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Make Your Own Damn Cheese: Understanding, Navigating, and Mastering the 3 Mazes of Success
Make Your Own Damn Cheese is an engaging read that feeds off of the success of Spencer Johnson's New York Times bestseller Who Moved My Cheese, and Deepak Malhotra's ensuing response and Wall Street Journal bestseller, I Moved Your Cheese. Much deeper and far more edifying than a collection of platitudes or lighthearted fable, Make Your Own Damn Cheese is the kind of read that people love--especially those who enjoyed the first two tales of mazes and mice who conquer their fears and learn to adapt. This new twist on the beloved fable adapts Dr. Chuback's personal advice and wisdom that is practical, directly applicable, highly motivational, and leads to personal awareness and real-world achievement.
Make Your Own Damn Cheese is short, quick, and effective. Dr. Chuback makes indirect but obvious reference to the first two books and states a case for self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and self-determination. The seven main characters are fashioned after major players in the history of personal development: Earl Nightingale, Napoleon Hill, Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor, Brian Tracy, Dennis Waitley, and Price Pritchett. In this variation, a young mouse seeking happiness and freedom (Earl), is guided by an elderly mouse (Napoleon) who brings him deep into a maze to be taught by other learned mice (Jim, Brian, Bob, Price, and Dennis). There, he learns what cheese really is and why it is important, and he also learns that he is really a human being and not a mouse at all--he has the power of choice, free will, and decision-making. He is joyfully astonished to learn that he does not have to spend his life chasing cheese--he learns to make his own damn cheese!
Make Your Own Damn Cheese is short, quick, and effective. Dr. Chuback makes indirect but obvious reference to the first two books and states a case for self-reliance, entrepreneurship, and self-determination. The seven main characters are fashioned after major players in the history of personal development: Earl Nightingale, Napoleon Hill, Jim Rohn, Bob Proctor, Brian Tracy, Dennis Waitley, and Price Pritchett. In this variation, a young mouse seeking happiness and freedom (Earl), is guided by an elderly mouse (Napoleon) who brings him deep into a maze to be taught by other learned mice (Jim, Brian, Bob, Price, and Dennis). There, he learns what cheese really is and why it is important, and he also learns that he is really a human being and not a mouse at all--he has the power of choice, free will, and decision-making. He is joyfully astonished to learn that he does not have to spend his life chasing cheese--he learns to make his own damn cheese!
- GenresNonfiction
96 pages, Paperback
Published May 1, 2019
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54 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
April 22, 2019
3.5-This short quick book gives an immediate way to change, and reach goals. I think it's perfect for the person who wants to be happier, more successful without commiting to a long program. Philosophies gathered from many top motivators, all direct to the point. I appreciate this, while there was a cute story it centered on finding the way that worked for the need. Most of the information has been written many times before, in long winded overly detailed books. I've read many of them, but I tend to tune out too too much information. It gives you the spark, and leaves it to you to build the flame. I really liked it, and got just enough inspiration to look at my mind set and start making changes.
I received this from the publisher for an honest review
I received this from the publisher for an honest review
May 13, 2019
I once reviewed “The Traveler” by Andy Stanley. Much like that book, this work is also based on a narrative metaphor to teach the reader business acumen.
Using a mouse named Earl, a visitor named Napoleon, and four teachers, Earl learns what type of mouse he is, his relation to the maze he is in, and what the end result is with the pursuit of cheese. The author uses Stanley’s storytelling approach but is written specifically in the vein of “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson and “I Moved Your Cheese” by Deepak Malhotra. The teachers, Napoleon, and Earl are all representative of personal development gurus Earl Nightingale, Napoleon Hill, Jim Rohn, Price Pritchett, Bob Proctor, Brian Tracy, and Denis Waitley.
The reader is taken along an adventure to learn what these self-help gurus have to say. The parable holds up enough to maintain the narrative and help the reader get the picture. Nonetheless, the author could benefit from spending more time perfecting the narrative craft. My review focuses primarily on that. After all, the characters that Chuback is basing this work off of are all known for their words and guidance to freedom and happiness. A strong narrative is one that allows the reader to learn incidentally (although intentionally), not primarily. The reader should be taking along a journey that entertains. Within that entertainment, characters will face challenges that they must overcome, and in the process of the character learning how to progress, the reader gains the understanding of the character’s success. This permits the reader to be entertained while learning new methods and skills.
In the case of this work, while the content is definitely geared for a self-help audience, the narrative struggles to maintain a consistent flow. The author’s voice is weak in this area and could use improvement. It would help take this book from being a non-engaging, average reader to one that captures the reader’s attention and keeps them going to the end. The work is short enough to be an easy sit and finish, and could still maintain this length, if desired, by working the art of the narrative metaphor into a higher-quality product.
Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post. This product is reviewed based on content and quality in consideration of the intended audience. Review or recommendation of this product does not solicit endorsement from Reviews by J or the reviewer.
Using a mouse named Earl, a visitor named Napoleon, and four teachers, Earl learns what type of mouse he is, his relation to the maze he is in, and what the end result is with the pursuit of cheese. The author uses Stanley’s storytelling approach but is written specifically in the vein of “Who Moved My Cheese” by Spencer Johnson and “I Moved Your Cheese” by Deepak Malhotra. The teachers, Napoleon, and Earl are all representative of personal development gurus Earl Nightingale, Napoleon Hill, Jim Rohn, Price Pritchett, Bob Proctor, Brian Tracy, and Denis Waitley.
The reader is taken along an adventure to learn what these self-help gurus have to say. The parable holds up enough to maintain the narrative and help the reader get the picture. Nonetheless, the author could benefit from spending more time perfecting the narrative craft. My review focuses primarily on that. After all, the characters that Chuback is basing this work off of are all known for their words and guidance to freedom and happiness. A strong narrative is one that allows the reader to learn incidentally (although intentionally), not primarily. The reader should be taking along a journey that entertains. Within that entertainment, characters will face challenges that they must overcome, and in the process of the character learning how to progress, the reader gains the understanding of the character’s success. This permits the reader to be entertained while learning new methods and skills.
In the case of this work, while the content is definitely geared for a self-help audience, the narrative struggles to maintain a consistent flow. The author’s voice is weak in this area and could use improvement. It would help take this book from being a non-engaging, average reader to one that captures the reader’s attention and keeps them going to the end. The work is short enough to be an easy sit and finish, and could still maintain this length, if desired, by working the art of the narrative metaphor into a higher-quality product.
Disclosure: I have received a reviewer copy and/or payment in exchange for an honest review of the product mentioned in this post. This product is reviewed based on content and quality in consideration of the intended audience. Review or recommendation of this product does not solicit endorsement from Reviews by J or the reviewer.
May 29, 2019
This is an easy read packed with thought-provoking, helpful tools to help generate new revelations in your life. I have not read the other books this author has written so I appreciated the quick overview of book’s one and two.
The authors analogies are of a mouse in a maze and how he’s trying to get more cheese and then find the cheese once it’s moved. Then the mouse decides he doesn’t need cheese. Then realize it’s not about the maze or the cheese. There is something more.
“The maze you live in is a reflection of how you’ve been thinking Earl…If you allow your mind to be filled with negative, self-defeating, fearful thoughts, you will attract failure and disappointment. Your paradigm will reflect the negativity of your conscious mind, and so will your actions. In the end, you will always live in the maze you have been trying to escape because negativity and fear dominate your thinking. …”
This book is filled with helpful, life coach lessons (like the statement above) realizing what you really want, tools to change your thinking, assistance in achieving those goals and being satisfied in the end. I thought the mouse and maze diagrams in the book were helpful.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-iss...
The authors analogies are of a mouse in a maze and how he’s trying to get more cheese and then find the cheese once it’s moved. Then the mouse decides he doesn’t need cheese. Then realize it’s not about the maze or the cheese. There is something more.
“The maze you live in is a reflection of how you’ve been thinking Earl…If you allow your mind to be filled with negative, self-defeating, fearful thoughts, you will attract failure and disappointment. Your paradigm will reflect the negativity of your conscious mind, and so will your actions. In the end, you will always live in the maze you have been trying to escape because negativity and fear dominate your thinking. …”
This book is filled with helpful, life coach lessons (like the statement above) realizing what you really want, tools to change your thinking, assistance in achieving those goals and being satisfied in the end. I thought the mouse and maze diagrams in the book were helpful.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a complimentary copy of this book from the Publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255 “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
Nora St. Laurent
TBCN Where Book Fun Begins! www.bookfun.org
The Book Club Network blog www.psalm516.blogspot.com
Book Fun Magazine https://www.bookfun.org/page/past-iss...
February 20, 2019
This book is like many other personal development books out there that use a parable or describe a metaphor for life, in this case a mouse trapped in a maze trying to dig himself out. He meets other mice, representatives from other previous personal development works. Here he learns about the law of attraction, and how he can become what he thinks about. His thoughts control his actions and ultimately his ability to get ‘cheese’. Later he learns he has to be willing to change and to get uncomfortable in order to pursue the goals he has set for himself. Ultimately he learns that he is not a mouse but a man and he has more control over his own life than he realizes. This book is a reiteration of many personal development books out there today but in a short, simply stated way. It can be viewed as a summary of several books or an introduction to many of the concepts discussed. Like many books such as this one, it tells you what you need to do but doesn’t tell you how to do it. It leaves that up to the reader. I give this 3/5 stars.
