From the #1 "New York Times "bestselling author of "Who Moved My Cheese?," a brilliant new parable that shows readers how to stay calm and succe... read full description
reviews
May 06, 2009
MsSmartiePants
rated it: 
A new book which took author Spencer Johnson over 20 years to write, just like his previous bestseller, Who Moved My Cheese.
This is another parable which happens to speak to our current economic state, as well as life in general. It was not a plan to release this book during this time of upheaval in America, it just turned out that way.
I've come to believe that everyone is going through something major just about everyday of their life. Certainly with what's happening More...
This is another parable which happens to speak to our current economic state, as well as life in general. It was not a plan to release this book during this time of upheaval in America, it just turned out that way.
I've come to believe that everyone is going through something major just about everyday of their life. Certainly with what's happening More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Jan 29, 2012
Loy
rated it: 
When Spencer Johnson came out with his bestseller, Who Moved My Cheese? it became an instant household name. Almost everyone I knew was talking about it, speaking about, giving seminars, speeches and even incorporating the principles in their presentations. There were even cartoonish images, stickers and posters being used and shared by people.
Then after nearly a decade, the master story teller came out with another parable - Peaks and Valleys. So what is this book all about? Easy – a More...
Then after nearly a decade, the master story teller came out with another parable - Peaks and Valleys. So what is this book all about? Easy – a More...
Jun 03, 2011
Chad
rated it: 
Anyone familiar with "Who Moved My Cheese" will instantly see the same style of communicating life truths that can have real applications in life in a way that pretty much anyone can understand and appreciate. I think that this book has extra relevance for many right now as many people are actively experiencing a 'valley' and this book may be a great way to not only deal with navigating the 'valley' but getting the most out of it in preparation to make the trip up to the 'peak' and sta
More...
Sep 22, 2011
Yla
rated it:
I thought its another typical inspirational book which can make me feel better for a moment, but then I cant really apply in my life. I’m not against inspirational books, because they do help. They are commonsense knocking hard when you feel lost.
This book, with all simplicity, talks about how every one of us have peaks and valleys. Peaks are happy times, valleys are sad times. No matter how hurt I am, I’m not the only one going through a difficult time. But nonetheless, I should neve More...
This book, with all simplicity, talks about how every one of us have peaks and valleys. Peaks are happy times, valleys are sad times. No matter how hurt I am, I’m not the only one going through a difficult time. But nonetheless, I should neve More...
Apr 20, 2009
Conner H.
rated it:
Poorly written, but nonetheless not awful for what it is. I can't imagine appreciating this book without having consumed a lot of Taoist/Buddhist stuff first. If I hadn't, I'd have sneered and thrown it away (more realistically, I wouldn't have read it). But then a trusted friend handed it to me and said, "just read it." So I did. It took about an hour. Nothing groundbreaking, but it feels like a small act of love, and I appreciate that. Plus some of the insights are well-worded
More...
Jun 19, 2011
Linda
rated it:
I should begin by saying that I usually don’t like self help books. This one was lent to me by a good friend who loved it, so I thought I’d give it a chance. It’s not that I don’t think that it has good advice, it does. It’s that I think the information it actually covers could have been summarized into a few well written paragraphs. Think of Aesop’s fables. And, the truth is, the overly concocted simplicity of the writing style doesn’t appeal to me. It actually makes the message less memorable
More...
Jan 21, 2011
David
rated it:
Johnson is a modern writer of fables that explore life events and decisions. As typical he tells some great truth through a short story that if it works right you should sit back and go Ah ha. That is shortly followed by some great insight to your own life. While a little simplistic for me, they are fun to read and all but the most jaded should get something out of it. The premise of this one is life's ups and downs are connected to one another through a giant continuum. Consequently how you act
More...
Jun 19, 2009
Joy
rated it:
This was a helpful book on managing the good and bad times in life. He
had tips for getting out of the valley sooner, staying on peaks longer,
and getting to the next peak. Although this was a secular book, it was
easy to see Biblical wisdom. An example would be staying on a peak
longer (managing your good times): be humble and grateful, do more
of what got you there, keep making things better, do more for others,
say less, save resources for your upcoming valle More...
had tips for getting out of the valley sooner, staying on peaks longer,
and getting to the next peak. Although this was a secular book, it was
easy to see Biblical wisdom. An example would be staying on a peak
longer (managing your good times): be humble and grateful, do more
of what got you there, keep making things better, do more for others,
say less, save resources for your upcoming valle More...
