Book: Who Moved My Cheese?

Author: Dr. Spencer Johnson

Rating: 5/5

Dr. Spencer Johnson illustrates the great message in the story with four characters – the two mice and two little people Hem and Haw. The two mice as they lack brains use their instincts and trial and error methods to reach to their cheese station. They really strive hard to find their food unlike Hem and Haw. Hem and Haw being little people too, work towards the same cheese station and get their cheese but it’s far easy for them as they are blessed with brains. The story takes a turn when Hem and Haw lose track of their station as they had been too comfortable getting their cheese and now are puffed with arrogance of success and are unable to find the new cheese station. The mice had soon noticed through sniffing and instincts that the cheese had been getting smaller and so they kept on moving when they discovered the new cheese station. But Hem and Haw are not willing to adapt to change like mice and they get stuck and are lost. Finally Haw takes initiative though faced by fears and self-doubt keeps moving with joy in spite of not finding the cheese. Though late, Hem now visualizes the delicious cheese, learns to enjoy the adventurous journey and keeps moving in search of cheese. He also encourages his friend Hem to join by leaving powerful messages here and there so that he could see them too and find the new journey and cheese. However, Hem is totally adamant and is stuck in the old station. Finally, Haw reaches the new cheese station with variety of cheese that he dreamt of and the two mice greet them there in the new cheese station.

Social/Historical context:

With a lovely inspiring story, the Dr. Spencer draws the attention of the readers to look through their glasses and find out to which character of the story they really fit in real life. Here the cheese in the story is used as a metaphor to our dreams, vision, success or any so that we adapt to change or get extinct in case we don’t do so. Dr. Johnson implies that we need to be stop being afraid and eliminate our limiting beliefs and enjoy the change for good. The earlier you face fear and come out of your comfort zone, soon you will find your new cheese.

Writing Style:

The writing style of the Dr. Johnson is very simple for even a child to read and understand.

My Thoughts:

It carries great messages that one read could transform your life successfully This is a kind of book I think every soul on this planet must read and would take only 45 minutes of your time even when you are totally relaxing. This is also one of the greatest book I have ever read and so interesting that you will be able to read it in one stretch. Also don’t forget to read it even the second and a third time because you will be much more inspired and enlightened. Besides, it could add to your one of the best collections in your home library as it is totally engaging and interesting.

Book Reviewed by Yasmin Muhammad Elias

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