The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream by: Paulo Coelho
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297 reviews
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Publisher: Thorsons
Release date: 6th September, 1999
Media: Paperback
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Editorial Review
Like the one-time bestseller Jonathan Livingston Seagull, The Alchemist presents a simple fable, based on simple truths and places it in a highly unique situation. And though we may sense a bestselling formula, it is certainly not a new one: even the ancient tribal storytellers knew that this is the most successful method of entertaining an audience while slipping in a lesson or two. Brazilian storyteller Paulo Coehlo introduces Santiago, an Andalucian shepherd boy who one night dreams of a distant treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. And so he's off: leaving Spain to literally follow his dream.
Along the way he meets many spiritual messengers, who come in unassuming forms such as a camel driver and a well-read Englishman. In one of the Englishman's books, Santiago first learns about the alchemists--men who believed that if a metal were heated for many years, it would free itself of all its individual properties, and what was left would be the "Soul of the World." Of course he does eventually meet an alchemist, and the ensuing student-teacher relationship clarifies much of the boy's misguided agenda, while also emboldening him to stay true to his dreams. "My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy confides to the alchemist one night as they look up at a moonless night.
"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself," the alchemist replies. "And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."
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pure simplistic rubbish.....pure simplistic rubbish.....
Rating: 
- Jack
I came across this book by chance on one of my weekend rambles at my local bookshop....Had never heard of the book before.... Read the blurb and decided to take the dive.....I actually read the book in < 3 hours .. all the time expecting to finally "get the point" .. I then gave it to a friend of mine who came to a similar conclusion in the same time frame ... - THERE IS NO POINT !!!! Then I looked back over the references / quotes on the blurb and decided to go to the web to see could somebody tell me what I missed .... This is only the second book ever that I would refuse to hand into a charity shop - accordingly victimising the next reader to the same pointless exercise - the other was Hubbard's Dianetics .... This book is complete rubbish and I would really wonder about what exposure to quality reading material anyone that classifies it as anything more has had....Oh yes and regarding the hype --- RTE has a glowing review of it on their website...
Mystical Mumbo-Jumbo
Rating: 
- Madison
WARNING: SPOILERS
I wish that I had chosen another book to read this summer! The summary promised an interesting adventure but all that was delivered was a load of New Age philosophy and foreign terms. I usually enjoy metaphorical writings and thought-provoking tales... this book just went way over the top! "Soul of the World" "Personal Legend" "The Elixir of Life"
Somehow, this book just didn't do it for me. The overall idea of following your dreams is there but, come on, turning into wind?
Different Perspective
Rating: 
- Jen
Although this book is in many ways unrealistic, it provides important and thought-provoking insights on life metaphorically.
excellent!
Rating: - erika
paolo coelho's the alchemist is really fascinating! yes, truly as memorable as the 'Little Prince'.. it's inspiring thoughts helped me realize my personal legend! two thumbs up! really great..
Well received
Rating: - Kaitlyn
As someone who has been unsure of her decisions for quite some time, this book helped sort a lot of issues out. As a fable, it is genuine; as a philosophical treatise, it is inspiring. The writing was translated well and knowing so many people have read tis literature in so many different palces is reassuring. Knowing that we can understand the soul f the world together, instead of apart, conforts my soul.
Very Good!
Rating: - Lys
I ADORED! this book. I had to read it for my 10th grade English class, and I think that I fell in love. The bases for the book, that there is more to life and you just have to look beyond what you know, is very inspirational. Not only that, but the way the Boy is illustrated for the readers... it is just so easy to find an image of ourselves or what we would like to be, on the journey of our souls. A very good read, it will stay with me for a very long time.
Thought Provoking
Rating: - Scott
This book expressed so much in such a short, simple book. The author really understands how to make a great fiction book: build upon Truth. Skeptics and cynics won't enjoy this book, but if you listen, you will find this story thought provoking.
Maktub.
I liked it
Rating: - Lnoua
i really liked this book. It helped me look at my life and my choices.
Truly A Work of Art
Rating: 
- Anon
Very short, but a must for every book enthsiasts shelves... the Alchemist was a very beautifully written book, a nice change from The Da Vinci Code(also a must read)..
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Average rating - (more reviews)
Rating: - Masterpiece
This book is a Must Read. I am a fresh graduate and was in the job seeking stage at the moment. It was Paulo Coelho's work which encouraged me and told me not to give up. Inspirational.
Rating: - Excellent book
A great book with a powerful message. I purchased this from Amazon after hearing Will Smith mention it. Well worth reading!
Rating: - The Alchemist changed my life
What an amazing life changing book, the subtle messages are undertones for the creation of the self belief and faith that we all need to achive in life.
Rating: - Fictional self-help book
When reading this book, I was struck by the amount of principles I recognised in it, which I have read about in many different self-help books. 'The Alchemist' basically ecapsulates much of the wisdom and advice of self-help books in to its story about a shepherd who is chasing his dreams.
It only took me 2 or 3 hours to read but reading it was a marvellous and inspirational journey. I won't go in to too much detail as there is already a multitude of reviews for this book, but it's a great read, it's inspirational, and if celebrity endorsement is important to you, Bill Clinton and Julia Roberts have read the book, and Madonna endorses it in the blurb.
There is also an interview with Paulo Coelho at the back of the book, which I found interesting to read.
Rating: - The Alchemist
A truly inspirational and motivating read that gives you the confidence and belief that all dreams can become reality if you open your eyes and follow the signs. A very philosophical book well worth buying.
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