I am grateful to all the reviewers that tried to save money and anxiety and anger for other people or potential readers of this book, by advising against buying it. I find all such comments are very interesting and very inspiring, which are elements you would never find in this book. In particular, I am grateful to the review entitled Show Me the Cheese by Bruce Silveman. It is such a wonderful review which should be published by major newspapers like New York Times and Washington Post. And we can read here for free! This book is an attempt to trash our culture, to put everything valuable we inherited from the past in a dumpster and sell some real garbage as the latest invention of once in a life time. This book and many other books such as the Jonathan Livingston Seagull, Shack, and the book insults God which I don't want to mention here, are all part of effort to show that man can be better off by themselves without the divine guidance of Jesus. Everything in the Western society in the last two hundred years are part of the development of that ideology. Just wait, you will read things worse than this!

The book is a quick read and reread. A good reminder of how we MUST flow with change in our lives.

A short easy listen giving great insight on what happens if you fight change. I for one had difficulty accepting changes that I didn't want, this book presented a new perspective and insight.

Here's the book in a nutshell (or a Swiss Cheese hole, as it were): some people like change and seek it out while some people don't and resist it. There you go -- just saved you 20 bucks.

The center of "Who Moved My Cheese" involves a parable about two mice (Scurry and Sniff) and two "Littlepeople" (what?) called Hem and Haw, who live in a maze. Their lives center around a bit of cheese in the maze. But when one day, the cheese moves. The mice scurry (!) off to sniff (!) out its new location while the littlepeople hem and haw (!) and try to make sense of their newly cheeseless world. Will Hem and Haw ever get off the dime and look for the new cheese? Or will they eventually wither and die from lack of gumption?

The book offers a simplistic analysis of an obviously difficult human dilemma. Clearly, some people dislike change and will do anything to cleave to the status quo, even when the status quo is unproductive or even life-threatening. Clearly (as anyone who has suffered through a corporate reorganization has experienced) others love change and will seek it or create it -- even when the change creates chaos and makes things demonstrably worse. But "Who Moved My Cheese" simplifies the complexity of dealing with change by assuming that all change is good, that those who follow the change are smart and that those resisting it are dull and stupid.

Fine. When change happens, it is not a brilliant strategy to pretend it's not. But is blindly "following the cheese" a smarter strategy? Wouldn't it be smart to find out who is moving the cheese and why? And what if the folks moving the cheese don't let you follow it? Hideous examples from history abound -- don't make me quote them. But these lessons are not forthcoming from this book.

"Who Moved My Cheese" is one in a long line of fad books about business that don't solve any problems. It has undoubtedly sold millions of copies and spawned a fun catch-phrase. But millions of us will continue to be caught in the business change cycle imposed by (mostly) well-meaning nitwits, in which good nutritious cheese is deemed moldy by those who have no agenda but to sell their own brand of cheese. Sometimes, waiting for the cheese to return (in the form of sensible management and proven business strategies) is smarter and more ethical.

This book was recommended to my from my Real Estate Office. Being in a business that see's change frequently this book really provides a birds eye view of the thought process in dealing with change. It does not tell you how to do things or specify in any fields but rather sparks the notes neccessary on how to relate this to your own life! I hope my wife reads this too!

This is simply the most powerful little book you'll ever read. It's simple to read and understand, and its messages are helpful to people of all ages.

Anyone who doesn't like this book probably prefers being a victim that is stuck in life, anyway.

Not only am I in no ways closer to finding out who keeps moving my cheese, but this dang book doesn't give me any good ideas as to how to find out or what to do to detour people from taking my cheese! Not a very helpful book. It does not deliver what it sets out to do.

This is one of the greatest books I have ever read. At first one will think this is a childs book. However after completing this book you will began searching your deepest, enter thoughts as to who you are and where you are going in life. Great Book for the people who are simply living life as handed to you.

