Celebrity Review
You’re Only Old Once

Audrey Geisel
Widow of Theodor Seuss Geisel; President and CEO of Dr. Seuss Enterprises

Dr. Seuss’ You’re Only Old Once was the one of last books my husband wrote, released on his 82nd birthday in 1986. It never surprised me that even in his “golden years,” his imagination and artistic spirit shined through. Even as he wrote about some of his own medical adventures, he still managed to show his readers the positive in the situation. Though some thought the book was strictly for adults when it came out, others read it nightly to children. It has been enjoyed throughout the years by kids of all ages

The story invites readers to accompany an elderly man on his journey through the Golden Years Clinic where he endures every kind of medical procedure imaginable. From having his chest and stomach ogled by an “Ogler” to being put through a “Wuff-Whiffer,” no body part goes unchecked. It is a tale that becomes more and more familiar as we ourselves get older and begin to feel less youthful. Rather than focusing on the less glamorous parts of aging, Dr. Seuss encourages us to embrace this special time in our lives and, if you’re lucky, rejoice in the fact that “you’re in pretty good shape for the shape you are in.”

As we celebrate what would’ve been his 100th birthday, I’m still just as charmed by this book as the first time I read it. You’re Only Old Once remains my favorite because this story demonstrates that you don’t have to stay young to remain young at heart.