Books : The Alchemist

Rating: - This book found me...
I hadn't read any reviews about The Alchemist. I had not heard of Paulo Coelho, but his book found me last weekend. Jumped off the shelf at a local bookstore. A simple yet enlightening read that came at a time when I needed it most.

A paperback omen to help me on the way as I pursue my Personal Legend.
T.Armstrong

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Rating: - Move on
I had heard that this book was a really good read, but I had to struggle through it. It's translated into English so that makes it a little more difficult to read. It was a little more black and white that I was expecting. I felt this, this happened...things like that. Not pondering really and why things were the way they were. I would not read it again and I wouldn't lend it out to anyone telling them it is worth their time.

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Rating: - Thank-you, but I prefer my inspirational fable without being beaten over the head.
Let me go over once more the rating system here on iread: 3 is a definit "liked it". Therefore, I hope no fans are offended by the fact that I gave this 3 stars, though I would like to mention that if half-ratings, were possible this would be a 3.5. I fought between a three or a four, but decided to go with the lower score. I don't know why. Maybe just to be mean. But there were parts of the book that did move me deeply. Key word: parts.

I like a good fable or fairy tale as much as the next person. Actually, I like to think a like them much more than the next person. I had heard of the wonders of this book for years and years and had always meant to read it. Now that I have, I'm pleased. It is a good book that is worth reading.

However, I think I would have preferred it had Coelho put all his lovely thoughts down in a nice little essay. As I said, I like my fables, but I like them in a fable format with plenty of symbolism and subtleties that is not explained step-by-step to me. Something that will leave the majority of the interpretation to the reader, which in my opinion makes it all the better. I like to discover things. I don't like them explained to me unless I ask. Really, had Coelho shut up about every detail about the Soul of the World and the Personal Legend, he would have left a beautiful story about a boy following a dream that probably would have had the same message. Maybe not as obvious, but I'm sure the observant reader would have picked it up.

That all said, I must remind you that I did like this book and I will probably read it again someday. I know lots of people found the message eye-roll worthy, but I am a sap that appreciates this. In fact, I believe it is a message that rebels against all the cynicim in our world and that the reviewers here that despised the ending did not fully understand it.

I also like Coelho's style. I'm a simple girl and I think that if the words get the job done, so be it. Who needs the flowery words? Besides, it's a simple story (minus all the blatant philosophy) suited to simple, pure writing.

Heck, I even think there was a decent enough adventure story in there. I admit I did find myself once or twice caught up in the deserts and their beauty. I liked the ideas of wars and tribesman and Englishman. And hey, I loved the romance.

I just don't think the sole purpose of these things should be to carry a message. Couldn't the message just be found through them?

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Rating: - Perfect
One of the purest books ever. Talks so plainly about the biggest truths of the universe.

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Rating: - Mildly entertaining
Mildly entertaining, read it because it was highly recommended elsewhere. A little too cheesy for me. All I can say is the universe is conspiring but not toward our success! Enjoy.