Reviews

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

tellsbooks's review against another edition

5.0

Another classic that I meant to read forever — that I finally got around to reading. It’s a beautiful book and honestly totally worth all the hype. My boss encouraged me to read it for “perspective”. I mean I guess, I could have done without the religious references personally because that’s how I am.

The story itself tho was incredibly transformative and beautiful. I plan on reading it again in the future.

mini_margaritta's review against another edition

3.0

Quick read. Good book on how life isn’t a destination but the journey along the way.

beth_0219's review against another edition

hopeful inspiring reflective slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

2.0

readinghippie's review against another edition

adventurous challenging emotional hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

sennedykanne's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.25

noall's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful informative inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

hannahlau's review against another edition

adventurous challenging inspiring lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? N/A
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

saamdarius's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring mysterious reflective relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.25

leobishop234's review against another edition

adventurous hopeful inspiring reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Plot

2.0

I do not understand the love for this book. The writing is blunt and heavy handed beyond redemption. Whilst Coelho clearly has a talent for evocative description of place the book is primarily extremely underde eloped characters outright stating the lessons Coelho wants to impart without tact, subtlety, nuance or depth.
Frankly it's barely even a novel and barely less insufferable then most self help books.
A waste of several hours I cannot get back.

crreamyjam's review against another edition

5.0

I genuinely love it as it talks about personal legend (aka your dreams in life). However, it depends on the reader's age and experience for it to have an impact. If I have read this when I was younger, it might have the impact that I want. Nonetheless, the ending of this story is quite good as I have not expected it to end that way.