Having never read this book as a child, I picked it up after graduating from college and found wisdom there beyond its years. Looking for inspiration in your life? A carpe diem message? Hope? Lost dreams? Then this is the book for you. I especially appreciated Juster's fabulous play on language, and the awesome sense of adventure. My only gripe is that I wish the supporting characters of Tock and especially the Humbug had been developed more.