HAKKEN KRAKS HOWL.

Due to his evident eccentricity Dr. Seuss is one of my favourite authors. His books are typically aimed at children, with the intention of making reading appealing and fun! When browsing through his multitude of books, I fell upon ‘oh the places you’ll go’ which is a ‘Dr. Seuss fable for the slightly more able’.

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‘Oh the places you’ll go’ is a motivational story about you. It’s a about a figurative journey, through life, highlighting the ups and downs to be expected.

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There are no specific characters, except for ‘you’. The story line is very loose, the words although very deliberate, essentially say very little; but mean a heck of alot. It allows us as readers, to personally connect with the book. We create our own judgment of what the words are actually saying; and indeed meaning. Consequently making the books significance, very personal and individual to each and everyone.
Illustrations play a massive part towards the implied story line; from these, we gather alot of information; which isn’t written within the words.

What I take from the book is a; very profound message: that although life can get tough, and will get tough; we should never give up. Even when things get scary and we feel disheartened; while it won’t be simple, we should always keep on going and keep soldiering on in life. This is the greatest way to succeed.

‘And when you’re in a slump,
you’re not in for much fun.
Un-slumping yourself
Is not easily done.’

In the characteristic style of Dr. Seuss, ‘oh the places you’ll go’ is written light-hearted and in rhyme. The language is very simple but odd, jolly and poetic; infiltrating made up words. It uses many metaphors, both visually and written. Peculiar characters are introduced, such as the Hakken Kraks. This distinctive style of Dr. Seuss is very appealing; it makes his books, very easy and fun to read. The result of this happy-go-lucky stance; is that the information is easy to absorb.

I believe that: with the balance of absurdity and the relative indifference; and blasé attitude to the philosophical message being unveiled: this is what heightens the books meaningfulness. As, by making light of ‘life’, and making us smile at the complications and worries of life: it offers the perspective that ‘things aren’t so bad and everyone experiences ups and downs’. This gives you that extra surge of passion for life.
It is the blend of profoundness with ridiculousness that makes this book: work so well.

‘But on you will go
though the weather be foul.
On you will go
though your enemies prowl.
On you will go
Though the Hakken-Kraks howl.’

What makes this particular book exceptional is the bluntness. Although written poetically and fundamentally daft: it has a no-nonsense approach. The book in essence is portraying; that life isn’t going to be an easy journey. We are going to find ourselves in disagreeable situations; it is going to be intimidating; there will be times we don’t want to go on; and escaping this vicious circle, is going to be hard.
The book also indicates that, we will feel disillusioned and find our selves in these problematical situations, time and time again.
‘Oh the places you’ll go’ subsequently reveals, that life can be the other extreme: the result of your perseverance and endeavour; will, most certainly be worth the effort. Life can be fantastic; you’ll see great things; you’ll do great things; you’ll have fun; you’ll move mountains!

‘Somehow you’ll escape
all that waiting and staying.
You’ll find the bright places
Where Boom Bands are playing.’

The illustrations again are typical of Dr. Seuss books. Using bright and bold colours to generate very imaginative, wacky and zany images. The characters illustrated are all exclusive and funny looking; they are in general, usually smiling. Thus, adding to the enthusiastic ness of the book. The pages are full of illustrations, with a huge quantity of simple detail.
In this particular book, the illustrations play a heavy part to the overall effect of the book; ultimately providing us with half the story. There is a little chappy that is indicative of ‘you’, giving us a visual image of: the journey of life. The book is full of bright coloured twisty lines, which I deem to represent theme parks and roller coaster rides. Indicating that life is indubitably, a roller coaster of emotions.

‘Oh the places you’ll go’ comparative to other Dr. Seuss books; is undeniable more profound and more meaningful. It is my favourite of all his books: owed to its uplifting effect. It is a book that I continually return to, when I need a pick me up; and it never fails me.
Even though the book is predominantly aimed at adults; and younger adults: it is my opinion that every person, regardless of age can read it; and every reader will take something positive away from this book.

The book is 44 pages long and averages at about six short lines a page. It will take you less than five minutes to read; but will give you an affluence of inspiration and enthusiasm.
So, for the princely sum of $4 or £4.99, you’ll acquire: motivation, encouragement, and life will feel less overwhelming.

‘And will you succeed?
Yes! You will, indeed!’

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Dr. Seuss’s ‘oh the place you’ll go’ is published by ‘Collins’ and is part of Dr. Seuss’s ‘classic collection’ (ISBN 0-00-171266-7). It can be purchased from most bookstores or http://www.amazon.co.uk.