I find it amazing that this book is still distributed by managers who obviously feel that employees are not capable of reasonable communication and/or evolution in the working environment. I am among the victims that were selected to be "enlightened" in my work place. The specific method of torture chosen was death by supreme stupidity, AKA, "You will read `Who moved my cheese'." It definitely made an impact on my outlook. For instance, before I read this book, I was not afraid to use words composed of more than two syllables when communicating with my superiors. After reading this book, however, I have come to realize that there are those whom you communicate and build with throughout your life, and those you smile at while moving on quickly and politely.

Of course, I have sat in the meetings that drip with praise for this cheesy little creation and despite the numerous inefficient arguments in its favor, I chose not to subject my employees to this mind-numbing experience. It seems that there are those among us who truly require a book that does not exceed a third grade reading level while assisting in the mastering of pre-school concepts. Those people do not work for me, since I need people who can think. For the sake of employees who work for managers who struggle with this concept, I am grateful that there is a book with small words and pictures to inspire their leadership...after all, the real management books are so complex...kind of like real managers.

In all fairness, I suppose if everyone that works for you is so old that they are the next potential oil supply for the nation, this book may be of some value to you...and the print is really big...a definite plus for the blind. But if your workforce is made of a variety of cultures, generations, perspectives, and ideas, because you avoided hiring your clones, it is likely that change is something that managers have to manage as a constant resource rather than a scary little maze of ill fated rats.

I am hard pressed to be arrogant when presented with a true literary attempt, however, this particular work exceeds even my tolerance for degrading insult to the workforce. If your business is so deficient that you require a book that has little or no meaning, created around figures that risk associating your employees with the intelligence of vermin, you may need more than a book distribution plan to fix your ails.

30 minutes (the time it takes to read the book) of my life I'll never get back.

Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson is easily the least intellectually challenging book I have ever read. The plot line implemented in the story is brain numbingly simple and contrived. Rather than allowing the reader to understand and interpret the meaning of the story Johnson continually insults the intelligence of his reader by placing the message of every couple of pages in a block of cheese. The basic structure of the story resembles a bastardized version of Aesop's Fables. Not only are the structure and writing style of the book completely mindless the message of the story is also meaningless.
This story imparts less wisdom upon its reader that a Dr. Seuss book. It does nothing more than rehash and regurgitate common clichés regarding success through change. This story is so poorly written and argued that the only point of reflection possible following a close reading of the text is which character the reader is most like. The message of the book is stated and restated endless amounts of times through the painfully obvious style. Any wisdom imparted though this book can only be useful to a pouting 3-6 year old child, or an adult that is completely oblivious and disconnected from reality. The essential message is react to change, a principle the average human being conceptualizes before they can speak. The notion that any functioning adult can benefit from this unintelligible children's book systematically murders all hope I have invested in society. If corporate America's new trend is reading children's books they would be better served rereading and analyzing Dr. Seuss' The Sneetches and Other Stories.

Johnson's book was a life saver. It is informative, it responded to my doubts and fears, it answered my questions. It showed me a way to live with change. It taught me to think positively about something that was making me very negative.

I have given the book to several family members and friends who are lactose intolerant and even they have liked it. I highly recommend this book.

This one wasn't as good as I expected, but I'm sure that's only because I've already read so many of these kinds of books about change. If you haven't, you'll like it, I'm sure.

The laborious, trite and utterly useless content in this book really makes one wonder just who ACTUALLY needs things like this. The values, concepts, etc. covered in the book should be known, understood and well accepted by the time one reaches, at the latest, 10 years of age. As for the corporate aspect of things: it is absolutely insulting and doesn't even qualify as "half-truth".

There is a wide variety of thought-provoking, conversation-inspiring and life-changing books out there written on similar topics. However, unlike this book, they are written in an adult, intelligent style. This book treats the reader like a child and provides no real "meat" to think about/discuss.

I would highly recommend reading some other books that ride on a much more foundation of intelligence, but ones that go beyond mere acceptance and discuss some of the psychological and sociological aspects of the world.