Aug 01, 2011
A quick read by the author of "Who Moved My Cheese?" He uses the story of a seeker climbing a mountain and encountering an old sage to convey his points about how to manage the high & low points in your personal & professional lives. I found that quite effective. At the end of the book there's a cut out & fold up set of cards that fits in your wallet w/ the key points. I borrowed a copy from the library so I had to settle for transcribing them & posting them in my cubicle. You're not g
More...
Oct 01, 2011
David
rated it:
Not too high, not too low
In a simple parable, written in a similar vein to The Greatest Salesman, Johnson, author of The One Minute Manager & Who Moved My Cheese, paints a picture by the numbers instruction manual on how to succeed not only in business, but in life. A brief book in large type, easily consumed in a two hour session, we learn simple lessons that we've probably known all our lives. Be modest. Take your winning moments with humility. Remember success when dwelling in the v More...
In a simple parable, written in a similar vein to The Greatest Salesman, Johnson, author of The One Minute Manager & Who Moved My Cheese, paints a picture by the numbers instruction manual on how to succeed not only in business, but in life. A brief book in large type, easily consumed in a two hour session, we learn simple lessons that we've probably known all our lives. Be modest. Take your winning moments with humility. Remember success when dwelling in the v More...
Mar 06, 2009
Bill
rated it:
Peaks and Valleys is a wonderful book. A very quick read - I read it over one of my lunch hours. I have always liked Who Moved My Cheese and repeatedly had brought that book out to re-read when I am feeling a little stuck. Peaks and Valleys encourages me to look at things differently - I may get stuck in a valley occasionally, but it all depends on how I look at it. What maybe a valley, could actually be a peak - it's all in my focus. I encourage everyone to read it and can't wait to start shar
More...
Dec 05, 2010
Abdullah
rated it: 
I felt like a child when I read this book. The author talks to you as you are lost or you dont know what to do and he keeps repeating the same stuff again and again. The book was boring and very short and did not add anything to my knowledge except for things I knew before but It just reminded me of it. It is a book for someone who had not much experience in life and dont know how to deal with problems. Most of the information included in the book are common sense and you dont need to know it at
More...
0 comments
like
(1 person liked it)
Aug 14, 2011
Ananda
rated it:
I really liked this book! The author DOES follow a pattern and his story IS very predictable, yet (at least to me) it was an inspiring read.
As the very title says, the story speaks of one's up's and down's in life..failures and successes (peaks and valleys), and about the "art" of achieving equilibrium in life. One of the basic characteristics of life is RHYTHM. This principle says, that even if we are in the valley today, we may reach the peak one day, only if we are willing to More...
As the very title says, the story speaks of one's up's and down's in life..failures and successes (peaks and valleys), and about the "art" of achieving equilibrium in life. One of the basic characteristics of life is RHYTHM. This principle says, that even if we are in the valley today, we may reach the peak one day, only if we are willing to More...
Oct 18, 2009
Gene
rated it:
This book can be read in one sitting -- and that would be a mistake. My first read through I rated the book three stars. I gave the book a second chance by rereading it in fifteen minute increments, first thing in the morning. Then, I upgraded my rating.
Sometimes simple is better. This book provides a simple approach to keeping your head on straight. Perhaps individual personality can't be changed, but outlook on life can be altered. The secret lies in learning to take advantag More...
Sometimes simple is better. This book provides a simple approach to keeping your head on straight. Perhaps individual personality can't be changed, but outlook on life can be altered. The secret lies in learning to take advantag More...
Oct 14, 2011
GoldenjoyBazyll
rated it:
We all know that what we do when life and work are rolling along well is important to preparing for that perfect storm. We know what to do but somehow.... sometimes.... we forget. Well, this book is a lovely story that helps to remind us of all the health seeking benifits to advance preparation. I don't know about you but my vote goes to the NO DRAMA category! Read the book It is worth your while.
Aug 17, 2011
William
rated it:
This book shows you how to get more out of life by understanding your good and bad times. When you're peaking, celebrate life and when you're in a valley, educate yourself as to how to make your situation better by asking yourself what is the truth of the situation. It's a very short read, but full of useful applications.
Apr 08, 2010
Ray
rated it:
The book is just ok. From a Christian perspective, nothing in this books hasn't already been said in the Bible.
