Oh, The Places You'll Go! - Dr Seuss
Image: By Al Ravenna, New York World-Telegram and the Sun staff photographer [Public domain]
|
A Dr Seuss personal favourite
You've probably all heard of Dr Seuss, but you may not have read this one of his many books, 'Oh, The Places You'll Go!'. As much as I love some of his others, this has to be my number one favourite and apparently this was the last one he wrote. Did you realise that? Normally people would recommend one of his books for children, or parents with young kids, but this recommendation is not for them, it's for you; big kids, grown-ups, adults, whatever you like to call yourself, this book is for you. |
The discovery
My personal copy. Image by DreyaB
I came across this book while I was on a self-development programme (Simple Abundance). One of the tasks was to build a personal toolkit of things that were guaranteed to cheer you up or make you feel positive. Hidden among some of the suggestions was this, and I thought why not give it a go? So along with my Wile E. Coyote and Billy Connolly videos, this slim paperback got included in my 'never blue' pack.
It's about a young person setting out on his own for the first time. It tells you that you have choices in life and you'll make decisions about which way to go. Most times you'll choose some great places and you'll find brilliant happenings and you'll go along with them 'cos you're good at that sort of thing and you're one of the best. Oh, the places you'll go!
But it also discusses the fact that things don't always go right. That sometimes you might get left behind. Things just happen and maybe you'll be down in the dumps, or you'll find that life can be confusing at times. Or you might get stuck in the Waiting Place - where people wait for things to happen to them.
That's not for you of course! You'll find a way out and join the world where wonderful things happen and you'll have great adventures - whatever they might be. Enjoying yourself and the high life.
Except when you get lonely sometimes. Or scared. That can happen too. But there will be ways to face up to your problems and you'll take care. Life is a great balancing act. Will you succeed? Of course you will...
It's about a young person setting out on his own for the first time. It tells you that you have choices in life and you'll make decisions about which way to go. Most times you'll choose some great places and you'll find brilliant happenings and you'll go along with them 'cos you're good at that sort of thing and you're one of the best. Oh, the places you'll go!
But it also discusses the fact that things don't always go right. That sometimes you might get left behind. Things just happen and maybe you'll be down in the dumps, or you'll find that life can be confusing at times. Or you might get stuck in the Waiting Place - where people wait for things to happen to them.
That's not for you of course! You'll find a way out and join the world where wonderful things happen and you'll have great adventures - whatever they might be. Enjoying yourself and the high life.
Except when you get lonely sometimes. Or scared. That can happen too. But there will be ways to face up to your problems and you'll take care. Life is a great balancing act. Will you succeed? Of course you will...
The effects of this book
|
|
I can distinctly remember picking this book up once and after a few pages in, I was in floods of tears. It was pertinent at that moment in time, it just hit a nerve, but I kept on reading through the tears and by the end of the book I was certain I would make it, and of course I would ensure things went right for me. I just needed someone to tell me so - and Dr Seuss just had.
It's a wonderful book, for old or young alike. If you're a young reader who is 'slightly more able' as it says on the cover, it's a great way to learn about life and prepare you for the future. If you've been reading a while, like me, then it still has its place on your bookshelf - to cheer you up when you're blue or to let you know you're OK and life's just like that sometimes, but just hang on in there and you'll make it. Quite a few readers have told me that this book gets given out at graduations and I think that's a wonderful idea - to help set up the adults of the future with a positive yet realistic outlook. What more could you ask for from a book? You won't regret it if you want to try it out, or you want to buy it for a young friend. You could take a look at the video below first, to get a taste of what's inside. Or check out some of the previous comments right at the bottom of the page to see what others think... |
If you want a sneaky peek of the book, try this... (read by Michelle Obama)
Here are some previous comments and thoughts from people
Nancy Hardin 12 months ago from Las Vegas, NV - I've been secretly in love with this book for years. I thought I was the only adult who read and enjoyed it, and other things Dr. Seuss authored. Now I know I don't have to go in my closet to read and hope nobody finds me! haha! Wonderful review, I loved it. Staying positive is possible, even when being realistic. Thanks for sharing.