Too put it shorty:
There's nothing to learn from this childish trash unless there really is something EXTREMELY wrong with your understanding of the world.

Don't insult yourself.

I loved it and it is easy to read, have shared it with family members.

Great Book! Definately a must for any organization. Simple to read and very powerful ESPECIALLY for those who resist change. It's a real eye opener

As a Bear Stearn's employee the timing of my reading this simple yet profound book could not have been better. If you are not aware of current financial news, Bear Stearns, a private investment bank was recently purchased by JPMorgan Chase and at this time is going through a merger of both of their businesses. It's a time of uncertainty for many folks working at Bear as well as at Chase. In reading this book, what I appreciate most are the ideas that come through the simple story of two mice and two humans in relation to their attitudes and actions for and against changes that come about in their environment. It's a refreshing and inspiring story that can have positive life altering effects. I can honestly say even in this challenging environment I have found myself to be centered and focused on my work at hand. By not worrying about the future or the past but being aware of completing current tasks, staying flexible and open to changes I have found a way to support myself and others.

Another wonderful book full of real life inspiring stories is called Being Here: Modern Day Tales of Enlightenment and is written by Ariel and Shya Kane. In this day and age, life is fast and full of changes, be they in our family, living or work situations. And with supportive books like these two, we are able to navigate a path through life's sometimes bumpy roads with ease, grace and enjoyment. I highly recommend both these life inspiring books

Ok, I admit my header is a little harsh and tacky, but the cruel reality is this book is a terrible waste of your time. If you are seeking a short story with a dubious message, this book might be of value to you. If you are looking for life changing inspiration and guidance, this book will be a sorry disappointment.

I am in the habit of reading any self help book I can find that promises something new and profound in the hopes that even the smallest nugget of new information makes it all worthwhile. In Who Moved My Cheese, I found nothing of the sort. Perhaps most disappointing is that this book gives the feeling you are merely reading a retread of a mere fable with a message that is questionable at best. I wholly recommend not wasting a moment with this book.

All the best.

X

First thing you need to understand before you read this book is that it was written for "All Ages" and it will probably take less than an hour to read. Many reviewers have attacked this book saying that "it insulted their intelligence" or "that it teaches you to give up too easily"; they probably needed a simpler version.

This book won't teach you anything new, heck, the story is mainly about how two mice were more successful than a couple of humans. The story is not intended to teach you anything you don't already know, its intention is to give you a unique insight on how to deal with change, so that you can enjoy less stress and more success in your life.

I would recommend this book to anyone, even if you have the perfect life, because there will always be a friend, co-worker, or family member that could use some inspirational advice.

I, like a number of other readers, do not understand how this book came to be one of the best-selling management books of all time. Having read a number of books on management, leadership, etc., I find myself compelled to disqualify positive reviews of this book as possibly being submitted by people who are not well-read nor have much experience in the management/leadership arena.

The book is overly simplistic, condescending, painfully obvious, predectible and unimaginative. You wuold have to be a terribly unreflective manager who is wholly lacking in introspection to have your eyes opened by this book. However, I suppose that if you are a person lacking in such capacities, then please do read it! If you are an employee and your boss gives you this book, s/he is basically trying to tell you that you are a deadweight whose going nowhere in your company unless you get with the corporate program.

The book is very short so I guess the most I can say for it is that at least when you waste your time reading it, you won't be wasting too much of it. Do yourself a favor and put your hard-earned money towards reading something of substance on leadership like Collins' Good to Great, Rima's Leading from the Inside Out or any of Greenleaf's various works on servant leadership.

(By the way, when I wrote this review there were over 900 'used' copies available from independent booksellers starting as low as $.75 -- prospective buyers beware -- there's a reason that there are so many of these available at such a low price.)

I thought this was a great book.Granted, it was juvenile.But, its good to go back once in a while!LOL I think that made it more interesting.And, not such a chore to follow.it helped me alot!

