When The Moon Hits Your Eye
- Author: John Scalzi
- Published: March 25th, 2025
- Publisher: Tor Books
- Rating: 3.5/5
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I’ve read and enjoyed other books by John Scalzi before, so I was really curious to see what he’d do with a concept this bizarre—and I mean that in the best way. The Moon Is a Harsh Cheese asks one simple, absurd question: what would happen if the moon suddenly turned into a giant wheel of cheese?
Yes, really.
It’s a ridiculous premise, but I actually went into this expecting something completely off-the-wall. What surprised me most is how toned down the humor felt at times, especially compared to Scalzi’s other work. There’s definitely snark and satire, but it also leans more thoughtful than I expected.
The book plays out over the course of a full lunar cycle, with each chapter focusing on different characters reacting to the “cheese moon” in their own way. Some chapters are funny, some are weird, and a few are surprisingly emotional. I liked the variety, but the constant switching of perspectives made it hard to fully connect with any one character. I found myself wanting more focus—or at least more time spent with the moon itself. I was hoping for more cheese volcanoes or absurd space missions, but those moments felt more like side notes.
That said, Scalzi’s signature wit is still here, and it definitely made me smile. The book doesn’t take itself too seriously, but it does offer a few surprising insights on human nature, connection, and how we respond to the unknown.
I didn’t love this as much as I hoped to, but I still enjoyed it. If you’re already a Scalzi fan or just in the mood for something totally different, it’s worth a read. Just maybe don’t go in expecting a full cheese-fueled adventure in space—this one’s more about the people than the moon.
Chapters We Love 