Margaret Schindel 12 months ago from Massachusetts - Andrea, this is one of the few Dr. Seuss books I haven't read, and I really appreciate the video sneak peek with John Lithgow's fabulous narration. Thank you so much for introducing me to it!
MelRootsNWrites 12 months ago from California - I don't think I've read this one, though I've read many of his books. Sounds like I should put it on the must read list.
Sylvestermouse 14 months ago from United States - This is such an awesome book and a great recommendation! Would you believe my aunt gave it to my daughter for her high school graduation gift :)
SamanthaHaupt 15 months ago - This was my absolute favorite book ever as a kid! It still is actually - it's a great read. I agree with you when you say it's not just for young people but also adults. My second favorite is The Lorax, it also sends an important message to its readers! Great lens :)
Arachnea 16 months ago from Texas USA - This book was terrifically popular in the bookstore a few years ago. I'll have to pick up a copy next time I'm in the store and visit with it. Dr. Seuss stories bring back fond memories for me.
Guy E Wood 17 months ago from USA - One of my all-time favorite books! And, I love a lot of books :-) We bought this for each of our kids as they graduated college. Nothing but great messages... Oh, The Places You'll Go! Thanks for the reminder!
OhMe 17 months ago from Pendleton, SC - I love this book and love to hear it read at Graduation Ceremonies.
Wednesday-Elf 18 months ago from Savannah, Georgia - I think we had all the Dr. Seuss books at one time - and this was a special one. My daughter has the collection now. Wonderful review: )
Ruthi 22 months ago - This has always been one of my favorite reality therapy books for myself! I am so happy to hear Seuss has been good to you, too.
DebMartin 23 months ago from Northern Michigan and Northern Ontario - I can't get enough of Dr. Seuss. Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try! ~ Dr. Seuss ;-)
Margaret Schindel 12 months ago from Massachusetts - Andrea, this is one of the few Dr. Seuss books I haven't read, and I really appreciate the video sneak peek with John Lithgow's fabulous narration. Thank you so much for introducing me to it!
MelRootsNWrites 12 months ago from California - I don't think I've read this one, though I've read many of his books. Sounds like I should put it on the must read list.
Sylvestermouse 14 months ago from United States - This is such an awesome book and a great recommendation! Would you believe my aunt gave it to my daughter for her high school graduation gift :)
SamanthaHaupt 15 months ago - This was my absolute favorite book ever as a kid! It still is actually - it's a great read. I agree with you when you say it's not just for young people but also adults. My second favorite is The Lorax, it also sends an important message to its readers! Great lens :)
Arachnea 16 months ago from Texas USA - This book was terrifically popular in the bookstore a few years ago. I'll have to pick up a copy next time I'm in the store and visit with it. Dr. Seuss stories bring back fond memories for me.
Guy E Wood 17 months ago from USA - One of my all-time favorite books! And, I love a lot of books :-) We bought this for each of our kids as they graduated college. Nothing but great messages... Oh, The Places You'll Go! Thanks for the reminder!
OhMe 17 months ago from Pendleton, SC - I love this book and love to hear it read at Graduation Ceremonies.
Wednesday-Elf 18 months ago from Savannah, Georgia - I think we had all the Dr. Seuss books at one time - and this was a special one. My daughter has the collection now. Wonderful review: )
Ruthi 22 months ago - This has always been one of my favorite reality therapy books for myself! I am so happy to hear Seuss has been good to you, too.
DebMartin 23 months ago from Northern Michigan and Northern Ontario - I can't get enough of Dr. Seuss. Think left and think right and think low and think high. Oh, the thinks you can think up if only you try! ~ Dr. Seuss ;-)