I quick little book that explains - thru a fable of mice and cheese - why change is good. In today's fast moving world, change happens constantly in both our personal and professional lives. This quick read teaches readers on how to adapt, change and accept to the everchanging world around us. If you do not wish to read the book, simply take note of 7 rules of change that books is trying to address: change happens, anticipate change, monitor change, adapt to change quickly, change, enjoy change and be ready to change quickly and enjoy it again & again. This short introuction could save you an hour of fairy tale read. I guess most people must like it simple. This book was - believe it or not - a bestseller.

A friend recommended this book to me. Its very easy to read, entertaining and motivating.

There's a message buried in there somewhere -- the names were just all too confusing!

I received this book as a 'gift' from the CEO of the small software company I worked for several years ago. (As did everyone else working there) The only good thing I can say about it is that it's short, which makes it easier to choke down its vapid aphorisms and do-as-you're-told attitude. What little respect I had for our CEO evaporated upon reading this book. Fortunately, I no longer work at that company, nor does anyone else who was there when copies of this book were distributed. Our cheese was moved, as it were.

I have never written a review on Amazon before, but this book is so insulting, I can't resist. I was forced to read this where I work, and then they made us watch the cartoon in a Manager's meeting. That anyone with any common sense doesn't realize that this was the equivalent to reading Barney or the Tele-Tubbies needs to seek help. The author got filthy rich off of your willingness to be sucked into the PC World of Corporate America. This is what they think of you folks, that they can only really get to you if they communicate at this level. Be insulted; you should be.

Terrible!
Jmck

I am CEO of the fastest growing company in my industry. I discovered this jewel at a time when I was stuck in a paradigm that no longer worked.

Who Moved My Cheese got me unstuck.

I don't know why so many people rated it one star. Ho hum. Let em die cheeseless. As for me and my house, we're having a feast.

Only one inaccuracy in the book: its title. No one should be worrying about WHO moved the cheese. Gotta get out and find it. A better title: Where is the Cheese?

This book is just a JOKE. The fact that so many people think it's "life changing" shows the intelligence level of the average person (moron) out there. It is a stupid little kids story that takes about 10 minutes to read. The book tells a story about two "little people" and some mice in a maze and how they adapt when their supply of cheese runs out and how one little person goes looking for new cheese supplies and the other one sits there moping about the fact there is no cheese left and wishing everything would return to normal and blah blah blah...............you've heard enough of this drivel.

The book uses this stupid juvenile story to illustrate the facts that:

* Change occurs.

* You must adapt and sometimes embrace change rather than fight it.

* You must prepare in advance for change.

This book is a waste of time and is actually an insult to the average persons intelligence. Avoid at ALL costs. For those that think this book is life changing, you need to seek help, NOW.

I won't hash all that other previous reviewers who also gave it 1 star have already said. I can not believe this book was all the rage in big companies and they had employee programs based on this book! Somebody needed to yell that the emporer had no clothes!!!!

Sometimes, simple examples, using animals help us to see things more clearly about ourselves. Such is the case with this story told of 4 "mice" who constantly yearn for their "cheese". It is very easy to see the parallels with regard to our own lives and how we deal with the obstacles set before us. Even more telling is the illustration of the different ways we, as humans, deal with change. This book is a fast read, probably less than an hour, and will stimulate your thinking for a long time after. Like me, you will immediately want to share it with someone you care about.

I'm laughing as I read the reviews for this book. The intrepretations pretty much cover the gamut. I see not where some get the impression this book poses an image of the giant corporate pressing thumb telling you to get used to change or die. I enjoyed the book somewhat although I agree it's everything we, who are of at least average intelligence, already knew and ponder on a daily basis. The best message for me in this book is something I've been hammering into my brain endlessly for the past few years, so far, with no results. The line reads, "We keep doing the same things over and over again and wonder why things don't get better." We all need to absorb that.The second most powerfull message in this reading to me is to pay attention to what's going on around you. Some of us are blind to the inevitable.
Cheers,
Phil Vanderloo

