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What are readers saying about The Alchemist - Gift Edition?
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Ashish posted a review at 2011-11-17 12:08:34.
(Language: English)
 
Awsome book...........
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Amy posted a review at 2010-05-14 04:24:02.
(Language: English)
The first half of the book is a cute (albeit very simple) adventure story.The second half of the book is boring and preachy. A teenager could have written this book, and probably would have done a better job. This book contributes nothing, and its message is so trite that a child inherently knows what Coelho claims isthe meaning of life. You certainly won't find any new or interestng ideas in this book.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-12-10 12:01:12.
(Language: English)
The Alchemist, hmmm... When I read it, I felt extremely irritated by its mediocrity. The plot is so simple, and you can see Coelho's intention right through it, which was writing a mystic book to please a lot of people and therefore make it a bestseller. The metaphors in the story are almost cliché --in fact, some actually are. And his writing style is simplistic up to the point it is no longer a writer's choice of how to write, only a money-making way to present a book in an abridged language so more people will buy it. It makes me really sad that Paulo Coelho is one of the most internationally famous Brazilian authors. There are so many more from my country I can actually be proud of.
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Christoforos posted a review at 2007-11-01 02:11:31.
(Language: English)
By far the simplest, emptiest and "tastelessest" book ever to make such a success. Coelho is a smart man and he aims at those who either like extraordinarily easy books or still have not read anything else in their lives. The perfect blend of bad new-age hype and 21st centuries pretentiousness. One more thing, the story is not original and is actually a rip-off. In his first book, "Historia universal de la infamia", Borges tells the exact same story within 40 lines of text. Some 70 years after that, Coelho, appears, writes the story in form of a book, becomes rich and famous and has people rating this book with an average five-stars! By far the simplest, emptiest and "tastelessest" book ever to make such a success. Coelho is a smart man and he aims at those who either like extraordinarily easy books or still have not read anything else in their lives. The perfect blend of bad new-age hype and 21st centuries pretentiousness.
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-08-30 03:32:26.
(Language: English)
If I could give one book to each of my family and friends, even colleagues, this would be that book. It's not quite what you think it might be so prepare by opening up your hearts and minds for an adventure that will change you. Yes, it's a cryptic review but then, you will need to read it to understand why I feel strongly about it. Good luck and enjoy!
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-08-21 02:21:12.
(Language: English)
Whatever. I remember when this load of quasi-religious rhetorical brain gravy was called the Celestine Prophecies... or was it Way of the Peaceful warrior, I can't remember.There are so many yuppie-pulp-bibles like this full of vague mysticism and ripped off spiritual ideaology packaged as a "new age religious path of Light and Learning" that my brian hurts. I read this book based on several recommendations and once finished thought "Wow...its no wonder cults like the Scientologists and are popular ...people are desperate idiots." I'd love to rant more about this book but its so unremarkably typical of this genre I'll go find something else more worthy to criticize. (and yes, i know,.... The alchemist is not about scientology)
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-10-16 02:38:08.
(Language: English)
Inspiring!
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A Reader posted a review at 2010-01-22 07:20:49.
(Language: English)
I give this a four star rating because I think I needed to read the book at this point in my life. In the intro, Coelho writes that Harper Collins said, "reading The Alchemist was like getting up at dawn and seeing the sun rise while the rest of the world still slept." I think that is a perfect description. It really made me want to sit and ponder. And I want to spend more time in meditation. What a breath of fresh air, that book.
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Grace posted a review at 2011-10-11 11:46:07.
(Language: English)
Another classic! Loved it! I recommend it to all.
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-09-07 07:14:19.
(Language: English)
It was good. Nothing revolutionary but a fun read. Kind of a disappointing ending.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-07-22 08:40:33.
(Language: English)
"Maktub! It's written! .....When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.............".....all these are the beautiful sentences from "Alchemist"....it's a fantastic work by Paulo Coehlo...it opened my eyes..i was overwhelmed with joy when i read this...We have to understand the language of our heart...believe our intuitions....It is only if we understand the language of the desert that we can cross it..Likewise,it is only if we understand the universal language that we can achieve things...You will grow personally after reading this book.....Once you complete reading the book, you will feel that it is worth reading....
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-08-31 06:18:47.
(Language: English)
Really enjoyed this book, didn't want it to end.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-10-13 04:32:04.
(Language: English)
I love this author's storytelling ability. His writings let you ponder the mystics of life, leaving the comforts of what you know behind to pursue your Personal Legend. Along the journey, meet with spiritual messenger's that remind you of the importance of reading omens to will help to understand the "Soul of the World." Always stay true to yourself and your dreams. Listen to your heart to keep you on the path of your mission quest. Life is generous to those who pursue their Personal Legend. I just picked up this book today. I love his writing! I just read the Witch of Portobello...which is fabulous!
