Reviews with content warning for Sexism - The Alchemist

This is the first book that I truly hate with a passion as it promotes a way of thinking that contradicts my morals. Personally, I've learned to set attainable goals for a more fulfilling life, and that it's okay to change those goals. The book's perspective clashes with that, it explicitly suggests that one's destiny must be a grand goal, and failing to achieve it implies personal failure. It looks down upon those who've chosen more realistic and achievable goals, branding them as individuals who have given up on their dreams.

The main character's naive and extreme approach becomes plain annoying, lacking the nuance of a balanced perspective. Moreover, the portrayal of the two women as mere side characters existing solely to admire the main character didn't sit well with me. It reinforces a narrow narrative.

The endorsement by celebrities who've of course successfully chased their dreams isn't surprising; however, it doesn't resonate with those who value a more present-focused and balanced lifestyle.

Ironically the book does introduce a character advocating for present-focused living, but this advice seems overshadowed by the relentless obsession from the protagonist with his supposedly paramount destiny. I find it funny that Narcissus is mentioned in the prologue, since I find this tale extremely self-centered.

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phvntom's review against another edition

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reflective slow-paced

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

2.5

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lycheeteareads's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring reflective medium-paced

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

4.0

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parenthesis_enjoyer's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring reflective fast-paced

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

3.0

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sapphic_reader's review against another edition

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hopeful inspiring medium-paced

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

1.0

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avenclov's review against another edition

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adventurous inspiring medium-paced

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

3.75

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thmei's review against another edition

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adventurous fast-paced

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

1.0

i want to teach a class on how bad this book is

it’s like reading the bible with far far worse writing, a poorly handled plot, awful, flat characters, and ten times the amount of fallacies. i may not be christian but damn at least the bible is a good read with some banger quotes

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libraryfrog's review against another edition

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2.5

Well, this book felt like a waste of time… I can kind of see how some people might really like it, like in the way some people really like pop psychology self help books? But it felt uncomfortably racist and sexist to me and the plot was pretty boring and every other sentence sounds like someone trying to be profound and failing to say anything original at all.

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