Who Would Like This Book:
Looking for a dose of inspiration on your journey of self-discovery? "The Alchemist" delivers a simple, poetic story about following your dreams and listening to your heart. Its fable-like style makes for a quick, accessible read, packed with uplifting one-liners and reflections on fate, faith, and personal fulfillment. This book especially resonates with readers who enjoy allegorical tales, fans of self-help themes wrapped in fiction, spiritual seekers, and anyone feeling at a crossroads in life or craving a bit of hope and encouragement.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If heavy-handed moral lessons, repetitive messaging, or 'everything-happens-for-a-reason' vibes aren’t your cup of tea, this book might wear thin fast. Some readers are frustrated by its simplistic writing style, gender stereotypes, or its near-magical thinking about destiny and success. Practical-minded folks or skeptics might find the philosophy naïve or even dismissive of real-life complexity, and the story's lack of depth and subtlety can be a turn-off for those looking for nuanced characters or rich plot.
About:
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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Notes:
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 (289)
Incredible (70) | |
Loved It (88) | |
Liked It (59) | |
It Was OK (29) | |
Did Not Like (23) | |
Hated It (20) |
Reader Stats (465):
Read It (308) | |
Currently Reading (3) | |
Want To Read (130) | |
Did Not Finish (2) | |
Not Interested (22) |
17 comment(s)
A beautifully written story!! I would have read it in one sitting if I weren't busy but nevertheless, the plot was very engaging and I felt as though that the teachings the boy recieved, I recieved them too. Highly recommend for everyone and anyone. Would read it again in the future for sure.
I didn’t put it down once. It was incredibly well written and the story never bored me, the message, the trope, everything was brilliant.
Started as one of the coolest books i ever heard and started becoming a mess more and more i went into it.
# 2nd Review (From my other Account)
Starts great
Until the half
Then it starts making no sense, lose track of itself and it becomes a religious and with a very outdated view.
Honestly the first chapters are some of the greatest on enterpreneurship and passion but then it gets SOOO bad, i couldnt finish the last chapte
Favorite book of all time.
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.
What can you read after
The Alchemist?
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