Dr. Seuss is one of my biggest influences

This week schools across the nation celebrated the birthday of Dr. Seuss, and I don’t think there is another author that is as widely celebrated.

Sure, there are authors who have received lots of fame for the books they’ve written over the years. Stephen King, James Patterson and Nora Roberts all have a large following of readers. People who like the classics enjoy authors like Walt Whitman, Fyodor Dostoevsky, the Bronte sisters. And many people (including myself) will be forever grateful to Stephenie Meyer for creating the Twilight series.

All of these popular authors appeal to a certain group of readers, but the beauty of what Dr. Seuss was able to do is evidenced in the fact that he has readers who span from age four to age 90. People from all types of backgrounds with all types of tastes and interests can enjoy reading a Dr. Seuss book because they’re fun and silly, but they also have a message.

Take “Green Eggs and Ham” for example. Kids love this book because there are simple words that describe the story of a funny character who doesn’t want to eat a silly thing like green eggs and ham. But by the end of the book, he finally tries the funny colored eggs and ham and decides he actually likes it. The story seems funny and superficial at first glance, but really it’s a story about trying new things, exploring new options, stepping out of the box and not judging a book by its cover – all important lessons for kids to learn.

And then there’s my favorite Dr. Seuss book, which is actually one of my all-time favorite books period: “Oh the Places You’ll Go.” My uncle, Tim, actually gave me a copy of this book when I graduated from high school and I still get it out and read it from time to time.

Once again, there are funny illustrations and silly words that can capture the attention of a child, but the message of perseverance, setting goals, being happy and achieving success is perfect for a person of any age.

As a writer, I should probably have influences like Jane Austen, Ernest Hemmingway or even William Shakespeare. But I can honestly tell you that one of my biggest writing influences is Dr. Seuss.

For one, I am in awe of the imagination this man possessed and his ability to create unique and interesting characters.

More importantly, however, I am in awe of his ability to find a way to do something he loved in such a way that he was able to get his underlying messages across to children as well as adults, and he is an inspiration to anyone who is pursuing their dreams.

So in the words of Dr. Seuss, “… Be your name Buxbaum or Bixby or Bray or Mordecai Ale Van Allen O’Shea, you’re off to great places! Today is your day! Your mountain is waiting. So get on your way!”