Rating: 
Summary: Call me Santiago if you wish
Review: I read this book six months ago and decided what the hell. I packed all my stuff up, said my goodbyes and took a step on the path of my destiny. Oh dear friends, much has changed and I could tell you some stories. This book to some discerning eyes may have a less-than-stellar plot and happenstance aplenty. But listen to the message! Without giving too much away, this book is like the title says, following your dreams. You will most likely argue that if we all got up and decided to find out what we are meant to do on this Earth, there would be no janitors and burger flippers. But there are some people who work in high paying, high responsibility jobs who would find more happiness and freedom pushing a broom than having their lips on their bosses' rear just for the nice parking space. Also, some people even after reading this book will not follow the message and continue to choose to be miserable. Just know that if you are not happy where you are at this moment, take a journey toward what you want to do. You want to be a pilot, do it. You want to work on cars, do it. You want to paint, do it. If you are not happy, God is trying to tell you something. Don't be afraid. Trust me on this.
Rating:
Summary: Charming
Review: I really enjoyed this book. I'm 24 - smack dab in the the height of my 'quarter life crisis' - and I found this fable to be charming and inspiring. It serves as a great reminder that following one's heart can be a fulfilling experience even if there are bumps along the road. This is not for the cynical type. Rather it's for those who are open to blessings that come in small packages. I intend to buy copies for friends.
Rating: 
Summary: Neither engaging nor profound
Review: I wasn't engaged by the main character or the theme of finding one's "personal legend," which was preached at the reader more than revealed. The book also lacked plot, rhythm and imagery to stimulate the imagination. I cannot fathom the popularity of this book. It does play into the basic human desire to find one's destiny. But it contains muddled, inconsistent and even contradictory spiritual themes centered on tapping into a universal life source. I actually recommend reading the book, for it portrays an increasingly prevalent world view that I'm afraid is based on wishful thinking. Following one's heart to fulfill a personal destiny is desirable. But history provides ample evidence that man's heart - while having potential - has instrinsic flaws. Other books of spiritual wisdom, including the Bible, are willing to tackle this challenge. Coehlo attempts to address it when the main character has a conversation with his heart. But ultimately, the author skirts the tough questions raised by his philosophy. I believe the author also diminishes his point by driving it home again and again through character after character and circumstance upon circumstance. At least it was a quick read. The casual reader may find some food for thought. But anyone with discernment will see this book for what it is -- warm, fuzzy spirituality crafted to appeal to non-critical thinkers. Apparently, Coehlo is still searching for truth. That's great, and it's a lot more than many of us are doing. I just wish he had proceeded a little further before penning this work.
Rating:
Summary: Neither engaging nor profound
Review: I wasn't engaged by the main character or the theme, which was preached at the reader more than revealed. The book also lacked plot, rhythm and imagery to stimulate the imagination. I cannot fathom the popularity of this book. It does play into the basic human desire to find one's destiny. But it contains muddled, inconsistent and even contradictory spiritual themes centered on tapping into a universal life source. I actually recommend reading the book, for it portrays an increasingly prevalent world view that I'm afraid is based on wishful thinking. Following one's heart to fulfill a personal destiny is desirable. But history provides ample evidence that man's heart - while having potential - has instrinsic flaws. In this case, I believe the author diminishes his point by driving it home again and again through character after character and circumstance upon circumstance. At least it was a quick read. The casual reader may find some food for thought. But anyone with discernment will see this book for what it is -- warm, fuzzy spirituality crafted to appeal to non-critical thinkers.
Rating:
Summary: PESSIMISTS NEED NOT READ THIS BOOK
Review: THIS BOOK IS AMAZING. WHAT THE READER NEEDS TO REALIZE IS THAT THE AUTHOR WAS NOT TRYING TO WRITE ANY KIND OF GROUND BREAKING STORY, HE WAS ONLY USING THE STORY AS A VEHICLE TO GET A MESSAGE ACROSS:ACKNOWELEDGE THE PRESENCE OF GOD, PAY ATTENTION TO AND DON'T IGNORE THE SIGNS TO PURSUE YOUR DREAMS, AND WHEN YOU DO ACTIVELY PURSUE THEM THE UNIVERSE WILL COME TOGETHER TO HELP YOU OUT.
Rating: 
Summary: What's your Personal Legend?
Review: I read several other customer reviews that stated this book was solely for children. I highly disagree. There are multiple levels to this book, as it is filled with much symbolism and many metaphors. One does not need to be a literary scholar to unmask them either. Whether or not that is of interest to you, Coelho is a masterful story teller and this tale of adventure and personal discovery will keep you engaged.
Rating: 
Summary: Overrated.
Review: I was extremely disappointed with this book. Perhaps it was because I'd already heard so many of my friends raving about it, or maybe it's because I read the reviews and many were good.The point is, the first thing I expected from the Alchemist was a good plot. Which, in my opinion, it was painfully lacking. Only two of the characters piqued my interest, and it wasn't even Santiago, the lead character. He came off to me as two-dimensional and, really, quite boring. None of the events made me sit up in my chair and make me want to read faster: it flowed, yes, but, very, very monotonously and on occasion tediously. There were many intelligent metaphors and inspirational messages about life, but I did not hear anything new. The Alchemist is not a bad book. All I'm saying is it's not anywhere near as fantastic as many people are making it out to be.
Rating:
Summary: How could you NOT like this book?
Review: A children's book? Well, if that's what this is, then I have no problem letting out the child inside of me. I've read this book at least 5 times, and every time, I get something new out of it. Simple or unoriginal? Perhaps for those more "learned" readers, but for a myself and for everyone to whom I've passed it on, it's been a wonderful, enlightening journey with Santiago. It's a great book to read at a time of uncertainty in your life. It can apply to many areas: love, friendship, jobs, family, travelling, etc.. It's enchanting, charming, entertaining, and as deep as you want it to be. I teach high school English, and I can't name one of my students who has read it and not enjoyed it. Some of them have even said it changed their life or the way they think. So, 3rd grade, I doubt it, but it's a great read for any age. It just might change your life. And if it doesn't, it's a good story anyway. I wouldn't hesitate to buy it...
Rating:
Summary: Inspiring and truly worthwhile
Review: What can I say that hasn't already been said about this author? He is truly a man of wisdom and this is evident to us as we read through his writtings. When I first read the alchemist there was such a deep feeling of inspiration, and understanding within me. The part I enjoyed most about the book is that it gave us a different view of God. This book allows us to view God as having
a sense of humor! I loved the book and can recommend it to those seeking to find a deeper meaning to life, themselves and God. I have also read the pilgrimage and By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept, more of Coelho's great and deep writtings.
Rating:
Summary: Kid's book?
Review: Yes, a kid would read this book (and enjoy it - I highly recommend it). But there is a message in the story that is more suited for an older audience. A beautiful story, told as a parable. The simplicity of the story only strengthens the message. This book is a must read.
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