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-03-01 07:02:20.
(Language: English)
Wow! Just finished reading this. I think that God had led me to read this so none of you would ever make this same mistake! This is a book about promoting Universalism as a worldview, only thinly veiled with this lame story about a boy in search of treasure. This guy mixes scripture from the Bible, with writings from the Koran, with Universal Sub-conscious mind philosophy and the Power of Positive Thinking. He doesn't know what the heck he wants to believe, so he threw in a little of everything, just to cover his bases.
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A Reader posted a review at 2008-01-06 09:48:58.
(Language: English)
"The Alchemist" freezes time. And throws questions at you that u never even thought existed previously. Makes you think about the purpose of your life. Tells you how unnecessarily we have complicated this simple thing called Life.Something comes which shatters the accepted norms of thought ... and forces people to introspect & rethink .. and well, I guess "The Alchemist" suitably fits into that genre ..the way Paulo exhorts people to follow ones dream ... no matter what ... by narrating the journey of life of a shepherd boy ... is simply great.. this book is something which wakes the immense possibilities within..It made me look within..to shrug off the ideas imposed by the society and to find out what i really want...
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-04-23 11:17:47.
(Language: English)
Paulo Coelho!! my favorite author. The Alchemist is an amazing book. "when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." - WOW...how good he writes. He has a great power of imagination. Everyone of us can imagine, but when it comes to giving voice to those imaginations, we always fall short of words. But Paulo Coelho knows how to make a beautiful appearance of his imaginations. If you want to learn a new way of looking at your life, with an open heart and mind, this is the book for you. MUST read.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-11-12 08:38:11.
(Language: English)
A fast read... preachy at times and yet… although it tends to drag… it’s worth a read. Every now and then you come across a line that teaches you about yourself and others. Example: Santiago is tricked and loses everything he has – alone and sitting in a strange place he thinks to himself, “When I had my sheep, I was happy, and I made those around me happy. People saw me coming and welcomed me, he thought. But now I’m sad and alone. I’m going to become bitter and distrustful of people because one person betrayed me. I’m going to hate those who have found their treasure because I never found mine. And I’m going to hold on to what little I have, because I’m too insignificant to conquer the world.â€
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-09-14 03:01:19.
(Language: English)
For all those in search of destiny...a great book! Go buy it.
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-09-23 05:40:53.
(Language: English)
Love it! I highly recommend it. Would make a great Bood Club book.
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-09-26 10:20:24.
(Language: English)
Here is a simple story about living life to its fullest. I was told by someone very close to me (Lauren Mara Freiman) that this was one of her favorite books of all time. I finally read it and completely understand why she was so captured by the book. It's a book that belongs in every persons personal library. It's meant to be read and re-read over various times in ones life. It reminds one to stay the course and live life happily, going for what you really want out of life. I really loved the way the author took a simple story into something that has truly been explained in so many complex ways. My grandfather, Jose Antonio Armijo, was a sheepherder--and so, I took the story to heart.
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-09-09 07:42:14.
(Language: English)
"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
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Daniel posted a review at 2011-08-03 11:25:55.
(Language: English)
This book holds an increadible message for those prepared to receive it.
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A Reader posted a review at 2011-08-23 06:49:03.
(Language: English)
A beautiful story of strength, wisdom and the courage to find the greatest treasure on earth. To know thy self!
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A Reader posted a review at 2007-07-13 06:34:09.
(Language: English)
I first read The Alchemist as a teenager and disliked it and now having read it again (with inhibitions) in my twenties still dislike it. A minimalistic story (without the pleasure of reading other minimalist authors) outlining a boy's quest from Spain to the Pyramids and back again. Mixed in with alchemy, universal languages, souls, omens, and above all else fate - the overriding theme is to follow your dreams, etc. Nearly every noun is a symbol of something else and the overall idea of the book put me in mind of Tuesdays With Morrie or The Secret; that is, a single idea story loosely veiled behind the suggestion of a story. If you're looking for something less metaphysical/religious to read or simply another book with (some) similar qualities I suggest The Higher Power of Lucky.
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A Reader posted a review at 2009-04-30 10:26:11.
(Language: English)
I can see why this book is popular. It is 'inspirational' and 'spiritual' and I can, kind of, see how it might touch people especially if they're looking for that kind of inspiration and of that mindset. To be absolutely fair, I do not have a spiritual bone in my body. I think there is more inspiration and hope, joy and affirmation to be found in a single page of Carl Sagan than in a whole 'alternative' bookshop. I found this book to be both plodding and vapid - the latter probably part of the reason that, along with most 'spiritual' guff people can happily apply it to themselves.
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