. Oh, and if the magical realism part of the story had more strength rather than just being convenient to the plot.
.
This is mainly a character-based story, and all that really happens is that we watch him watch everyone else. I would have been okay with him overcoming his obstacles when it comes to learning, and to be able to be given a chance to explore the world - and have narration accompany that, instead of just being information. The book was longer than it should be.
.
Some positive points: it was easy to read. It was simple, and it does get into Eddy’s head a lot, even if it is from a third person POV.
April 10, 2018
I did not enjoy this book at all for a few reasons. My main problem with this book is the representation of Eddy. Eddy is a boy with Down Syndrome (though this is never clearly stated in the book it can be inferred and in an early copy it was also on the blurb) and I just think this author got it all wrong. For a start why did he have to make Eddy into some kind of genius? This really got to me. Down Syndrome is a learning difficulty but this author decided that Eddy would meet a magic tree that enabled him to get 6 A*s despite never attending school and that a few years before these exams he was virtually illiterate. My best friend has Down Syndrome and attended a mainstream school his whole life and did GCSEs, he did really well but not half as well as Eddy! What I'm not saying is that is impossible for someone with Down Syndrome to get these results. What I am saying is that it is highly unlikely that Eddy (who didn't know what the word Tree began with a few years before these exams and has NEVER attended school) could get these results. Yeah, I know the tree is meant to be magical but it didn't work for me at all. People with Down Syndrome aren't defined by that, however they do have a learning difficulty and Greg Fowler decided that he was going to practically cure his character of that.
Beside that is Grandma Daisy. She locks Eddy in a room his whole life, she shows him no love or affection, she belittles him. Grandma Daisy abuses her grandson. I was reading this book just waiting for her to be undone, for the lady from social services to catch her out, for Grandma Daisy to be punished. I waited in vain. After 16 years of neglecting her grandson Grandma Daisy sees some blossoms on the tree and changes her whole outlook in life. Within twenty pages she's unrecognisable as a character. She apologises to Eddy and he accepts it. THAT'S IT?! After everything there's a quick sorry scene and suddenly Grandma Daisy is lovely. What?!
This book felt lazy. It felt like every time there was a problem the writer just got the tree to fix it. Everything was kind of vague, with no details pinned down. Regean's cancer, her treatment, what the colours are that Mr Tree lets Eddy see and why exactly he becomes super smart. I mean, even once Eddy was allowed to leave his room because of Grandma Daisy's 360 turn on her outlook of life changed there wasn't really very much about that. There was nothing really about Eddy getting to discover the world, just a couple of paragraphs at the start of Part 2 that ended with Eddy preferred his room. This was another major problem that I personally had with Eddy. Why was he so passive? I get that he was meant to be a nice kid and full of forgiveness but honestly, he's practically a saint! He gets locked up in a room for years and just smiles and forgives, through out the book I fell as though Eddy is walked all over. And then at the end? He just lays down and dies. After Eddy dies there is a brief line about how Regan's life goes on to be really successful (with no specifics given), well why not Eddy? I know that him dying was meant to be a big, romantic gesture but I hated it. Regean went on to live her happy life, Grandma Daisy went on with no consequences and Eddy's Mum who ran out on him when he was born arrives with a ready made family and perfect life. It seemed that everyone got a happy ending except for one character. Well why? Why in this sea of perfect endings couldn't Eddy have one?
Beside that is Grandma Daisy. She locks Eddy in a room his whole life, she shows him no love or affection, she belittles him. Grandma Daisy abuses her grandson. I was reading this book just waiting for her to be undone, for the lady from social services to catch her out, for Grandma Daisy to be punished. I waited in vain. After 16 years of neglecting her grandson Grandma Daisy sees some blossoms on the tree and changes her whole outlook in life. Within twenty pages she's unrecognisable as a character. She apologises to Eddy and he accepts it. THAT'S IT?! After everything there's a quick sorry scene and suddenly Grandma Daisy is lovely. What?!
