Rating: 
Summary: U must read this book, unless, of course U are too shallow
Review: Unlike the rest of the readers who loved this book, I will not waste your time telling you what it was about and giving you a basic summary. The time you are spending surfing the Net when you could be reading THE ALCHEMIST is much too precious. I won't tell you the story of Santiago, because that's not what this book is about. It is about you, and me, and that cute guy down the hall, and that obnoxious snob you've hated since junior high. This book, however, does not address the supposed "real" issues of today's society, instead, it probes your heart and soul to the extent of its vulnerability. This book is what life is all about. If you're looking for a quick read, instant gratification, and edge-of-your-seat graphic garbage, this book will not give you anything like that, it will just change your life forever. I read this while in high school in honors english,(my teacher recommended it to me for outside "joy" reading) and until I read this book, I never understood people who read for enjoyment, I only thought the point of reading a book is if it was assigned, but I felt an obligation to read this because I knew my teacher wanted my opinion on it. After reading it, I continued to read THE PILGRIMAGE and THE VALKYRIES both of which were decent, but did not affect me as much as THE ALCHEMIST. The attention this book has received has given me hope that there are more things that our society finds intriguing other than drugs and sex. Discover what is really important and leave the rest of the world behind to discover this book for themselves, but since you are taking the time to read this, enrich your life, become enlightened, join the rest of us and READ THIS BOOK. You may be surprised. For those of you who have read it...Maktub, and many wishes that you discover your Philosopher's Stone and Elixir of Life.
Rating:
Summary: Will change your life forever!
Review: I was casually given this book by a friend at a cocktail party......little did I know that by the end of the night it was going to affect me in such a deep, incredible way! I went home after the party and started the book in an effort to fall asleep. For the first time in years, I couldn't put a book down until I finished it in the wee hours of the following morning! Although written in a simplistic manner, the allegorical storyline takes the reader into a mysterious, indescribable, and even complex journey that surprisingly involves the reader's own life. You will step into the shoes of Santiago, a shepherder from the mountains of Andulusia, in search for his treasure in the unknown lands. This is the book that you will lend to your own friends, and they, in turn, will buy their own copies, and lend to their other friends, who will also buy their own copies, and so on. This book will influence you for the rest of your life. Not only will you dare to dream, but you will also believe in your dreams. And not only will you believe in your dreams, but you will follow them. And, somewhere along the journey of your life, you will want to see the pyramids in Egypt. Anybody who has several available hours, I challenge you to take on the journey of your life. You MUST read this book.
Rating:
Summary: Magical
Review: I found this in a local book store. I live in France, and are always on the look out for books I can read in English (I'm Australian.) I found this while looking for The Portrait Of A Lady (I'd seen the film the night before.). I decided to get this bok, as I thought it would be a nice 'light' read. Was I wrong. While it is easy to read, it really made me think... I think this is one of the best books I have read all year, and in fact I have read it 3 times since getting it (one month ago)...
Rating: 
Summary: A good children's book
Review: I found this book through the reviews of the Celestine Prophesy, A couple of people recommended this book as a much better alternative. I have read both books, and I can say without a doubt that I enjoyed CP much more. The Alchemist is a children's book. A simple little story, with VERY little content which could require thought. I would recommend it to any 3'rd grader, but if you are much older, skip it
Rating:
Summary: Too trite and blatant
Review: I've just finished reading this brief novel, and have been mildly disappointed. I spent several fine dollars on this book, purchasing it because of reviews on Amazon.com and because of the beautiful, waxy cover.
When I began reading, the story started out quite nice, with a boy as a shepherd. I would have liked to know more about his years on end of solitude and walking.
Anyhow, do get to the point, the author got to the point too blatantly. Hardly any subtlety was used by the author -- the moral was sitting in plain sight the entire time. At time, the reading actually got tedious -- though if I say that I like to read story, I seem childish, I believe that the most effective way to get a point across is through complex and underlying weaves in and out of the plot, scene, symbols, and dialog.
So, if you see the book laying around and have a few hours to spare, read it. Why not. It was nice enough. However, if you have anything else around that you think might be worth reading, it probably should be read before this one.
It just didn't cut it in the realm of inspirational literature, and I've read lots.
Rating:
Summary: A real fortune in the shape of a book.
Review: Here is a great story, filled with messages that will make you look at life in a way you have never done before. Or maybe you had and thought you were the only one. It stays with you forever, if you let it
Rating:
Summary: A pleasant addition to you life.
Review: Read it. It will make you feel like you are not he big loser that you think that you are. All of our choices are made for our good. We just need to realize that good, and cherish it
Rating:
Summary: The Alchemist: turning everyday life into a legend
Review: If you are about to give up your goal because it looks remote,
If your heart tells you the little comforts of a secure life no longer satisfy her,
If you wake up one day with half your life behind you and you remember an old forgotten dream,
Read this simple tale of a humble shepherd.
It will calm your fears, clear your doubts and set you on the route to the hidden treasure which is in the hearts of those who still believe in treasure.
If your love one does not understand why you love her(him) and leave her(him), give her(him) this book.
A beautifully written tale by a simple and pure soul -- Paulo Coelho.
....Brigette from Hong Kong
Rating:
Summary: The story of every person's true life journey.
Review: I was given this book as a gift. What I received was the gift of believing in my heart and my soul. This "fable" was the most real-life book that I have ever read. Insight is the true essential of our lives on this earth and beyond, and Paulo Coelho gives us hope that we too may find our Dreams
Rating:
Summary: brilliant
Review: This is not only a book...not only a beautiful story, but more than that, it is the manifestation of a universal dream, written in the language of a poet. Lovel
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