Books : The Alchemist

Rating: - A timeless story.
First, this book is a quick and easy read. At just under 170 pages, it shouldn't take up much of anyone's time.

I found on the surface, the story itself flowed very well and I easily followed the main character through his travels to the end of his journey. If nothing else, I found pleasure in reading a clear, simple adventure that takes the reader on a journey.

Intermixed with this story the author uses his story to insert his religious beliefs and ideas about the nature of our world. I didn't necessarily agree with all of them, but again, I think his message was a very simple and direct one. If you follow your dream, you can't fail. I happen to believe that. No matter how hard the journey, if you believe strong enough in something, you will persevere. Even if you don't believe in the spiritual/religious ideas he presents, I think most people can respect and understand perseverence and following your own path no matter what the obstacles.

I think the beauty of this book is that it hits you at multiple levels, story, personal journey, religious faith. You aren't forced to "buy" into the whole package to come away with being touched by this story.

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Rating: - your journey begins here
As a rule, I'm not into self help books. I'm especially not into them when they are disguised as novels, but Coelho's books are different somehow. He comes from such a sincere place, and his prose never comes across as preachy. This is spirituality in its purest form. SIMPLICITY. This book is not beyong anyon'es grasp and allows the reader--any reader a chance at spiritual enlightenment. The book can be taken on many levels. It is an engaging read, but also a roadmap. Calling this a book is an injustice. It is a guide, and from time to time we all need to be guided.

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Rating: - Heartfelt
I actually own the original Brazillian Portuguese versions of all of Paulo Coelho's books, including this one, O Alquimista (The Alchemist). Every one of his novels is a wonderful experience and if read at the right times in your life can be life changing. Having read Diary of a Magus (O Diaria de um Mago), Brida, and The Alchemist all at the right time in my life I find he is a beautiful writer, inspiring and soul lifting. He reminds me somewhat of Max Lucado in his ability to write to the soul and leave you renewed by the end of the journey. I truly suggest him for those searching for an unknown something. He may help you find it. Be open and accepting of the voyage. Enjoy the view along the way. The destination is worth it.

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Rating: - The Alchemist
I found this book to be very motivational/inspirational. I have chosen to gift this book to the high school graduates in my life as I feel it might help them to find a direction for their life that is more influenced by their heart than the media and ultimately allow them to be healthier and happier people.

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Rating: - Fun but annoying
A shepherd boy in Spain has a recurring dream about the Great Pyramids in Egypt. He consults a gypsy dream interpreter to figure out what it all means, and she tells him he will find treasure there. He meets an old man who corroborates the prediction and talks to him about following his "Personal Legend", so he sets off for Egypt, and his adventures begin...

...And then something goes horribly wrong. The book is hijacked by an overbearing and ridiculous spiritual/New-Age message: "I learned that the world has a soul, and that whoever understands the soul can also understand the language of things." "When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it." It would be tolerable if those bits were just sprinkled in here and there or if they weren't presented such a blunt manner, but every page has laughably ridiculous lines, and the author seems absolutely serious about it all.

That said, I did not hate the book. I found the story to be fun, and some of its "life lessons" were poignant. For example, in Tangier, the boy helps a crystal shop owner achieve some business success, and the crystal shop owner says, "You are forcing me to look at wealth and at horizons I have never known. Now that I have seen them, and now that I see how immense my possibilities are, I'm going to feel worse than I did before you arrived. Because I know the things I should be able to accomplish, and I don't want to do so."

The writing is clear and simple. I don't know if this is primarily due to the translator, but I found it really easy and almost refreshing. It's a quick read, so even if you hate it, you won't have wasted too much time.