Alchemist

So, people say this book has changed their lives. I'm sure it has. Not me, though, because it needs to lock-in to a very specific pre-existing sense of theism/spirituality which I don't have. If you don't believe in a benevolent higher power, this book just doesn't really work as anything other than a tale. I suppose there are some general takeaways to be had, but I really disagree with the somewhat fatalistic aspects, which are often slightly contradictory. This might set people on a very enthusiastic "wish and wait for what I want" path, or "go with the flow". Maybe I've completely missed the point, as I read it over the space of an evening. I did highlight a couple of things in the book, which I often do, so I suppose there are some general insights that aren't directly related to certain beliefs. I imaging this would resonate with people who believe in the "law of attraction" - e.g. the universe is a materialists shopping catalog, existing only to wait for your order for a new car, house, wife/husband, job, etc. However, if you are a non-materialistic critical thinker and atheist (not necessarily nihilist), you may find some of this quite ridiculous. The idea that if you want something, the whole universe will "conspire" to get it for you is nonsense. If I will the end of the universe, is that going to happen? No. If I wish the opposite of what you wish, how will that conflict be resolved?

Rating: 3 starsCategory: Fantasy, InspirationalSynopsis: Santiago the shepherd boy has a recurring dream about a treasure awaiting him at the Pyramids of Egypt. Leaving his flock and the life he knows behind, he sets out on an adventure to seek out this mysterious treasure. However, the people he meets along the way will teach him lessons far more valuable than any wealth or riches. The Alchemist is an inspirational tale about following your dreams.Review:First ImpressionsOften I will skip through author introductions, but I am so glad that I read Paulo Coelho’s introduction to The Alchemist. It was amazing to hear how the book has journeyed from selling only one copy in its first month to becoming the most translated book in the world! Such a story of perseverance enhances the message of optimism and following your dreams. In the introduction, it is clear that Coelho has a very special way of viewing the world and I knew that I was going to be inspired.Even if my neighbour doesn’t understand my religion or understand my politics, he can understand my story. If he can understand my story, then he’s never too far from me.InspirationEveryone will find an inspirational message in The Alchemist that speaks to them on some level. For me, this was the fable told by the alchemist about a boy who goes on a pilgrimage to visit a wealthy man who knows the secret of happiness. When he arrives, he is given a spoon with three drops of oil and tells him to walk around the palace grounds. However, the boy is so intent on not spilling the oil that he does not enjoy the magnificent opulence and views of the palace.The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon.However, as the book progressed I started to find the philosophical messages a little heavy-handed. Though beautifully written and poignant, they began to interfere with the flow of the story for me. There are certainly elements of a self-help book in The Alchemist so I would suggest reading it if you are specifically looking to be inspired, rather than simply getting lost in a story for fiction’s sake.PlotI expected The Alchemist to be a bit obscure and an intellectually challenging read. In fact, I found reading it a relaxing experience. Although it often waxes philosophical, the story is easy to follow and absorb. It gave me a warm, comforting feeling, so perhaps would be a wonderful read when in need of a bit of a pick-me-up. I particularly liked the ending, which was unexpected yet satisfyingly complete.The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho Inspirational QuoteCharactersThe variety of people Santiago meets on his quest makes the novel feel almost like a collection of stories coming together to form the whole. Nevertheless, it is definitely a plot-centric book, with the characters existing mainly to further the plot and Coelho’s wider message. There is a deep sadness in how Santiago meets so many people who have settled in unfulfilled lives and given up on their dreams.The Alchemist is a beautifully written story that has a timeless, mythical quality. It is easy to see how it has captivated people around the world; the book would be a perfect companion for anyone looking to change their outlook on life and reach for their dreams.Favourite quote:You will never be able to escape from your heart. So it is better to listen to what it has to say.Read if: you would like to be inspired to follow your dreams by an adventure story unlike any other.

I finished this book in two days... long story short. Boy is looking for treasure.. he goes from point A to point B to point C, D and E in search for it. The treausre was at point A then he goes back to point D to find the girl he fell in love with. The End.I had to search on Google to see what the message was in this book and there really isn't much to it... luckily I didn't spend too long reading this one. I know how annoying it is spending a long time reading a book and you're none the wiser after finishing it.

What a load of crap. Silly but, worse, it was also boring. I soon tired of the drivel about the soul of the world, and the mindless optimism of the story. Almost everyone has a dream and almost everyone fails to achieve it. And no, the universe doesn’t conspire to help you succeed: the opposite, if anything. Garbage.

My mentor recommended this novel to me when I wasn't sure about which path to take and I was feeling really unsure about my abilities. My confidence was at its lowest but reading this, as cheesy as it sounds, felt like someone gave me permission to believe in myself and work towards my goals. It is also nice to read over the years, when you need a pick me up again.

I believe this book could inspire so many to follow their dreams. But I think, it's likely to speak most to those who are facing their own personal spiritual awakening.

A trivial and tedious story, full of superstitious claptrap and the kind of “inspiring” rubbish we used to hear during school assemblies. The style lacks any sense of drama or involvement, presumably as caring about the characters would get in the way of the message. Not a book for adults, or children either.

I think people either love or hate this book... depending on frame of mind while reading. I'd recommend giving it another chance at another time if you can't connect with it. Personally I could come back to this book at different times in my life and take different meaning from certain parts, which makes me enjoy it over and over again :)