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The Alchemist
De Paulo Coelho
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A special 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new Foreword by Paulo Coelho.
Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.
Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.
Ações de livro
Comece a lerDados do livro
The Alchemist
De Paulo Coelho
Descrição
A special 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new Foreword by Paulo Coelho.
Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.
Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.
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Avaliações
I really liked this book but was a little disappointed when I realised it was an expansion of a parable from Arabian Nights. Even though it's not completely original Coelho has achieved a lot in writing the story, and has nice sentences.
On the subject of originality, I haven't read Manuscript in Accra because it takes (steals?) heavily from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
On the subject of originality, I haven't read Manuscript in Accra because it takes (steals?) heavily from The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran.
I start the year with a book on many of the must read lists. I'd not really paid attention to them before, but figured this would be a good book to start with for the year.It offered an Interesting start and not at all what I expected when I saw the title. I like the thought that everyone has their own personal legend within themI admit the book is unique, but it feels very preachy to me. Like they wanted to do a morality book and a fable or fairytale and it feels like it's clashing within the text. The talk of finding one's legend and dealing with the heart of the world, plus God and the other parts of life all just seemed to clash when considering the different religions and concepts they represented.I Hadn't realized how short this book was. 4 hours by audio. But it packed in a lot of details and concepts in that short period of time. I'd be willing to give it more stars, if the internal of the story didn't feel so much of a clash. Still a good moral tale, overall.
You've got to have a dream, as someone once said. I think it was Marx. A dream is the rope that pulls you through the world, and life is what happens to you along the way. Purpose, it's that special thing that lights a fire under your arse. You can believe it's God-given or predetermined if that helps you cope, but the actual goal is less important than its role as a catalyst for experiences you had never considered.Time may change you, but you can't trace time – I can't tell you why The Alchemist is one of the best-selling novels of all time, but I'd guess that idea is a part of it; it's easy to buy into but also something I think we all recognise. It's certainly less philosophically problematic than the vague-whiff-of-bollocks stuff about the interconnectedness of all things.It's not the destination but the journey. And that's been the theme of road stories from The Odyssey to EuroTrip. Not a classic for the ages, but The Alchemist is worth the little time it demands of you.
It was a nice, inspirational book. If you want achieve your dreams or your Personal Legend then this is a book for you. However, I think that "The Alchemist" is highly sensationalized. Almost everyone famous love this book! (maybe because they have attained their Personal Legends?). Due to its popularity, I had very high expectations. I even heard that its going to make you cry. I got disappointed. As I said, its a nice inspiring book but its just that, NICE. Its not great. It actually bored me a bit because its just not what I expected. It felt like a self-help book (if its Coelho's purpose to help people see the omens and follow their Personal Legend, then its a good self-help book). So if you want to read NICE books then go ahead just don't expect too much.
So far, this book is a nice starter or finisher for "A New Earth". I think I'll put all his books on my list. Great storytelling, not preachy, yet with a point. Plus it is an EASY, light read. I'm not used to that from South American writers.
Billed as "like The Little Prince," actually wooful psychodrivel. Thank goodness it's short.
This is Coelho's fable on how to "disinter dream" and is a classic on mysticism. A bit of a hash of Jane Roberts and perhaps Castaneda, it smacks of being a bit too pat, a bit too simplified. Nevertheless, we find wisdom where we look for it.
One of those books that I'll need to go back through a second time and make notes. I think there are answers in this book for the person who will spend the time (that ever so precious commodity for mortal beings) pausing and then dwelling on those aspects that speak to him.
A smooth, easy read - has some amazingly beautiful language/passages. A little simplistic, though.
If you are religious and not anti-Islam, this book is likely impactful. If you are not religious but is somewhat spiritual, this book likely has meaningful nuggets after filtering. If you are an atheist and have a disdain for Allah, God in books, skip this. The story begins with a shepherd, ‘the boy’, who is content with his herd of sheep, traveling in the Andalusian plains. But a recurring dream starts him on a new journey – a gypsy woman told him about his treasure at the Pyramids, a king disguised as an old man taught him about his ‘Personal Legend’, a crystal merchant provided the perspective of ‘roads not taken’, going into the desert with an Englishman who seeks a 200 years old alchemist, finding the love of his life in the desert oasis, becoming a disciple of the alchemist, and mastering the ‘Language of the World’. And yes, he found his treasure too.Paulo Coelho wrote the introduction where he included a quote by Oscar Wilde, “Each man kills the thing he loves.” This is the book’s lesson. The boy had decision points throughout his journey to stay, turn back, to do anything else but to find his treasure or to fulfill his personal legend. He faces obstacles and is tested, but it is up to his resolve to continue or not. I must admit there are contrite, artificially deep moments. The references of Allah and God annoyed me at times, too. But still, enough meaningful thoughts made this a worthy short read.On ‘the world’s greatest lie’: “That at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what’s happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate.” On starting fresh – the pleasure of a new beginning is evident:“Looking around, he sought his sheep, and then realized that he was in a new world. But instead of being saddened, he was happy. He no longer had to seek out food and water for the sheep; he could go in search of his treasure, instead. He had not a cent in his pocket, but he had faith. He had decided, the night before, that he would be as much an adventurer as the ones he had admired in books.”On ‘going with the flow’:“Sometimes, there’s just no way to hold back the river.”On intuition or hunches:“…intuition is really a sudden immersion of the soul into the universal current of life, where the histories of all people are connected, and we are able to know everything, because it’s all written there.”On the soul and love - for the world and more, which I interpret as for the environment also: “Everything on earth is being continuously transformed, because the earth is alive… and it has a soul. We are part of that soul, so we rarely recognize that it is working for us.”“That’s what alchemists do. They show that, when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too… Love is the force that transforms and improves the Soul of the World… When we love, we always strive to become better than we are.” On death – I share this belief; it’s likely the reason I’m not afraid of dying:“To die tomorrow was no worse than dying any other day. Every day was there to be lived or to mark one’s departure from this world.”‘Maktub’ = ‘It is written’, which I interpret as sometimes in life, it just is.
