
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a fable that follows the journey of a young shepherd named Santiago as he embarks on a quest to discover his Personal Legend. The book is written in a simplistic and allegorical style, focusing on themes of fate, following one's dreams, and the interconnectedness of the universe. Through encounters with various characters and experiences, Santiago learns valuable life lessons and gains insight into the meaning of his existence.
The narrative of The Alchemist is infused with philosophical musings and spiritual undertones, aiming to inspire readers to reflect on their own paths and aspirations. The story unfolds like a parable, guiding the reader through Santiago's adventures in search of treasure, which ultimately leads him to a deeper understanding of himself and the world around him.
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Has Romance?
The book contains a medium level of romance, focusing on the relationship between Santiago and Fatima.
From The Publisher:
An international bestseller
Over 80 million copies sold worldwide
A PBS Great American Read Top 100 pick
Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.
Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different-and far more satisfying-than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.
Ratings (219)
Incredible (51) | |
Loved It (65) | |
Liked It (46) | |
It Was OK (21) | |
Did Not Like (21) | |
Hated It (15) |
Reader Stats (338):
Read It (227) | |
Currently Reading (2) | |
Want To Read (98) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (9) |
13 comment(s)
After hearing this book recommended a hundred times I read it. I feel like this book is only be interesting to people who have never heard of the heroes journey concept.
I'm totally partial to this book. I read it when I was around 9 or 10 years old and again at age 14, so to me it was very eye opening and the message was really inspiring.
As it happened with The Little Prince, I found it both entertaining and profound. Now I'm really scared of re-reading it because of all the reviews on here (which I agree with in terms of self-help books and merit achieved by 'following your heart' blindly). BUT I kind of refuse to read it to prove my nostalgic 5 stars wrong... so I will keep it like that in a blissfull pre-teen ignorance for now.
So preachy and contrived...
I have three regrets: 1) starting this book; 2) finishing this book; and 3) Goodreads lowest rating only being 1 star. The universe should conspire for negative star ratings.
****5.0****
A Master Piece!!
Happy Reading!!
En este libro encontraras:
- Obviedades
- Personajes que te dicen como debes pensar
- Personajes que te dicen como debes vivir tu vida
- Fuerzas sobrenaturales (el universo) con consciencia, deseando ayudarte
- Hombres que buscan su destino y mujeres que esperan en casa
- Filosofia vacia y engañosa
- Un protagonista que dice buscar su camino pero siempre sigue ordenes del primer hombre con barba o canas que pasa por ahi
- Un libro que se toma en serio cuando realmente parece un libro de auto-ayuda para niños disfrazado muy malamente como una parabola.
- Un final de moralidad cuestionable
Posiblemente el peor libro que he leido en mi vida.
Lo unico bueno del libro es que es corto.
This book tells a simple yet extraordinary story that gives me courage to pursue my dream to become an illustrator again. I think this book should be read by anyone who is on their way to their dream or lost in the middle way.
On of my favorite books by Paulo Coelho. Liked the story and characters. A pretty nice book for pleasure and stress relief.
Marvelously captivating in its storytelling. Jumbled and confused in it's concept of God, spirituality, and the human condition.
The most literal pretentious proverb I've ever read. The way it's written makes it kind of fun in that "old tale" kind of way but it just aged so poorly and a lot of the lessons it tries to teach are very blunt and literal while other lessons it teaches are just like ACTUALLY BAD advice. I apprecite what the story is trying to say at it's core. "Stay strong, have faith, follow your dreams even when things are hard." But there has to be a more interesting or nuanced way to expound that lesson. I'm falling asleep here.
I was looking forward to the magical/fantasy aspects of this story since it's always pitched as such. There really isn't any other than literal forces of light and dark, doubt and faith that actually have tangiable effects on the world. Which COULD be cool, but they're used in such a way that it cheapens any achievements the characters have.
Also the characters are cardboard. A lot of them don't even have names. Also women are treated as "goals" a lot of the time which makes me uncomfortable. Like it's not in a romantic way but in a "if i reach my goal I'll surely get bitches" kind of way.
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