The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
A well known book and has gained numerous excellent book reviews though some book bloggers couldn’t finish it. Well, I did complete the book. The language was easy and it was quite a quick read. However, some parts of the book were too deep for me and I’m too tired to understand everything in it. But, never mind, at least I got the gist of it all. After reading, you may want to consider to really follow your dream, like what Santiago did!
The title is The Alchemist
Santiago was a shepherd and understood his sheep but he gave them up so that he could look for the treasure. During his journey, he met several interesting characters who guided him towards his goal. He’s met the gypsy lady, a king who wanted his sheep, a crystal merchant, an English man and many others. He even fell in love with a woman of the desert.
Then, there’s all this stuff about Personal Legend, the Soul of the World, the Language of the World, etc, which is all quite complicated. Perhaps I just wasn’t alert enough to really understand everything. Anyway, there are words of wisdom that one could use through life. It’s kind of like a motivation book. A book that gives hope to the despondent. My favourite part of the book is on page 86 where a camel driver tells Santiago:
“Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man.”
That makes a whole lot of sense, don’t you think? No use worrying about the past or the future. It just won’t bring anyone any good.
If you have read Harry Potter and the Philosopher’s Stone by J.K. Rowling, then you’d definitely be familiar with the Philosopher’s Stone and the Elixir of Life. The functions of both items are explained more in this book. So, that part’s quite fascinating.
While reading, I had suspicions that the ‘treasure’ wouldn’t be a physical thing. The ending was a surprise anyhow. It’s an okay book for me – some parts were too deep and boring. Or like I said, perhaps I didn’t give this book a chance. I will try reading it again later on.
Other Bloggers’ Reviews: Zeek, Alice, QuaChee, Just A Reading Fool, Bibliolatry
December 3rd, 2007 at 4:29 pm
I agree, the book is quite deep and thought-provoking, and I did stop reading it and later on re-read it to finish it. The language is simple but it demands some amount attention, or else the meanings are lost. Very inspirational!
December 4th, 2007 at 1:33 am
Good review. I enjoyed reading this book. I think it’s one of those books that u need to read twice or thrice to really grasp the meaning and lessons in it. It will always be one of my favourite books…that I am sure…
December 7th, 2007 at 3:50 am
this book is pretty good, but i was slightly disappointed because i expected more due to the hype surrounding it. still, something that makes you reevaluate your life in a better way can’t be bad!
December 13th, 2007 at 4:59 pm
Although I liked it, I did find the not so subtle metaphors a tad annoying. But, in the end, it’s a good book, despite it’s exulted self-importance, ya know?
December 16th, 2007 at 1:24 pm
Denise: You’re right! Such simple language and yet there’s a deeper meaning to it all. True, it can be inspirational.
Anu: Hi, I’m glad to hear that it’s one of your fav. books. I might read it one more time to understand it better.
nylusmilk: Now that you said it, it is pretty overhyped! It’s because of the story itself and the messages it conveys. People like books that help them become better people!
zeek: Haha! That’s interesting. Guess you had to bear with them while reading.
February 8th, 2008 at 3:24 am
I think the hype sort of ‘killed’ the book. I did finish it in one sitting — very easy to read. Like you’ve mentioned, there’s some thought-provoking stuff in there. I wrote a little review of the book too. It’s not the best book but it’s not bad either.
February 8th, 2008 at 3:59 am
Alice: =D Yeah, this book gain a lot of attention and I didn’t know what all the fuss was about. And you said it right, it’s not the best book around and yet it’s not so bad.
April 2nd, 2008 at 4:41 pm
Hi
I like the book quite a lot actually. I think and I agree with what you guys mentioned that maybe there was too much hype.
Cos for me I didn’t really knew it was a big book until I read it.
It just blew my mind off. He’s a good writer to inspire others through story telling. Though his following books which were of a similar background got a lil more boring. Nevertheless, I think he did a good job – do you know his first book was a ‘flop’, but somehow this sold so well. Cool heh.
Heya btw, like yr blog & outlay. Beautiful. Keep reading
April 3rd, 2008 at 5:31 am
Hi QuaChee,
I’m glad that you like this book, though I can’t say the same for myself! It was an insightful read all the same.
Oh, I did kind of hear about his first book being a flop and all. Well, he need not worry now that his books are already bestsellers and probably inspiring people to turn over a new leaf. =)
Thanks for your comment and thanks for dropping by. Do come by more often! =D
September 13th, 2008 at 6:21 am
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July 15th, 2009 at 5:58 pm
nyc book., i lovd it., coz it made me realize my own destiny n dream.,, what a writer
:)
July 21st, 2009 at 4:20 pm
The Alchemist is quite good, wouldn’t say it’s fantastic. I have read 5 of his books last year and I can’t stand the spiritual mumbo-jumbo though. However Paul Coelho’s “Like a flowing river” was a more delightful read than his fiction piece.
October 10th, 2009 at 6:36 pm
@pratik: I’m glad that the book inspired you. I also learnt a few things from it myself.
@Jovenus: I kind of found it thought-provoking. It made me sit back and reflect on my life, dreams and hopes. Really!
He does have many books but so far, this is the only book I’ve read.