I just LOVE Paulo!
This book is a big metaphor with entangled metaphors. I love his accessible, easy read style. Some quotable ideas weren't metaphorical, no, they depicted exactly how I feel spirituality-wise, the connection to the world, to nature, to all living things, and to the elements of matter.
I liked how I followed 'the boy' throughout his journey. He never named him because this isn't about identity, I think, anyone can be a dreamer like him.
A very good book, I loved it, but it's not a book for everyone, it's for those interested in spirituality and metaphysics.
This book is a big metaphor with entangled metaphors. I love his accessible, easy read style. Some quotable ideas weren't metaphorical, no, they depicted exactly how I feel spirituality-wise, the connection to the world, to nature, to all living things, and to the elements of matter.
I liked how I followed 'the boy' throughout his journey. He never named him because this isn't about identity, I think, anyone can be a dreamer like him.
A very good book, I loved it, but it's not a book for everyone, it's for those interested in spirituality and metaphysics.
very inspiring story...but ending was just loose which i couldnt really understand.
I had heard an awful lot about this book which is why I picked it up in the first place but having read One Hundred Years of Solitude,which I hated, recently was a little reticent about tackling it ,was won over by its brevity,but I'm so glad that I did. This is a relatively short book (about 160 pages) with one central theme, and in truth is more of an extended parable than a novel but for me is a little gem.The story is of a Spanish shepherd boy Santiago who has a dream about finding a treasure near to the pyramids. After meeting an old king in Tarifa he decides to sell his flock and set off across to Africa in search of this treasure and destiny. In Africa he encounters people who both help and hinder who slow and speed up his journey in his quest but he steadfastly continues onwards. There is an awful lot of symbolism, not all I neccessarily agree with, throughout the book but the central message is that if you follow your heart then you will ultimately be successful. However, without giving the ending away, there is the added message that there is a treasure closer to home if you only look for it.This is not some in depth guide and the writing style is simple and easy to read making it a very quick read but this made it all the more enjoyable IMHO. This book was however originally published in Portuguese and whilst the translation has on the whole been a successful one there may be the odd glitch here and there. That said I will certainly be looking out for Coelho's other works
That book talk about a young Spanish shepherd searching for treasure. On his way to find his treasure dream, fall has many events each event which is almost impossible obstacle preventing him from pursuing his journey.During these events tosd link between the achieve and the universe becomes even knowing the language of the universe for signs Vihama Paulo Coelho's words are strong,These were the sentences that I like :"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve itBut the reality can not deal with him so, and because of his patience open issues, use simple language writer and integrated clear terms to explain the meaning that the writer wanted.
So I finally finished this, For some strange reason I flew through his other books but paused a lot on this one, I really did like the message of have a dream and what kind of faith you need to follow it, I loved the whole journey with the main character, I think this is a keeper and A read again book and I don't say that very often, I would recommend this and most of his other books I have never been disappointed that i have read them.
Fun but silly. Pop wisdom.
I probably should have read this book a long time ago. A young boy named Santiago is encouraged to follow his dreams and find his own "personal legend" after a series of events and meetings with people who influence his ideas. This book is heavily allegorical and an annual favorite for summer reading lists. I think its meaning is lost on most teenagers, however. It's a book that made me think and consider some of the choices I have made; it also made me wish I had taken more risks when I was younger. Perhaps that is one of the marks of great literature.
This book may be small but it is very powerful. If I am feeling low I read this and it cheers me up. The message it gives us is extremely valuable. An inspiring and spiritual read.
Very disappointed in this book. I expected it to be one of those "wow factor/ life-changing" stories. But it was boring, daft and uninspiring.I resent wasting my time on it.
