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amiewg's review against another edition
1.0
Who knew the book most recommended to me would also be the one I hate the most?? Me. Which is why I dodged reading it for years. What's so crazy is that I've been bombarded with the "Why haven't you read The Alchemist?" question at parties, concerts, and in the club by strangers. Like we're in the middle of listening to Drake, why are we talking about this surely.
Tbf, the prose was simple enough to understand and I have no quarrel with Paulo if this is his philosophy. If he talks to the universe and is a manifesting girlie, good for him. It just could never be me and this isn't ESTP-friendly content. Also, it's a short book, 182 pages, why did it take a week!?
I reject the philosophies explored in this book. Following your heart, determinism, the universe helping you on the way, omens, everything being connected, a Soul of the World language?? I.......To say I don't agree with these would be an understatement. I reject them. I started highlighting statements that I didn't support and stopped because was I gonna highlight the entire thing??
I would say I'm a pragmatist, theistic existentialist, and stoic hedonist. So when bestie (Paulo) is talking about how when someone discovers their "Personal Legend" the universe is supportive of their journey, or that their Heart does what it can to keep a person literally safe....no.
The reason this gets a whole star from me is that Fatima told Santiago GenZ doesn't understand this imo, say it louder for the girlies in the back.
The only reason I didn't dnf and I'm not ashamed to say it, is the clout. Because people my age who read this are considered inTeLleCTuALs...allegedly.
Tbf, the prose was simple enough to understand and I have no quarrel with Paulo if this is his philosophy. If he talks to the universe and is a manifesting girlie, good for him. It just could never be me and this isn't ESTP-friendly content. Also, it's a short book, 182 pages, why did it take a week!?
I reject the philosophies explored in this book. Following your heart, determinism, the universe helping you on the way, omens, everything being connected, a Soul of the World language?? I.......To say I don't agree with these would be an understatement. I reject them. I started highlighting statements that I didn't support and stopped because was I gonna highlight the entire thing??
I would say I'm a pragmatist, theistic existentialist, and stoic hedonist. So when bestie (Paulo) is talking about how when someone discovers their "Personal Legend" the universe is supportive of their journey, or that their Heart does what it can to keep a person literally safe....no.
The reason this gets a whole star from me is that Fatima told Santiago
Spoiler
that love doesn't stop one from becoming who they're supposed to be. She told him, in my words, "Babe go fulfill your purpose then come back, just because we're in love doesn't mean you forget your responsibilities to yourself."The only reason I didn't dnf and I'm not ashamed to say it, is the clout. Because people my age who read this are considered inTeLleCTuALs...allegedly.
isthisalice's review against another edition
4.0
Charming story. It’s a shame it gets so much hate. The scenes were beautifully painted (especially the one where Santiago became the wind, though it seems that most people thought it was cheap) and I enjoyed the spiritual depth of this book. I love how Coelho made the metaphor of speaking the language of the world come alive by giving the different elements of nature separate voices, personalities and experiences, not to mention the skill with which he made the reader understand the overarching metaphor of the alchemist. It’s not the most complex or innovative book, but I liked it nonetheless.
helena_marie's review against another edition
3.0
Sometimes I was really into it, sometimes I was really rolling my eyes...
marina_ofthesea's review against another edition
5.0
This book, while so simple, is full of life lessons that are important for everyone.
bambdelion's review against another edition
3.0
I didn’t connect with the characters, but the message was fairly simple — follow your dreams, listen to your heart, treat others with kindness and respect, and experience the world/cultures around you.
bg_oseman_fan's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-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
4.0
This book was an interesting kind of parable. it has plenty of moments that will stick with me for a while. i enjoyed how the author captures different point of view and didn’t let the story get so big that it couldn’t maneuver itself. the theme was really captivating.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racism, Racial slurs, and Xenophobia
Moderate: War, Sexism, and Violence
Minor: Alcohol, Death, and Animal death
jwall99's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
fast-paced
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
4.25
mysticdreamer's review against another edition
adventurous
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.25