This story has been touted by many managers, coworkers and corporate professionals as a life changing read (I afraid to imagine the kind of life they were living for this book to have that kind of impact!). After finally getting around to reading it, I can't dispute that it's a valuable story with good advice about managing change in a way that is beneficial to one's well being; however, the sheer simplicity of the story was a bit annoying to me. There is nothing earth shattering or incredibly insightful in this story for the seasoned professional or emotionally connected individual but kids may learn a lesson or two from a couple of the rats in this story about taking initiative (there was truly no need for the author to write special editions of this book for kids and teens). In fact, I've passed this along to my six year old nephew; I can't wait to hear what he thinks about it! I'm certain that the ease with which this story can be read will go a long way in connecting with people who spend more time Hemming and Hawing when faced with change in their lives than Sniffing out new opportunities and Scurrying to get them. With that simplistic (and yes a little sickening, but see what could happen to the brain when exposed to this tale!) use of pun I'll call this review a wrap and find a more intellectually engaging read to busy myself with.

Life in this country is changing so fast that sometimes we feel like we are being left behind. Actually all they've done is moved our cheese. Need to find it again. Buy this C.D. and listen to it back and forth to work for a period of time. It will alter your life if you let it

This would be a great book for an elementary school class to read for some light homework. The fact that thousands of US corporations bought up this book in bulk and required their employees to read it shows how dumbed-down America has become, and what low regard office management holds its employees.
That's the only reason it was a #1 bestseller for almost 2 years, it became the trendy thing for office managers to do, then onto the next management 101 fad. Read the other reviews, over and over again it was an assigned book!
There's nothing in this book that any adult shouldn't already know.

The only thing creative of this book is its attractive title. There is no substance in its content. The author kept repeating a few obvious points in the book. Not recommneded.

First I'll say that this is NOT a unique concept but still a quick and easy way to relay a good point which is to not be content and keep looking for ways to improve your life. When confronting a difficult situation in your life, always ask "What would you do if you weren't afraid?"

Second, I'm sorry so many of you are ANGRY at the existence of the book/story. So what if the HR dept makes you read it? It takes 30 minutes out of your life.

Third, you either get it or you don't. If you have the capacity of mind to ponder then read the book. If you don't have the ability to ponder, don't buy the book...you won't 'get it' and you'll just be angry like the other people who wanted to actually read a book about cheese and mice with no moral behind it.

The book was suggested reading for me based on the huge change coming with my election to CEO of my Town. I have since ordered copies to give to others as "change" is so very hard for so very many of us. I hope my copies arrive soon so I can begin handing them out. My Town Hall folks can derive benefit right along with me. A MUST read!

Unless you are 55 and have worked at the same company for 30 years (think Creed on the Office), nothing in this book is going to shock you. That said, it espouses useful life lessons and is worth thinking about every so often. If only the metaphor weren't stretched so thin...

Half of this tiny book would make a very nice magazine article. The rest is redundant. It makes a good point in a cute way but if you're not aware that adaptability is essential in our changing world, then reading this book probably won't change anything.

Although I did not entirely agree with the strategies for dealing with change prescribed in this book, this book is useful. Through the eyes of four human like mice, I got a glimpse of how others react to change. I enjoyed reading about the thought process and feelings underlying their actions. This book is worthwhile because change is an issue none of us can avoid. I recommend it in tandem with Optimal Thinking: How to Be Your Best Self which shows you how to make the most of your thinking and any situation.

After going through a major reorganization of a branch that I manage, this book was suggested to me to understand how different persons deal with the change. I ended up buying another copy and then circulating for our entire sales staff to read. It was interesting how each was able to identify which role they were most like and a welcome surprise that some questionable attitudes changed for the better. It may seem kind of corny as you read it, but if you have an open mind and the ability to apply the concepts to yourself or your group, it will be well worth it.

This is a great book for when you get laid off, your boss quits, or your company's sales tank. It's a great philosophy and very true - the world is WAY TOO BIG out there to sit and dwell about a change that from afar seems very small. Pick up and move on before the grass starts to grow beneath your feet!