This book felt lazy. It felt like every time there was a problem the writer just got the tree to fix it. Everything was kind of vague, with no details pinned down. Regean's cancer, her treatment, what the colours are that Mr Tree lets Eddy see and why exactly he becomes super smart. I mean, even once Eddy was allowed to leave his room because of Grandma Daisy's 360 turn on her outlook of life changed there wasn't really very much about that. There was nothing really about Eddy getting to discover the world, just a couple of paragraphs at the start of Part 2 that ended with Eddy preferred his room. This was another major problem that I personally had with Eddy. Why was he so passive? I get that he was meant to be a nice kid and full of forgiveness but honestly, he's practically a saint! He gets locked up in a room for years and just smiles and forgives, through out the book I fell as though Eddy is walked all over. And then at the end? He just lays down and dies. After Eddy dies there is a brief line about how Regan's life goes on to be really successful (with no specifics given), well why not Eddy? I know that him dying was meant to be a big, romantic gesture but I hated it. Regean went on to live her happy life, Grandma Daisy went on with no consequences and Eddy's Mum who ran out on him when he was born arrives with a ready made family and perfect life. It seemed that everyone got a happy ending except for one character. Well why? Why in this sea of perfect endings couldn't Eddy have one?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 1, 2017
All Eddy knows of the world, is what happens outside of his bedroom window; the children playing in the street, people going about their daily business, and the bullies that taunt him whenever they pass by the house. That is until a red van pulls up next door, and Reagan moves into the bedroom right across from his. Through their opposite windows, and a tree conveniently located right in the middle the pair soon become fast friends and she drastically changes Eddy's life forever.
Though it took me a while to get into, once I got in I was hooked - I read it all in one day and I am impressed with how the story develops. The short chapters make it easy to read and act as little snap shots of Eddy's day to day life. I would have liked to see parts of this novel written in the first person, as it would have given a better insight into how Eddy felt about certain situations.
I love that Greg Fowler was not afraid to tackle a number of difficult topics within his novel. I felt very sad for Eddy when we first met him, he knows he is different, he knows that he is not like the other children in the neighbourhood, all he wants is a friend. We see the abuse and the abandonment from his point of view, a point of view that doesn't really know any better.
T is for Tree gives us the unique stories of those that deal with disabilities - not just the people that have the disability, but the people around them - it often takes someone special to notice another person's light, and that is exactly what we get. The language used really worked, and fit well with the characters that had been portrayed.
Though it took me a while to get into, once I got in I was hooked - I read it all in one day and I am impressed with how the story develops. The short chapters make it easy to read and act as little snap shots of Eddy's day to day life. I would have liked to see parts of this novel written in the first person, as it would have given a better insight into how Eddy felt about certain situations.
I love that Greg Fowler was not afraid to tackle a number of difficult topics within his novel. I felt very sad for Eddy when we first met him, he knows he is different, he knows that he is not like the other children in the neighbourhood, all he wants is a friend. We see the abuse and the abandonment from his point of view, a point of view that doesn't really know any better.
T is for Tree gives us the unique stories of those that deal with disabilities - not just the people that have the disability, but the people around them - it often takes someone special to notice another person's light, and that is exactly what we get. The language used really worked, and fit well with the characters that had been portrayed.
September 10, 2017
Rating: 4.5/5
I received this E-ARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book was great, minus what I mention at the very bottom. I didn't really know where it was going to go and man oh man you don't necessarily see where it's going. I wish there had been a little more development in some parts of the story, especially with the tree. A little more focus on the things that happen. But that's more just because I'm very curious about the reasoning for things by nature. Eddy is so lovable and you just want to hold him the whole time. For the most part, I loved all of the character development. Grandma Daisy goes through some overly quick character development that probably should have been developed a little more, but it didn't ruin the story for me.
