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The Illustrated Alchemist : A Fable About Following Your Dream

The Illustrated Alchemist : A Fable About Following Your Dream

List Price: $27.95
Your Price: $17.61
Product Info Reviews

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Rating: 5 stars
Summary: A Great Book About Following Your Heart
Review: The negative reviews of this book tend to criticize things that are not really important as far as the story and its deepest meaning. Also, it strikes me that these reviewers did not grasp the essence of the book, which I find perfectly complements its simplistic delivery.

I am not a beginning reader by any means, and part of the charm of this book is the way it is presented. It is a fable and is written accordingly; this book is meant to be accessible and easy to read by everyone. I like that it's such a breeze to read, as I can focus more on the meaning than on reading and understanding, plus it can be read to children or by people who find reading a bit of a chore. If you're looking for some rock-solid book you can analyze and pick apart, this is not the one for you, mainly because the purpose of The Alchemist is something entirely different than any other book I've read.

First and foremost, this book has changed my life. The story of how I came to read it is a good example of what the book talks about; the power of so-called coincidence. I'd read a story about the book and some odd things that happened on a website by inspirational speaker Patrick Combs, and was floored by his tale. I really wanted to read the book, but my life got a little hectic and I totally forgot about it. Not long after, it was introduced to me by a friend, who was so passionate about the book and me reading it, that she checked the book out of the library and gave it to me. Immediately after reading it, I began noticing the Universe speaking to me in various ways. A year later, I felt I'd gotten a bit off-track as far as listening to and following my heart, so I read the book again. I swear to you, as soon as I finished, the Universe began speaking again in signs and symbols, as loud as ever. (...)
Both times I read the book, I borrowed it from the library, but as I got an Amazon gift certificate for Christmas, I am definitely going to buy a copy.

Highly, highly recommended to everyone. A must-read, especially if you are interested in becoming happier and improving your life.


Rating: 5 stars
Summary: one of the most important books in the world today
Review: The only other books I'd put in this genre are Hesse's Siddhartha and Chefitz's Seventh Telling - let me know if you can think of another (but not if it's self-help!) This is not self-help literature, o modern day skeptics. This is a modern-day classic. You may feel challenged to rexamine your soul and your path in life, but not due to a self-help book with a thinly veiled plotline and dogma, such as Daniel Quinn's stuff. No, this is good writing - a beautiful tale.

Another reader points out that Coelho's female characters are given no opportunity to dream for themselves, to grow in life. This is a good point. Also one reader argues that the Christian element of his stories, in general, detracts from the universality - also true. Nevertheless, I don't feel that there's an overpowering sense of Christianity in this particular book of his - this, his masterwork. Still, another good point. However, this is an extremely well-written tale, and worthy of anyone and everyone's attention. Coelho is not perfect, as none of us are perfect, but he is one of the most inspiring people alive today. Read this book and see if you don't agree.