It might be because I relate to the characters so well, but his short book has an excellent message. I have used this story over and over since I read this book. Anyone that works in an office would be able to find someone in their office that needs to read this book.

Things not good? Move on. Unless it's something worth fighting for (BUT, this idea is not stressed). Another book from this group that is ONE simple idea, turned into a 20-30 buck book. Series should be called "how to keep dummies spending money for VERY little info".

The people who are panning this book are too blinded by their jaded corporate despair to see that, in spite of the "cliche" nature of the allegory, the truth in the book is both simple and profound. These people are so caught up in their corporate bitterness to see that the book is not about "The Man" trying to justify corporate change to the plebe. The point of the story for these bitter people is this; LEAVE YOUR JOB IF YOU'RE SO UNHAPPY THERE. These bitter corporate peasants have completely missed that it is their cheese that has been moved.
This book is so simple it can easily be missed. It is saying this: If you are unhappy, and still doing the same thing, you are wasting your life. I recommend this book to anyone who feels like life left them behind, they are stuck in a rut, or they have peaked and are now in decline. At the same time I know that many will not get it. It is not Psychobabble, it is simple truth. Life changes, change with it or miss your happiness. Leave you bitterness at the door and read it in its' simplicity. Certainly corporate types can try to justify their bad management by saying, "hey, change happens". But they too are missing the point. It is not about management. It is about personal happiness.

For anyone who struggles with change, Who Moved My Cheese, by Spencer Johnson, is an excellent parable that reminds the reader of the simple truths that assist happiness in this life. Often, it becomes too easy to methodically go through a routine every day and forget the potential of the future. Accomplishment is possible in every stage of life, but often, complacency replaces drive and changes come as a surprise. This book seeks to illustrate signs of change and how to best overcome.

Each stage of development will find this book useful. Child, teenager, young single adult, college graduate, and retiree may find usefulness from this book in reminding them that they must not be afraid and anticipate change. Johnson uses a parable to easily explain how to deal with change by appealing to pathos and logos.

Audience

Younger

This book is simple enough to appeal to a younger audience as well as significant enough in its meaning to appeal to older audiences. The young audience will find the parable entertaining in a way that will help explain how to change and recognize signs of change. For example, throughout the book, the little people write messages on the wall of what they learn. These messages are outlined in a figure of cheese to plainly emphasize the understanding and learning the little people have learned along the way. A simple story with simple illustrations makes the story easy to read and easy to remember for younger audiences.

Older

Older audiences will recognize times in their lives when they have either adapted or refused to adapt to change and the consequences of either decision. Everyone needs to remember the times they adapted, or didn't adapt, to better prepare for the future. Haw showed that it is possible to adapt and reflect on how the experience has taught truths. Experience and new opportunities to work with different people will present opportunities to work with people who handle change in different ways. Dealing with people is in constant need of improvement, and understanding why a person behaves in a certain way will help work well with others. Older generations know that life changes because they have experienced the changes that occur. They have a greater understanding of how to anticipate change and remember how to best deal with it. This book will inspire the reader to better anticipate change and look for adaptive opportunities that will provide growth.

Business

The intended audience is everyone, but it's especially well liked by the business world. A businessperson will not be successful unless he can anticipate those changes that will keep him competing and successful. If a business owner thinks that competition will stay the same, then he will of course suffer just as Hem suffered from refusing to change. Change must be anticipated and accepted to continue to compete outside and inside the office. A leader can benefit from knowing the different personalities of employees so that leaders can help their employees as best as they can to adapt to change and continue to be successful.

Personality

Not all personalities may find this book useful. Many people have already figured out that change is a part of life and it must be put to the best advantage. In a sense, everyone has already figured that out, but knowing that doesn't always make change easy or recognizable. I think this book is a great reminder to people to reflect and review their life and see if there is anything they refuse to change that hinders their progress. Some may be insulted by the simple ness of the book, but really, it's simple to be easy to read and quick to remind of what to do in the instance of change.

