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Summary: Stick with it...
Review: Though there was tidbits of wisdom woven throughout the first part of this book, and the story was interesting, it was hard for me to get into this book until it was about three-fourths over. In fact I picked it up and put it down for months before I finished it. The last quarter of the book, however, made it all worthwhile. The reminders of this life were simple but so importan. Because, perhaps they are such simple truths, we tend to forget them. This book reminded me how important, special, and wondorous, everyone and everything is.
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Summary: Awesome
Review: This is one of the most amazing books I have ever read. I feel tongue tied in trying to describe how wonderful this book is - I can say it is a MUST read for everyone! I have bought copies or loaned out mine to all of my friends and family and they are doing the same after they read it.
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Summary: Find your destiny. That's why you are born.
Review: Awesome book. Whenever I feel confused I think of this book. Beautifully written. Must-read for everybody who wonders why she is here on the earth. Cindy
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Summary: Stay true to your dreams
Review: "My heart if afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy [Santiago] confides to the alchemist one night as they look up at a moonless night. "Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself," the alchemist replies. "And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity." Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy has had the same dream two nights in a row, about a girl telling him that there is a treasure waiting for him by the pyramids of Egypt. He seeks advice with a fortuneteller and she gives him the advice to go to where his dream urge him to go. Later he meets an old, strange man whom says he is the King of Salem. The old man can read Santiago's thoughts, and he also recommends the boy to leave his safe life as a shepherd and rather follow his dream. This is the start of a long journey of transformation and discovery. The boy doesn't have an easy time while he follows this heart, he is constantly being tested, but at the same time he has the joy of knowing his life is well spent while following his heart and living his history. To no surprise he does achieve his dream in the end. The surprise is how it happens. "The alchemist" presents a simple fable, based on simple truths with extremely powerful messages. It is a book about finding your path in life and to have the courage to follow your dream, and to understand the signs as you journey through life. What you will notice while reading this book is that very little of what's presented is new to any of us, but then again, that is not the point of a fable either. The author simply reminds us of the things that we already know. Follow your dream, and live your history! "The Alchemist" is a short book (<150 pages), and you'll finish it in a setting or two. It is probably one of the cutest books I have read, along with Steinbeck's "Of mice and men". "The Alchemist" is a book we all should read once every year.
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Summary: Trite a Fatalistic
Review: The Alchemist though highly recommended by a dear friend did nothing but disappoint. A healty attitude towards life is rigourosly drug threw a mire of close-minded fatalistic views. Yes I completely agree with following ones dream but Coelho creates a scenario that leads one to believe that someone has set up the pins and all we are to do is knock them down. Also Coelho further rapes the dream-following ideal by painting a pro-christian "god has everything under control" picture of life and that our paths are decided and our destiny is set. Statistics say you'll love this book but i disagree, see for yourself.
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Summary: beauty and purity of story overrides the humbug in me...
Review: 'The Alchemist' is a short novel (< 200 pages) which tells the simple story of a young Spanish shepard on his journey to realizing his ambition in life (..finding treasure in Egyptian pyramids). I must emphasize the word 'simple', to the point of being simplistic and trite. It almost seems as if the author is targetting this novel to pre-teens when he continually hammers in the same message of 'follow your heart', et al. After reading, in effect, the same message for the 10,000th time one does get a bit tired. However there is an innocence and sweetness permeated through each page which makes the entire reading experience to be most disarming ... but, for this humbug, not quite enlightening. Bottom line: enlightening for some, utterly simplistic for others. This reader found it all to be rather charming.
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Summary: The Alchemist
Review: "What a lovely story" to quote the Alchemist! This book had me from the first chapter. I have recommended this to everyone I know--it is that inspiring.
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Summary: The best of his work
Review: In my opinion, this is the best of Coelho's work. I think everyone should read it at least once. I keep lending mine out, only to buy a new one. Then I usually lend that out too... I wasn't happy with the rest of his work, but this one will not leave you dissapointed.
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Summary: It was sooo cute
Review: The Alchemist was probably one of the cutest fictional books I've ever read, along with Ella Enchanted. The ending will surprise you and the entire story you won't be able to put the book down. I really loved the book and I think everyone should read it atleast once.
Rating:
Summary: Very good book
Review: This book was a short read and was very good.
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