Honestly, this story was a little hard for me to finish once I got close to the end though, due to my mom passing away in hospice within the last two months after a 13 year battle with cancer. I wish it had been a little more clear from the beginning what was going to happen there, because I likely wouldn't have requested it because not a great place for me to try and read for fun. I didn't want to let that affect my review of the story though, so I might have wanted to given it a little lower for that.
I received this E-ARC via NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
This book was great, minus what I mention at the very bottom. I didn't really know where it was going to go and man oh man you don't necessarily see where it's going. I wish there had been a little more development in some parts of the story, especially with the tree. A little more focus on the things that happen. But that's more just because I'm very curious about the reasoning for things by nature. Eddy is so lovable and you just want to hold him the whole time. For the most part, I loved all of the character development. Grandma Daisy goes through some overly quick character development that probably should have been developed a little more, but it didn't ruin the story for me.
Honestly, this story was a little hard for me to finish once I got close to the end though, due to my mom passing away in hospice within the last two months after a 13 year battle with cancer. I wish it had been a little more clear from the beginning what was going to happen there, because I likely wouldn't have requested it because not a great place for me to try and read for fun. I didn't want to let that affect my review of the story though, so I might have wanted to given it a little lower for that.
August 22, 2019
This book is fundamentally disturbing on so many levels.
Much more worthwhile use of time would be to explore some of these sites.
https://themighty.com/2017/06/learnin...
http://www.inclusionevolution.com/
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/bo...
https://theconversation.com/friday-es...
In the original UK version the book's blurb says that Eddy has Down Syndrome (aka Down's Syndrome). It's critical to the story. A real syndrome with real implications that is used as a plot device that is cured by magic.
It became justification for the years of abuse by Eddy's grandmother.
No consequences for that.
Lifelong realities were ignored when they became inconvenient.
This book could have been so much better if the core reality of Down's was not ignored to move the story along.
Eddy, who had only a friendly neighbor and a pile of books taught himself to read and understand complex concepts. Love, for example.
Worst of all No thank you.
I enjoy a wide range of books and am fond of a bit of magical realism, symbolism, and literary writing.
Much more worthwhile use of time would be to explore some of these sites.
https://themighty.com/2017/06/learnin...
http://www.inclusionevolution.com/
https://www.nytimes.com/2012/11/25/bo...
https://theconversation.com/friday-es...
In the original UK version the book's blurb says that Eddy has Down Syndrome (aka Down's Syndrome). It's critical to the story. A real syndrome with real implications that is used as a plot device that is cured by magic.
It became justification for the years of abuse by Eddy's grandmother.
No consequences for that.
Lifelong realities were ignored when they became inconvenient.
This book could have been so much better if the core reality of Down's was not ignored to move the story along.
Eddy, who had only a friendly neighbor and a pile of books taught himself to read and understand complex concepts. Love, for example.
Worst of all No thank you.
I enjoy a wide range of books and am fond of a bit of magical realism, symbolism, and literary writing.
November 13, 2017
This book took me so long to read, I just didn't care about the characters or the story enough.
There was nothing glaringly wrong with the book it just felt bland. The story, the characters, the setting, none of them connected with me. I think a lot of the issue was that it all felt like 'wishful thinking', everything that happened in this book was never really explained, it simply happens and almost all ends up happening nicely. I'm all for a pleasant story but I need an explanation of how we've come to this nice conclusion, not just that it happened, hooray!
Either way, I'm glad to have finally been done with this book and can now push it out of my mind, probably to never be thoughts of again.
This book was sent to me through NetGalley for my opinion.
There was nothing glaringly wrong with the book it just felt bland. The story, the characters, the setting, none of them connected with me. I think a lot of the issue was that it all felt like 'wishful thinking', everything that happened in this book was never really explained, it simply happens and almost all ends up happening nicely. I'm all for a pleasant story but I need an explanation of how we've come to this nice conclusion, not just that it happened, hooray!
Either way, I'm glad to have finally been done with this book and can now push it out of my mind, probably to never be thoughts of again.