I read this book and bought 20 copies of the Illustrated Edition to give away. While living in Israel I bought two copies in Russian and gave them to friends. Argentian friends, Russian friends and I discussed the book in Hebrew, having read it in English, Russian and Spanish. Everyone agreed it was one of the most important books of their lives.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: He only read a review
Review: The so called "reader from Brasil" did not read this book, but a review from a Brazilian critic, diogo Mainardi (who also did nor read the book), who said that the boy cried. Everyone who read the book knows that Santiago does not cry in any page of this wonderful book.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Quite Good
Review: The writing is beautiful in its simplicity, but Coelho is a perpetrator of the dreaded "telling, not showing". Mostly, he flatly explains what the reader should be feeling and what lessons he/she should glean from the text rather than encouraging him/her to think and figure things out.
Of course, this is a fable, and it is designed to be readable by people of widely varying ages. It is a nice journey tale, with a strong mystical and religious bent, which encourages people to follow their dreams, and which portrays some wonderfully exotic and magical locales. The illustrations by Moebius are also perfectly suited to the tone of the story.
On the matter of religion, Christianity was most definitely a strong theme. However, I never found it to be out of place or overly preachy on the subject, and I am a devout atheist. The way in which religion weaves through the story is similar to and as inoffensive as the way ancient Greek spiritual practices are embedded in "The Iliad". There is no Pat Robertson to be found here.
In short, "The Alchemist" will not alter the way you see the world. It clearly is not intended to do so. It is simply a highly entertaining, perhaps pleasant and comfortable, and quite simple tale to be enjoyed.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Truth about life
Review: The writing is beautiful in its simplicity, but Coelho is a perpetrator of the dreaded "telling, not showing". Mostly, he flatly explains what the reader should be feeling and what lessons he/she should glean from the text rather than encouraging him/her to think and figure things out.
Of course, this is a fable, and it is designed to be readable by people of widely varying ages. It is a nice journey tale, with a strong mystical and religious bent, which encourages people to follow their dreams, and which portrays some wonderfully exotic and magical locales. The illustrations by Moebius are also perfectly suited to the tone of the story.
On the matter of religion, Christianity was most definitely a strong theme. However, I never found it to be out of place or overly preachy on the subject, and I am a devout atheist. The way in which religion weaves through the story is similar to and as inoffensive as the way ancient Greek spiritual practices are embedded in "The Iliad". There is no Pat Robertson to be found here.
In short, "The Alchemist" will not alter the way you see the world. It clearly is not intended to do so. It is simply a highly entertaining, perhaps pleasant and comfortable, and quite simple tale to be enjoyed.

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: Quite Good
Review: The writing is beautiful in its simplicity, but Coelho is a perpetrator of the dreaded "telling, not showing". Mostly, he flatly explains what the reader should be feeling and what lessons he/she should glean from the text rather than encouraging him/her to think and figure things out.
Of course, this is a fable, and it is designed to be readable by people of widely varying ages. It is a nice journey tale, with a strong mystical and religious bent, which encourages people to follow their dreams, and which portrays some wonderfully exotic and magical locales. The illustrations by Moebius are also perfectly suited to the tone of the story.
On the matter of religion, Christianity was most definitely a strong theme. However, I never found it to be out of place or overly preachy on the subject, and I am a devout atheist. The way in which religion weaves through the story is similar to and as inoffensive as the way ancient Greek spiritual practices are embedded in "The Iliad". There is no Pat Robertson to be found here.
In short, "The Alchemist" will not alter the way you see the world. It clearly is not intended to do so. It is simply a highly entertaining, perhaps pleasant and comfortable, and quite simple tale to be enjoyed.

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Much Needed FeelGood Inspiration
Review: This book captures the adventurous spirit of a young boy and will inspire you to snap out of your monotonous life and follow your dreams. Give it to someone you know who needs a little jumpstart in their life -- it's wonderful!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Truth about life
Review: This book explains so many ordinary things that we encounter and not think about day to day. There's so many hidden truth in the book and deep philosophical concept that we don't usually think about. This book reminds us to follow our dreams no matter how hard it is to do so. It's a short book and an easy read. It's not meant for people to read it superficially. GREAT BOOK! BUY IT! READ IT! LOVE IT!

Rating: 5 stars
Summary: Breath of Fresh Air
Review: This book is wonderful! easy reading...........very inspirational and motivational. It has inspired me to follow my dreams and get off my butt..........and follow the signs that the universe is showing.

Beautiful Book!

Rating: 4 stars
Summary: A Life Changing Experience
Review: This book was a phenomenonally superb tale of a dream realized. After reading this book I became aware of all the dreams I had let fade away. The author keeps you reading -- I couldn't put it down. If you pick up this book, I promise that at somepoint before you read the last sentnece you will see your own dreams and have a desire to pursue them. This book is great for anyone who needs a motivational shove or is the type of person that believes in his or her dreams. I highly recommend it!


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