Peaks and Valleys is a story of a young man who lives unhappily in a valley until he meets an old man who lives on a peak, and it changes his work and life forever. Initially, the young man does not realize he is talking with one the most peaceful and successful people in the world. However, through a series of conversations and experiences that occur up on peaks and down in valleys, the young man comes to make some startling discoveries. Eventually, he comes to understand how he can use the old man's remarkable principles and practical tools in good and bad times and becomes more calm and successful himself. Now readers can take a similar journey through the story and use what you find to your advantage in your own work and life.
Peaks and Valleys
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About the Author
Spencer Johnson M.D. is one of the world's most respected thinkers. He gained international acclaim with his brilliant books Who Moved My Cheese? and The One Minute Manager. He has served as Leadership Fellow at the Harvard Business School and has captured the attention of major media around the world. Over forty million copies of his books have been read in more than forty-five languages. Spencer Johnson lives in Honolulu, Hawaii.
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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
By Robert Morris
TOP 100 REVIEWER
Format:Hardcover
My guess is that the value of this book will depend almost entirely on two factors: the extent to which a reader is receptive to the lessons that this contemporary fable offers, and, the extent to which a reader applies them. Spencer Johnson has written eleven bestsellers, most of which examine especially complicated human challenges and problems, suggesting common-sense resolutions of them. For example, how to use 60-second interactions to manage others more effectively (The One Minute Manager, co-authored with Ken Blanchard, 1982), how to make better decisions ("Yes" or "No," 1993), how to manage change in work and life (Who Moved My Cheese, 1998), and the secret to enjoying work and life more (The Present, 2003). The subtitle of Peaks and Valleys indicates what it's about: how to make "good and bad times work for you - at work and in life."
Johnson introduces a young man, Michael Brown, who is "in a pretty tough spot." He meets someone recommended by a friend, Ann Carr, in a small café who agrees to shares a story with him on the single condition "that if he found it valuable, he would share it with others." He agrees. The details of the story are best revealed in the book. Suffice to say that, over time, Michael proceeds through a sequence of "peaks" and "valleys" and, when the story ends, is an old man who continues to share the story with others, as he agreed to do long ago.
Oliver Wendell Holmes once observed, "I would not give a fig for the simplicity this side of complexity, but would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity." I have no idea whether or not Johnson was aware of this observation when he began to write the first of his eleven books but it is certainly relevant to what he shares in them. What Michael learns and then shares with others seems so obvious, so simple, perhaps even simpleminded. (The same can also be said of The Golden Rule and countless other by-now familiar observations.) Soon after they meet, Ann tells Michael, "I found that if you want to use the story to deal with the ups and downs that come at you, it helps if you listen with your heart and head, and fill in the story with your own experience to see what is true for you...Some people get very little from the story, while others get a great deal! It's not the story; it's what you take from it that's so powerful. That's up to you, of course."
The same could be said of this book.
Johnson introduces a young man, Michael Brown, who is "in a pretty tough spot." He meets someone recommended by a friend, Ann Carr, in a small café who agrees to shares a story with him on the single condition "that if he found it valuable, he would share it with others." He agrees. The details of the story are best revealed in the book. Suffice to say that, over time, Michael proceeds through a sequence of "peaks" and "valleys" and, when the story ends, is an old man who continues to share the story with others, as he agreed to do long ago.
Oliver Wendell Holmes once observed, "I would not give a fig for the simplicity this side of complexity, but would give my life for the simplicity on the other side of complexity." I have no idea whether or not Johnson was aware of this observation when he began to write the first of his eleven books but it is certainly relevant to what he shares in them. What Michael learns and then shares with others seems so obvious, so simple, perhaps even simpleminded. (The same can also be said of The Golden Rule and countless other by-now familiar observations.) Soon after they meet, Ann tells Michael, "I found that if you want to use the story to deal with the ups and downs that come at you, it helps if you listen with your heart and head, and fill in the story with your own experience to see what is true for you...Some people get very little from the story, while others get a great deal! It's not the story; it's what you take from it that's so powerful. That's up to you, of course."
The same could be said of this book.
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful
By A. Byrne
Format:Hardcover
Dr. Johnson has created another masterpiece.
"Peaks and Valleys" follows the highly successful format of "Who Moved My Cheese ?" ; profound messages delivered simply.
This book is easy to read, yet leaves you with a sense that something very special is written between the lines.
At its basic level, this is a simple story, drawn from ordinary life experiences. Beneath the surface it presents the reader with practical values in hope and positivity that are the essence of Dr. Johnson's work.
Highly recommended.
"Peaks and Valleys" follows the highly successful format of "Who Moved My Cheese ?" ; profound messages delivered simply.
This book is easy to read, yet leaves you with a sense that something very special is written between the lines.
At its basic level, this is a simple story, drawn from ordinary life experiences. Beneath the surface it presents the reader with practical values in hope and positivity that are the essence of Dr. Johnson's work.
Highly recommended.
By lol
Format:Hardcover
I enjoyed reading this book which has some interesting ideas
The book arrived in good time and in a very good condition
The book arrived in good time and in a very good condition
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Great Self Development Advice !
'Peaks and Valleys' is a book that could be described as self development advice in a story within a story. Read more
Published on 14 Dec 2010 by Dr JOY Madden
5.0 out of 5 stars
Up, up and beyond to a great life
This is another lovely tale that is enjoyable to read and has a lasting impact.
It is a great journey and teaches you to always go searching for what you are looking for... Read more
It is a great journey and teaches you to always go searching for what you are looking for... Read more
Published on 21 Dec 2009 by Mr. GF Settle
5.0 out of 5 stars
Excellent!
This is a great book to read. It is written in a simple and understandable way. Everything is common sense but people seem to forget that life does not have to be difficult and... Read more
Published on 14 July 2009 by Gordana Ross
3.0 out of 5 stars
Christian Principles without Prayer Packaged as Psychological Advice...
If you aren't interested in reading a parable inside of a story to gain insights into this book's practical lessons, you can
(1) just read page 90 or
(2) read... Read more
(1) just read page 90 or
(2) read... Read more
Published on 15 May 2009 by Donald Mitchell
5.0 out of 5 stars
Food for thought and action
I have become used to Spencer Johnson's book being insightful and provocative. "Peaks and Valleys" met my expectations - it is easy to read, challenging in content, and... Read more
Published on 18 April 2009 by Mike Eccles
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