Really quite inspirationally rubbish. As a novel, this book is simplistic, both in the style of the narrative, and in the trite plot and lack of depth of the characters. But then, it isn't a novel: it is a semi-religious book, a call to follow one's dreams and to find happiness. If Coelho inspires anyone to lead a more fulfilling life through this book, then he has achieved something good. But an intersting read it is not, and feels sadly lacking.
A fable, who would have thought that I'd be reading a fable in this day and age! Beautifully written, and not sure if it was the writing style or the main character in the story, but this reminded me of the writings of Paul Gallico. We all have dreams, some believe that we all have a preordained destiny and I'm sure everyone who reads this book will come away with something different. It has inspired me to define my dreams and start doing something about making them happen!
I read this book a while back, truely there would incite a strong feeling of love or hate, rubbish or brilliant.I liked the smplicity of the book and the messege it gives in the end. Pessimism is something that has taken hold of people in this world, we consider that everything is out of our hands, there is no hope. Self belief and knowing that wishing for something and working to get it can change all that is negative in us is inspiring message. There are parts in the book which become repetitive but its only a small book one can get through it a see the world as a brighter place.
Didn't make it through - book expired, twice, and didn't renew (audio download from ListenUp Vermont). Felt contrived - too parable-ish for me, just didn't grip me. Some of the images remain with me, though, so the writing is strong, and this book certainly resonated with most of its readers.
The Alchemist is a very quick and simple read with a lot of bits of meaning and advice laden throughout the quest of a young Shepard who goes in search of his own personal legend (destiny). The story itself was pretty good and I actually felt a connection with "the boy" and I internally cheered him along on his mission.
My main problem with the book was the introduction written by Paulo Coelho himself. It's sort of a 3 page recap of the story you're about to read. Thus, I'd suggest you read the story and then go back and read the intro.
I'm not a spritual person at all and this book had the unique ability to get me to consider my view of God and the universe. Granted, it didn't change my general opinion - but it did help me verbalize exactly what it is I think which, I believe, is pretty damn cool.
The book also left me thinking about where I am in life and where I always dreamed of being - to consider what my own Personal Legend was, or still is.
It's a quick and easy read that plants some not so easy questions in your mind. Read and enjoy.
My main problem with the book was the introduction written by Paulo Coelho himself. It's sort of a 3 page recap of the story you're about to read. Thus, I'd suggest you read the story and then go back and read the intro.
I'm not a spritual person at all and this book had the unique ability to get me to consider my view of God and the universe. Granted, it didn't change my general opinion - but it did help me verbalize exactly what it is I think which, I believe, is pretty damn cool.
The book also left me thinking about where I am in life and where I always dreamed of being - to consider what my own Personal Legend was, or still is.
It's a quick and easy read that plants some not so easy questions in your mind. Read and enjoy.
I really like this one. At times, it might seem a little thick or up-front about its messages, but overall I think that this is a book everyone should read. It touches topics that are important for everyone and even if you don't agree with some of them, the process of thinking about it should enrich your life.
An Adventure with a super story. I thought "The Alchemist" was a super story and I especially enjoyed the shepherd boy and his search for the treasure. The story was charming, with enough adventure to keep my interest. Some of the characters are a little weak, but overall the story was well written and I would gladly recommend it to all my friends.
With all the hype I expected more.I expected this book to be a great read because of all the tremendous hype. I wanted to loved it, but I found it boring, empty, and repetitious; so I found myself skimming through page after page just to finish it. The book has some notable pages out a of nearly 200 pages. On numerous occasions the book tries to make the point that any person with what the book calls a "Personal Legend" can derive for themselves, from just living. The metaphors are empty, and repetitious. I found myself rolling my eyes every time I read a corny metaphor.
People have been recommending this for years, so when it presented itself in a bag of unwanted books I was able to pick up for free, I jumped at the chance, especially as it looked thin enough to read surreptitiously at accountancy college.Simply put, it's the story of a shepherd boy following his destiny and finding "God" along the way. "God" in speech marks because for the majority of the book, he is communicating with omens, destiny, his heart and the wind - all of which lead him to God.The prose is rather simply written - appropriate for the protagonist, but it makes skimming over the important parts too easy. None of the characters is developed very deeply, not even the protagonist or the Alchemist of the title, but that doesn't detract from the text.I'm not sure that all the hype is justified - but this is certainly an excellent read, both profound and enjoyable, and it deserves its status as a modern classic.
I was a bit disappointed in this book. It taught a lot of great lessons but was rushed and much too short.
Amazing story. I'm not usually into soul searching type novels, but this story was so well organized and thought out, I was truly caught up in the tale of the shepard. Very unique in its dialouge and look at the world. Made me think about what I should truly value in my own life. To anyone totally caught up in their fast paced world, this is an excellent book to make one stop and think.