1. Be humble when you are successful (or all the time). (Phil 2:3)
2. Trust that all things works together for the good (of those who love him (Rom 8:28).
3. Know the truth, it will set you free. (John 8:32).
1. Be humble when you are successful (or all the time). (Phil 2:3)
2. Trust that all things works together for the good (of those who love him (Rom 8:28).
3. Know the truth, it will set you free. (John 8:32).
Mar 11, 2009
Janice
rated it:
Even though I read "Who Moved My Cheese?" more than two time, I still confused. May be I am not running in a maze!
It is more real and understandable on peaks and valleys this time. Everyone has peaks and valleys in one's life and emotion. How to deal with one? in a wiser way? in a messy way? I know my choice after reading this book.
It is more real and understandable on peaks and valleys this time. Everyone has peaks and valleys in one's life and emotion. How to deal with one? in a wiser way? in a messy way? I know my choice after reading this book.
Mar 04, 2009
Satia
rated it: 
Given that I hated his Who Moved My Cheese?, I'm surprised to say that I actually didn't loathe this book. For a full review:
http://satia.blogspot.com/2009/03/peaks-...
This book comes in at 100 pages but many of these pages have very little text on them so it is something you can easily read in one sitting.
http://satia.blogspot.com/2009/03/peaks-...
This book comes in at 100 pages but many of these pages have very little text on them so it is something you can easily read in one sitting.
Jun 16, 2009
Gary
rated it:
Author Spencer Johnson, known for "Who Moved My Cheese" and many other noteable books, really underperformed on his "Peaks and Valleys". He uses his parable style again to tell this story and the subject just seemed flat as opposed to the title. Admittedly the writing's simplicity and thin binder kept me to the end.
Aug 30, 2011
Maybelle
rated it:
One of the first books that our teacher back in high school required us to read was "All I really needed to learn I learned in Kindergarten", that book has told me one thing – there is nothing wrong with understanding things in the simplest way possible. Come to think of it, even Jesus used parables for his teachings.
Spencer Johnson, once again, captures a wide range of audience with his newest book “Peaks and Valleys.” Although the book primarily focuses on work attitude and More...
Spencer Johnson, once again, captures a wide range of audience with his newest book “Peaks and Valleys.” Although the book primarily focuses on work attitude and More...
Jul 20, 2009
Desiree
rated it:
I enjoyed this short, quick read, but not as much as Who Moved My Cheese. It's a decent inspirational title that gives tips about how you feel about events in your life. There is a silver lining to every cloud. When you are on the cloud, it helps if your thoughts can keep you there.
May 02, 2009
Laurie
rated it:
The author of "Who Moved My Cheese" again writes a short story to illustrate some truths about how we can move through the peaks and valleys of life and work with greater peace and control. The insights are fairly basic, but the story communicates them in a refreshing way.
Mar 10, 2009
Katie
rated it:
This book reminded me of the messages found in Paulo Coelho's books, albeit in a more straightforward manner. It's an easy read, 100 pages. It tells the story of one man and how he learned to turn his valleys (low points) into peaks (high points), a philosophy we can all benefit from.
Oct 06, 2011
Sabrina
rated it:
Its a quick read and a great reminder to always be moving towards the next peak in your life even if you are in a valley. See the valley's of your life as learning places and not bad places so you can continue to move to the next peak. Really enjoyed it.
May 24, 2010
Kathy
rated it:
Was given this at a conference and read it because I finished my book and was still on the plane with nothing to read on the way home. Very quick read, about an hour. Simplistic parable about how you are in control of your own happiness, really. Nice story.
Aug 16, 2009
Carla
rated it:
Even though the information in this book falls under "stuff I already know" and was quite repetative, it is a good reminder of being positive minded, learning from adversity, appreciating the good in any situation, and how these things make our lives better.
Sep 20, 2011
Preston
rated it:
Good, but very simple and at times self serving for the author. Like the whole share it bit. Why? So the author can sell more?
This is a good book with good info in it. But I don't think it is groundbreaking or anything.
This is a good book with good info in it. But I don't think it is groundbreaking or anything.
Oct 15, 2009
Geoff
rated it:
I have to confess this is my least favor of Johnson's books. It could be useful if you going through a change in your career or if you want to know how to stay at the top of your game.
It's a easy read but drags a little in middle.
It's a easy read but drags a little in middle.
Jun 05, 2010
Anuradha
rated it:
wonderful book very practical and very inspiring. tells how you are responsible for everything you have or will have, which is a fact which most people ignore unknowingly
i truly wish that the book had pages which never ended.
i truly wish that the book had pages which never ended.
