Article October 16, 2000 Issue

BOOK REVIEW

Clare G. Turner

The popularity of Who Moved My Cheese? by Spencer Johnson, M.D. (Putnam, 1998) points to people's desire to know how to deal with change. Despite its $20 price tag, this short allegorical account of mice and mouse-sized men struggling for survival in their changing environment has stayed on the bestseller list for over 30 weeks.

Cheese is the metaphor for whatever one's goal may be—happiness, purposeful employment, a fulfilling relationship. The lessons these little creatures learn when their cheese supply is depleted are meant to inspire readers to look more deeply at their own problems when faced with change and to provide practical tips on how to adjust. At one point, in the midst of the maze, one of the little men asks himself, "What would you do if you weren't afraid?" It's a thought-provoking question when you're feeling forced to consider a new path. The insight he gains may also hold a lesson for readers: "When you move beyond your fear, you feel free."

This one-hour read contains some profound life-lessons on being ready for change, responding and adapting to it, and even thriving during it.

Clare G. Turner
Jamaica Plain, Massachusetts

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