This book was sent to me through NetGalley for my opinion.
July 5, 2019
I could accept the tree's magic powers by seeing this book as a fairy tale, but unfortunately the rest wasn't written as such.
Not one of the 3 main characters has a believable character development:
1) Very abusive people like the gran do not change into sweet old ladies overnight
2) A boy who at 12 has the thought processes and vocabulary of a 5-year old, do not in 5 years change into a deep philosopher with a wide knowledge of many things he was never been exposed to
3) A sweet little girl who stands up for and befriend a disabled person, surely do not turn so superficial 2 or 3 years later.
The idea behind this book was very good, but it lacked proper execution in my opinion.
Not one of the 3 main characters has a believable character development:
1) Very abusive people like the gran do not change into sweet old ladies overnight
2) A boy who at 12 has the thought processes and vocabulary of a 5-year old, do not in 5 years change into a deep philosopher with a wide knowledge of many things he was never been exposed to
3) A sweet little girl who stands up for and befriend a disabled person, surely do not turn so superficial 2 or 3 years later.
The idea behind this book was very good, but it lacked proper execution in my opinion.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 1, 2024
This book was such a surprise. I read it a couple of years ago and picked it up simply because I thought the cover was beautiful, but once I started reading it, I was hooked. Not only was this book beautifully written, but it also invoked so many emotions. Typically, this would not be a book I would go for as I'm into fiction, fantasy, romance, that sort of thing. I would highly recommend reading this book and really have recommend it to anyone who has asked for a book recommendation.
September 10, 2017
Kar precej časa je trajalo, da sem knjigo prebrala. Določene zgodbe pač niso namenjene hitremu branju.
To je knjiga s tematikami življenja in več kot o njej razmišljaš več motivov odkriješ. Je zgodba, ki ti bo dala drugačen pogled na svet, če si boš to le dopustil. Predvsem pa je to knjiga o prijateljstvu v svoji najbolj čudoviti in popolni obliki.
To je knjiga s tematikami življenja in več kot o njej razmišljaš več motivov odkriješ. Je zgodba, ki ti bo dala drugačen pogled na svet, če si boš to le dopustil. Predvsem pa je to knjiga o prijateljstvu v svoji najbolj čudoviti in popolni obliki.
February 16, 2018
This book was absolutely beautiful and heartbreaking - there wasn’t a moment where i was bored or wanted it to move faster and the story went places I would have never expected it to go. There were lines so thought-provoking I had to put the book down and think about them for a bit and those were the only times I put down the book from start to finish. The best book I’ve read in a long time.
May 26, 2018
I really really enjoyed the beginning and middle of this book. I had such emotions from it! However, i found the ending a bit lacklustre; even though it was very emotional, I didn’t have the same reaction to it as i did the beginning. So 3 stars, because it’s a very good book, and great for Patrick Ness fans looking for something different, but not an ending I can rave about.
January 4, 2019
I liked this book but there were a lot of things I didn’t like.his grandmother for instance did not like how she treated him and that he only came out of his room on shower day but loved the friendship in it.i was not expecting that ending though.i couldn’t figure out what Genre you called it had some magic aspects maybe but in the end it was a really nice read.to sittings and I was done.
July 7, 2021
I can see why some people didn’t like this book and the way Eddy was portrayed as a person with special needs however, I thought this was a beautiful story and brought to light issues which happen in real life that we may not always be aware of. The only reason for giving it only 4 stars is because some parts of the book didn’t feel like they were adding much to the story.
August 11, 2017
Loved this book. Great characters and a good read. The author has a great writing style. I went through a range of emotions. I think any book that can make you feel is a good book. Bring on the next book. I am now a fan!
October 6, 2019
Took a while to get going but I honestly couldn’t put it down after. It is so unexpected and when you think one thing is going to happen the opposite happens, there is no way I could have predicted it. It is such as sad yet heart warming story.
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