Books : The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream

Rating: - The Alchemist
A true classic. This book is also being taught at Tamalpais High School in Marin County, California. I recommend it highly.

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Rating: - The Beauty of Language and Hope
The Alchemist

Coelho writes as though he were painting the pages with a bright colored world, each word exquisitely chosen to flow together with those around it. No modern fiction writer has a better masterly of language.
In The Alchemist his artistry with words combines with his gift for story telling to create a fantastic journey. We follow a quest for self-discovery through varied lands, seeking a dream as much as its fulfillment. While the tale itself may seem simple or familiar, it is one with which everyone can relate. This universality of theme is what has branded it a classic.
But for me, it is still the beauty of the language that has made me a life long Coelho admirer, starting with this book.

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Rating: - I don't understand the accolades
I was really looking forward to read this book having heard so much about it. I was utterly disappointed. Quite honestly, I am puzzled how this book earned such rave reviews ("will change your life" etc.). The book is simplistic, naive, cute maybe. It reminded me of the time when my mother read stories to me when I was a little kid. I would rate it with zero stars if I could. The book is thin and you can read it easily within two days or one if you got the time. I would not waste my time on it.

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Rating: - Great story with many hidden gems
"The Alchemist" is a great story with many hidden gems. Throughout the book Santiago is searching for his treasure, yet as I read this book the words within it can be all of our treasures. In life, we all have strange little events that happen to us, "gut" feelings that lead us in a certain direction. Those are the Omens. If we just pay attention to the little things and understand what others are telling us, we too can "speak to the wind and the sun" - from a certain point of view.
The "Alchemist" is an interesting story that also has some insightful life lessons. I would recommend this book. I enjoyed it.

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Rating: - Great read!!
The Alchemist is a wonderful book that integrates fiction into philosophy. I would highly recommend this book to those who live their lives with depth and faith.