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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
This is like if someone took a freshman level philosophy class and was inspired to write a novel. While the themes were interesting, this book falls into the trap of “telling” and not “showing”. I’m sure much was lost in the translation from the original text, but I can’t help but feel this book would have been better in someone else’s hands.
This is a very personal opinion, but there was just too much God for me…
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Strong character development:
Yes
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
On almost every page, THE ALCHEMIST delivers hopeful and poignant lessons for us to consider. However, the abundance of lessons, often unrelated to one another, distracts from the primary themes of transformation which the novel seeks (and ultimately fails) to address. The result is a materialistic portrayal of the journey to find personal meaning and the retroactive dilution of every memorable moment that kept me interested in reaching its conclusion.
Common sense disguised as cheap self help philosophy.
Everyone in high school back in 99 was reading this; i was never interested in this type of literature (?) but kept a mental note to try it sometime to see how it really is.
Well, 20 years later I've finally read it and it was just as bad as the synopsis at the back of the book suggested.
Everyone in high school back in 99 was reading this; i was never interested in this type of literature (?) but kept a mental note to try it sometime to see how it really is.
Well, 20 years later I've finally read it and it was just as bad as the synopsis at the back of the book suggested.
emotional
inspiring
relaxing
medium-paced
adventurous
funny
hopeful
lighthearted
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
I wish I had read this at a younger age (in the same way I wish I'd read The Little Prince as a child) - I think it would have resonated more deeply with me then. It's still a comforting tale that offers bites of wisdom, but the simple telling left me without the fullness (of a real story, real flesh characters, etc.) I desired.
I also couldn't get over the fact that the women in this novel are always the ones waiting. Their personal legend is to wait for the man to do his exploring and then come home to her waiting arms, and that didn't sit well with me.
I also couldn't get over the fact that the women in this novel are always the ones waiting. Their personal legend is to wait for the man to do his exploring and then come home to her waiting arms, and that didn't sit well with me.
I didn't have any expectations before reading this book aside from its subheading "a fable about following your dreams," so as someone who is currently lost in her career path and losing faith over her abilities, this was a great support to my sanity. it has given me clarity over the sandstorm in my head. maybe the omens brought me to read this book and realize my personal legend? :)
adventurous
emotional
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Beautiful, heartwarming and poignant. A brilliant tale of adventure with the utmost respect for the capacity all posses for greatness. The introspective pilgrimage format littered with magic is extremely effective and will continue to hold value for years to come. This book is quick, hopeful and inspiring; undoubtedly a modern classic.