12 Mar 2017

#241 Book Review


Who moved my cheese?
Image result for who moved my cheese
Author: Dr. Spencer Johnson
Genre: Self help
Publication: Vermilion
Pages: 96 (Paperback)
Rating: 4.8/5

Review: The story opens up with a reunion of former schoolmates at Chicago. Everyone seems to be quite interested in knowing about the happenings of each other’s lives. One among them starts narrating the cheese story.

The cheese story consists of 4 characters- mices; sniff and scurry and little people; Hem and Haw who set out on a mission to find cheese in a maze. All of the have different character traits. Sniff and scurry are very enthusiastic creatures who are always willing to make changes to reach for the cheese. Sniff is the one willing to make changes but not very prompt in taking the action whereas scurry is very open minded about accepting the required changes to bring out the necessary action. Haw is the one who is reluctant to make any change where as Hem adapts to changes with the demand of the situation by visualising the positive outcome of reaching the new cheese station.

Cheese is a metaphor for the desires or expectations in life such as job, relationship, a fulfilling life, health, wealth etc and maze symbolises the location or path through which you are going to get the cheese.

The description of efforts of various characters of the story in reaching the cheese brings out following points to learn,

·     Change happens; they keep moving the cheese
·     Anticipate the change; get ready for the cheese to move
·     Monitor the change; smell the cheese often so you know when it is getting old
·      Adapt to change quickly; the quicker you let go of old cheese, the sooner you can enjoy new cheese
·      Change ; move with the cheese
·      Enjoy the change; savour the adventure and enjoy the taste of new cheese
·     Be ready to change quickly and enjoy it again and again; they keep moving the cheese.

My experience: I liked the simplicity of the language. It was so interesting that I finished reading it in one go. The way the entire plot has been made is very very unusual and interesting. It is quite enlightening to come across some fundamentals of life. I’m happy that I’ve been able to complete reading a best seller that has always been a part of my book list. It’s a must read for those who are willing to make changes in their lives but somehow are not able to initiate it.

In the words of Mahatma Gandhi, “Be the change you want to see in the world”.

P.S:May this holi bring out the best hues of your lives! Happy Holi to all of you!
Image result for happy holi

Swati Sarangi

12.03.2017

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