Rating: 
Summary: IMPRESSIVE
Review: This book is full of life meanings... Some people might find it exagerated, but you shouldn't take it literally... If you read it with an open mind, you'll find it very interesting in an inspirational way... It is a story that is full of wisdom, yet very easy to read... Once you read the first few pages, you cannot leave the book until you finish it...
Rating: 
Summary: Pretty but flawed
Review: I was given this book by a friend and found it a very quick and easy read. The story is quite pretty and the underlying theme of following one's dream is well intentioned. However, there were serveral "flaws" that should be mentioned if anyone was to take this story as a guide, as has been suggested in some of the other reviews. First, the emphasis on material gain (mentioned in quite a few of the other reviews) taints the spritial nature of the premise. Second, the implication of the story is to proceed with an extremely selfish course of action; the reference point is entirely to self, and others who "care" about the boy are expected to make the sacrifice for the boy's dream. What about their dreams? Who's dream takes precedence? Third, and finally, there in no introspection about the dream. Do not one's goals evolve over time? To imply that any modification is a compromise of the "Ur-dream" is to deny the benefits of experience and acquired wisdom. So while I found this book a pleasant read, I certainly think that anyone who would try and use this book as a guide should think again.
Rating:
Summary: meaningful, but very exaggerative
Review: The book starts very well, but towards the 2nd half goes to drag a little bit, and ends well. It may seem boring to a lot of people but the ultimate message of the book is beutiful. It teaches one - that the goals in our lives are so near and reaching but to achieve them we have to work very very hard, sometimes frustratingly hard. But the end result is always "Your goal achieved"
Rating:
Summary: Wonderful book, but not for everyone I guess
Review: I absolutely loved this book, recommended to me by an older friend. It is a beautiful book about being calm and listening to the world around you while on your path to reach your destiny. In a country where everyone is so goal-oriented that they don't "stop and smell the roses", every citizen should be made to read this book at some point in their life. I personally, didn't think this was an easy read at all, like other people have said. I read it once and definately have to read it again to find the things I missed. But then again, I'm an eighth grader. Recently, someone in there forties told me they read it and found it incredibly depressing, because it made them think they had wasted their lives. I think this book is best for high-schoolers and college students. Overall I thought the book was wonderful and gave me a new, humbled yet empowered look at my future.
Rating:
Summary: A Fun and Motivational Fable
Review: I've read several books similar to this one and I enjoyed them for what they are, not what they aren't. They are easy to read, simplistic fables filled with common and not so common wisdom. Coelho shares in this fable some almost poetic insights into life and following one's passion, i.e. one of my favorites: "...intuition is really a sudden immersion of the soul into the universal current of life." If you like reading this type of book, but are looking for something that is not quite as simplistic, you would probably enjoy THE MAGIC LIFE - A NOVEL PHILOSOPHY.
Rating: 
Summary: Not a book suitable for adults
Review: This is not a book suitable for adults or adolescents. The same wisdom you can 'discover' in mother goose.
Rating:
Summary: Looking For a Quick School Read
Review: I was looking for a read that would go very quickly and this was definately it. I was able to read this book in about three hours and I am a slow reader. The content of this book was very easy to follow, but some parts were repetitive and drawn out. Also, there were so many themes and counter ideas presented in this book and this added to the confusion that would have made it a great read. I do not feel like this was one of the greatest contemporary novels of our time and has won awards unjustly. I give it a C+
Rating: 
Summary: a poor man's le petit prince
Review: Paulo Coehlo is a gifted author who succeeds in captivating the heart of the reader. This fable is beautifully written and will be understood by anyone who has sought her own destiny and path in life, regardless of the difficulties along the way. This book is often compared to the Little Prince, and not entirely without justification. A crucial difference nonetheless is that St. Exupery's protagonist does not need to be rewarded by materialistic gain. In fact, the little prince is entirely unimpressed by his visit to the planet upon which the businessman is conducting business non-stop. Despite the warmth and spirituality of "The Alchemist", the shepard is ultimately rewared by a material treasure. The reader is left to reason for herself that the spiritual treasures and knowledge acquired on his journey overshadow this material wealth.
Rating:
Summary: This book is as good as they come.
Review: This book is about following your dream, and is very inspiring. Its the best book I've ever read, and I'm planning on reading it over and over every few months just to keep the inspiring story in my head. Its short, about 200 pages, but the perfect material for anyone in their teens. I'm 18, and I recommend this book to so many people. I rarely ever read books, this being the 3rd book I've read on my own, and I plan on reading more by Paulo Coelho. Thanks for reading this. I took the time to write this, and I never read books, I'm sure you'll love it.
Rating:
Summary: Open Your Heart
Review: I read this book a couple of months ago and it came at the perfect time. It reinforced my ideals and and heart. I've read some of the negative reviews and don't comprehend them. I believe people are thinking too much. It's a fable that makes you aware of the importance of listening to your heart. Especially in this day and age of Technology and information. It teaches to focus on the now as opposed to tomorrow. Make your destiny in accordance to your heart not your mind. The "treasure" lies within. It also teaches to overcome your fears. It's something we all need.
| 
