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alfan's review against another edition
4.0
Inspirational indeed
I read The Alchemist for the first time when I was 18. I remember reading it as any other story and wondered what the big deal was about. Of late while trying to find inspirational books to read, The Alchemist was common across most lists people had combined. Now, with a better perspective I can say that this book is definitely inspirational, and dare I say a bit dated. I get the metaphors, and yet sometimes I felt it went a bit overboard. This could also be because of my ideals as an atheist. But this was definitely a relatable book nevertheless and would be interesting to read again after a few years. Maybe the metaphors could mean something else then
I read The Alchemist for the first time when I was 18. I remember reading it as any other story and wondered what the big deal was about. Of late while trying to find inspirational books to read, The Alchemist was common across most lists people had combined. Now, with a better perspective I can say that this book is definitely inspirational, and dare I say a bit dated. I get the metaphors, and yet sometimes I felt it went a bit overboard. This could also be because of my ideals as an atheist. But this was definitely a relatable book nevertheless and would be interesting to read again after a few years. Maybe the metaphors could mean something else then
aangelareads's review against another edition
5.0
This book was really special to me. I loved the message that when you want something badly enough, the whole universe conspires to help you achieve it. My opinion is most definitely biased because the book was gifted to me by someone I really care about and the romantic in me sees signs in everything. But I thought the story was beautiful, relatable and enchanting. I’d like to read more of this author’s work.
krystyn13's review against another edition
2.0
for me it just didn't live up to 'all the hype'...what should have been a quick-read took me forever!!
serenasbooks's review against another edition
3.5
I thought it might be more dynamic and fantasy-heavy but I found it to be a bit too slow, not boring just slow. it had a nice message and it came across pretty clear.
overall, I liked it but I expected some more.
overall, I liked it but I expected some more.
slimyorca's review against another edition
Just really didnt like the way it was written. It felt way too pompous.
edresbach's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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? Yes
5.0
sarahreadsbooks33's review
challenging
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
mcas12's review against another edition
Not entirely sure what all the fuss is about w this book but it didn’t make me as angry as it appears to have made a bunch of nice folks here on Goodreads
Kept putting it down and starting other books tho, which feels telling lol
Kept putting it down and starting other books tho, which feels telling lol
spenellispeaks's review against another edition
3.0
Going into this book, I had a certain expectation of a truly mind-blowing experience. However, that did not happen. Now, don't get me wrong. The book is well written and has a true message, however, I wasn't thrown from my chair in awe of its magnificence. Perhaps, had I read this is a different state of mind or in its early publication, I would have been more impressed with its content. Overall, sweet story, great message, but nothing I haven't come across before in my own reading.
facelikefizz's review against another edition
1.0
This is one of the worst books I have ever read. There are a number of points I take issue with such as:
1. Follow your destiny, and don't let anyone or anything get in your way.
2. If you decide to not follow your destiny because you fall in love with someone, it isn't true love.
3. It is better to die trying to follow your destiny than never know what your destiny is.
4. If you want something badly enough the World will help you achieve it.
Then there was the Star Wars scene. The Alchemist staring into the eyes of the horsemen as he says "I'm not going very far" was so similar to Obi Wan Kenobi saying "These are not the droids you are looking for" as he waved his hands that I laughed out loud.
The ending really took the biscuit. The treasure he is searching for actually turns out to be gold and jewels. I was expecting something with meaning. His destiny is money. What kind of a lesson is that?
But it's not all negative - it's a very short book and I read it in a day. (And the Star Wars scene did make me laugh.)
1. Follow your destiny, and don't let anyone or anything get in your way.
2. If you decide to not follow your destiny because you fall in love with someone, it isn't true love.
3. It is better to die trying to follow your destiny than never know what your destiny is.
4. If you want something badly enough the World will help you achieve it.
Then there was the Star Wars scene. The Alchemist staring into the eyes of the horsemen as he says "I'm not going very far" was so similar to Obi Wan Kenobi saying "These are not the droids you are looking for" as he waved his hands that I laughed out loud.
The ending really took the biscuit. The treasure he is searching for actually turns out to be gold and jewels. I was expecting something with meaning. His destiny is money. What kind of a lesson is that?
But it's not all negative - it's a very short book and I read it in a day. (And the Star Wars scene did make me laugh.)