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Note: I received an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 27, 2020
I was very intrigued by this book.
It was insightful, but yet an easy read - I was able to finish the entire book in less than 2 hours!
Don't let its size fool you - it is a very powerful book. The information inside is presented in such a way, if you implement the tools, could change one's life
I could easily picture Earl, our main character, going through his trials within the maze and the diagrams provided made the complicated explanations of our mind much easier to understand.
Although it was an easy read - I suggest reading it - then re-reading it once you decide the change you'd like to implement.
I did receive a free copy of this book from PR by the Book, however, all opinions are honest and are my own.
Enjoy!
Heidi
@riselovelive
It was insightful, but yet an easy read - I was able to finish the entire book in less than 2 hours!
Don't let its size fool you - it is a very powerful book. The information inside is presented in such a way, if you implement the tools, could change one's life
I could easily picture Earl, our main character, going through his trials within the maze and the diagrams provided made the complicated explanations of our mind much easier to understand.
Although it was an easy read - I suggest reading it - then re-reading it once you decide the change you'd like to implement.
I did receive a free copy of this book from PR by the Book, however, all opinions are honest and are my own.
Enjoy!
Heidi
@riselovelive
June 7, 2020
A short, quick read based on what I assume is another popular business book "Who Moved My Cheese?" (I didn't read yet, sorry). Anyhow, I liked the parable of a 'hardworking mouse' who gets nowhere and other 'helper mice' who teach the lesson on how to unlock one's own true potential.
There is not much to say (as not to spoil the rest of the book) other than it is a worthwhile read. Consider getting your own copy?
(Disclaimer: I received an Uncorrected Reader’s Copy of the book via NetGalley. This is my honest review.)
There is not much to say (as not to spoil the rest of the book) other than it is a worthwhile read. Consider getting your own copy?
(Disclaimer: I received an Uncorrected Reader’s Copy of the book via NetGalley. This is my honest review.)
November 9, 2023
Suitable for all age range(?) (There are words that might be complicated for younger readers but there are no profanities or some sort in the book, I feel like I have to say this because there are multiple self-help books that straight up curse or swear or give inappropriate examples.)
It’s not too complicated or too heavy so I think it’s a good recommendation for people who wants to read self-help books but doesn’t want books that are too complicated. The mouse term is easy to digest and understand as a foundation to the concepts that are introduced later in the book. A good read.
It’s not too complicated or too heavy so I think it’s a good recommendation for people who wants to read self-help books but doesn’t want books that are too complicated. The mouse term is easy to digest and understand as a foundation to the concepts that are introduced later in the book. A good read.
September 7, 2023
Although very simple in it's presentation, and the ending may seem a little trite, do not underestimate the power of the message presented here. I feel very strongly that the concepts presented are solid and have the capacity to create very positive change in peoples lives. Like anything, it's not a one and done thing. A dedication to constant learning and personal growth is required. I recommend this read to anyone who wants to improve the quality of how they live their life.
June 9, 2024
Nothing about the book is original. It aspires to write in the storytelling method of "Who Moved My Cheese", to introduce the concepts that are already in books like "The Secret" and "The Silva Mind Control Method". The writing carries an inconsistent voice and messy flow, with characters introduced into the narrative for no distinctive reason apart than to "pass the chalk". Not the best read for the concepts introduced in the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 15, 2019
Love this book! A “must read” for those who want to master their mindset and take charge of their thinking habits. It is well written quick read that will motivate anyone who wants to start making changes! Highly recommended!
May 4, 2019
Great read. Inspiring, thoughtful, and well written. A "must read" for those who want to consider their life, and ways to move forward. Highly recommend.
May 5, 2019
This is a wonderful story to motivate and inspire! For anyone who is looking to get the best out of life and make success a real possibility this is a must have! A great addition to your library!
May 6, 2019
This book is amazing. If you want to understand the way the mind works and improve your life then this is the book for you. It’s well written and brings to light why we do the things we do.
May 11, 2019
This is a great book! It has many lessons about life and how to pursue your goals. A must read for all ages.
May 20, 2019
Interesting book. I liked the revaluation at the end.
December 13, 2020
Make Your Own Damn Cheese is a motivational, informative, and well-written book that teaches you efficient ways to improve your thinking to reach your goals. It explains how your thoughts control actions and how to prevent yourself from becoming a victim of being controlled by your thought and moving forward. I would recommend this book to everyone who is in different stages in their life because it is a good self-reminder.