Appeal to Pathos

Change can be hard and whether we are someone who adapts or refuses to see the change, we must understand what it is. This is why this book appeals so much to pathos. Everyone can relate to a time when it was hard to change and would like to have been able to adapt better. Or someone may feel that their life has become monotonous without any change to make it exciting. It can be easy to become comfortable with our lives and enjoy prosperity with little regard for the future. Once homes are established and friends are made, it becomes hard to leave recognized comforts. The little people reflect the collect "us". People are more intelligent than mice and yet they establish those comforts and don't reflect enough intelligence to see that change is coming. The metaphor of having cheese symbolize change helps us to recognize that when the cheese is gone for mice, they find more because that is all they know.

Appeal to Logos

Of course we understand that we must change to succeed. If we don't leave our home when it is burning down, we will die. A child understands that if they don't change their misbehavior, they will continue to be punished. We must adapt to the seasons and changes in our lives. Why then is it so hard for us? This book reminds us of what we so often forget and simply lays it out in a parable so that we may logically understand.

We can relate to the different characters in the book to the different people we know. When we understand their natures and how they react to change, we can better understand how to best help them. Haw new that Hem needed to recognize the changes he made and left him information to guide his way. He then left it up to Hem to do the actually changing, but he at least left him a path to follow. A step-by-step illustration is given to Hem and also to us to help us logically relate and remember how to adapt to change.

Use of Parable

Using a parable in which mice and people are compared helps us understand how simple change can really be. The mice by nature recognized that something was changing and moved on when they no longer had cheese. They knew they needed cheese to survive and didn't waste time finding another way to get cheese. The people thought out the situation much more, but didn't even anticipate that change was about to happen. It's simple enough, when the cheese is gone, go find more cheese! Why do we find it so hard to do that? Why must we remain in a state of complacency and little growth? People are smart and should learn to anticipate change and be prepared for it. Change shouldn't come as a surprise and be hard to adapt to. Who Moved My Cheese reminds us that we are smart and can be prepared and enjoy change when it comes.

The message of this book that you should embrace and not fight change is simple. It can inspire and motivate the right person in the right circumstance. But like any other simple message or proverb, you can just as easily take the opposite message and make a good argument. For example, in this case you could take the position that one should not give up and stick to one's dreams. You could then write a very nice short book on that topic. You would argue that one should persevere and stick to one's goals and not get swayed easily .

This book's message does have a time and place and can be powerful but lets not get too carried away by the message. It is not particularily clever and I think has gotten far too much praise (and sales) than it deserves. You can buy a book of proverbs and get hundreds of similar motivational messages.

If you want to keep up with pop culture and read this book, consider borrrowing your friend's copy and reading this book in your next coffee break. It takes less than an hour to read.

If you are a deep and/or spiritual person, you probably already live by the philosophy presented in the book. However, if you are a young soul, it's worth the read.

This book was very insightful and solidify a decision I needed to make about my current position. I have already shared this book with others on the fence about making decisions and repeating the same old routines!

Contrary to how my review may come across, I sat down to read this with as open a mind as I could. While most of the lessons taken at face value are sound, this book is a terrible oversimplification of the nature of change. Change is almost never as simple as the story contained in the book, and the fictional discussion of it afterwards, makes it out to be.

Yes, change happens and failure to adapt is dangerous, but one of the unique tools we have is our ability to use our heads to infer and extrapolate from past experiences. The author touches on this no more than a sentence or two and instead spends the majority of the book glorifying the mice in the story who change without regard to the nature of the change.

As one of the main topics focused on in the book is that resisting change is futile, some who view this book as 'life-altering' or as the 'New Cheese' run the risk of labeling anyone who disagrees with it as 'Hem' in the story and as one who 'does not follow the cheese.'

My 3 year old son has learned deeper lessons than this from my reading him Dr. Seuss books. At least Dr. Seuss is careful with his subject matter to treat it in a comprehensive and respectful manner.