The National Tree

Has to come from somewhere. This lovely story is about the tree, relationship of father's and sons, beginning and ending of relationships,and a great sense of place

This story about the redemption of a father-son relationship also becomes, in its eccentric way, a story about the redemption of the American spirit. Give it as a Christmas gift -- to others . . . to yourself!

I*t arrived in good order but I have not read it yet. I know the author and feel I will not be disappointed.

I loved this story. Everyone should have this much pride in themselves. It made me laugh, cry, and caused chill bumps. A wonderful Christmas story.

This was the first David Kranes book I read - and I became a huge follower of his writing. (If you have not read Making the Ghost Dance add to your list as well). David is an incredibly visual writer, full of passion and color, magic and emotions. Just read the first chapter about the Salmon cermony and you are caught up in this journey. No matter what genre of book you enjoy, this is an intelligently written and delightful story that I gave all of my friends and family to read when it first came out. The Hallmark movie was only but a shell of what the story was about. Give it to a college professor, to a doctor or to your mom, all will enjoy.

David Kranes' book The National Tree was recently aired on the Hallmark channel to one of the highest ratings. In short, a father and son journey across the United States, from Oregon to Washington, D.C. driving a spruce tree to be delivered to the White House for our national tree.As with any movie that adapts a novel, and as it so often happens, loosely bases the adaptation on a novel, the chorus is so often, 'The book is so much better.' Trust me, it is. The triumph, payoff and the development of a father and son relationship that truly grows by the end of the novel simply belongs to the world of literature and imagination.WJM

The National Tree is an odyssey of a father and son as they truck their huge home-grown Northwest Sitka Spruce across the country to Washington D.C., where it will be planted and preside as the nation's official tree. This is the frame of Kranes' novel, the underlying theme of which is the portrayal of difficulties inherent in the father/son relationship, and, throughout the journey, the discoveries and recognitions that lead father and son to a more mature companionship. The survival of the tree and the growth of the father and son are organically entwined in a novel of lush and careful language.

Hallmark did a nice job of adapting Kranes' novel to a 'feel good' movie format, but I urge you to wrap your mind around the original story. It is so much more sophisticated and rich in so many ways. I can see why the film producers chose the scenes and themes they did, but the funniest and most dramatic moments remain behind in the book. Treat yourself to some really superior writing.