June 16, 2019
I cannot decide if this how-to is simplistic or complicated. What it is, is timely, and an excellent outline to the how and why of creating good habits. I guess it's the cheese that complicates things. That, and the how and why of bad habits and lack of self-confidence. In any case, if you have a problem with your psyche, Make Your Own Damn Cheese has a simple way to get over it. Wish it had been around when I decided to quit smoking in the long ago. But it will be handy when I decide to give up chocolate... Or get enough exercise!
I received a free electronic copy of this self-help book from Netgalley, John Chuback, and Health Communications, Inc. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I read this book of my own volition and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.
Pub date May 1, 2019
Reviewed May 1, 2019, at Goodreads, Netgalley, Amazon.Smile, B&N, BookBub, and Kobo.
I received a free electronic copy of this self-help book from Netgalley, John Chuback, and Health Communications, Inc. Thank you all for sharing your hard work with me. I read this book of my own volition and this review reflects my honest opinion of this work.
Pub date May 1, 2019
Reviewed May 1, 2019, at Goodreads, Netgalley, Amazon.Smile, B&N, BookBub, and Kobo.
March 24, 2019
This was a weird book. I wouldn't have read it if I knew it will talk about 'law of attraction' as some big revelation that has the capacity to change the world. I am not somebody who believes in law of attraction all that much. The good part is that the book is short and easy to understand. The author is able to convey whatever he wanted to convey in a lucid manner.
A good starting point if you're curious about the law of attraction. Otherwise give it a skip.
I received this book from Netgalley.
A good starting point if you're curious about the law of attraction. Otherwise give it a skip.
I received this book from Netgalley.
April 22, 2019
While i loved this book and understand the concept...but taking a small dig at original work wasn't required. It's a good book.
April 24, 2019
This is a small tidy fable and I liked it.
As author himself states that he has drawn inspiration from a number of different self help gurus , book carries wisdom you know you might have read somewhere in past.
.
Story is about a mouse who reads books and is different from all other mice who die in the process of collecting cheese even if they hate it. Bibliophile mouse reads two different books and gets confused while they both deliver conflicting wisdom.
Then he seeks answers to his questions.
.
Story is simple, engaging and I believe everyone would read it in one sitting and may re read it in future for recapturing its message.
It covers wisdom about thought process, subconscious mind, meaning of success, meaning of happiness and how to achieve it.
What I didn't like is there is lot of presumptions like parallel universe, suoerconscious, brain vibrations and a lots of fancy flow diagrams.
.
.It is combibed wisdom of many great books and gurus presented in simplified fable.
Its strength is its simplicity and correlation with contemporary scenarios of a curious fearful mind.
. Thanks netgalley and publisher for review copy.
As author himself states that he has drawn inspiration from a number of different self help gurus , book carries wisdom you know you might have read somewhere in past.
.
Story is about a mouse who reads books and is different from all other mice who die in the process of collecting cheese even if they hate it. Bibliophile mouse reads two different books and gets confused while they both deliver conflicting wisdom.
Then he seeks answers to his questions.
.
Story is simple, engaging and I believe everyone would read it in one sitting and may re read it in future for recapturing its message.
It covers wisdom about thought process, subconscious mind, meaning of success, meaning of happiness and how to achieve it.
What I didn't like is there is lot of presumptions like parallel universe, suoerconscious, brain vibrations and a lots of fancy flow diagrams.
.
.It is combibed wisdom of many great books and gurus presented in simplified fable.
Its strength is its simplicity and correlation with contemporary scenarios of a curious fearful mind.
. Thanks netgalley and publisher for review copy.
May 4, 2019
Earl the mouse is every one of us. He is looking for answers about his existence but does not know how to start. And so starts a wonderful story of a journey of self awareness, written in a whimsical but mature manner by Dr. Chuback.
Unlike many books promoting methods of growth and success, this author teaches without lecturing, in an easy to understand step by step journey that we embark on with Earl.
Like Earl, we need to modify the way we look at and interact with the world in order to change. Earl was fortunate to have older mice to guide him in his quest, and we are fortunate to have a writer of Dr. Chuback's depth and wisdom to do the same for us.
Unlike many books promoting methods of growth and success, this author teaches without lecturing, in an easy to understand step by step journey that we embark on with Earl.
Like Earl, we need to modify the way we look at and interact with the world in order to change. Earl was fortunate to have older mice to guide him in his quest, and we are fortunate to have a writer of Dr. Chuback's depth and wisdom to do the same for us.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews