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cornustella's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? N/A
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
This was a really good book! I'd definitely read it again sometime, however I didn't feel completely enlightened after reading it, as I've heard some people say. It helped me get out of my reading slump though! I especially enjoyed that the shepherd came from Andalusia, as that's my home region :)
Content Warnings
Moderate: War and Alcohol
_david_'s review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
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.
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.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Alcohol, and Murder
Moderate: Sexism and Classism
Minor: Gun violence
caroisreading's review against another edition
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
This was an inspiring read, and written like a fable. There's so many moments of wisdom, spoken along the theme of listening to your heart and fulfilling your personal destiny. The Alchemist isn't the protagonist, but rather a young shepherd who learns about these life lessons during a long journey.
You'll enjoy this book if you're in the mood for something more lighthearted, inspiring, and thoughtful.
You'll enjoy this book if you're in the mood for something more lighthearted, inspiring, and thoughtful.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence and War
gatogato's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
fast-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? It's complicated
2.5
(contains spoilers) right off the bat, the islamophobia, xenophobia, and the blatantly racist stereotypes of romani people were very unnecessary. for the rest of the book, i can understand why people like it so much but it feels like it’s trying too hard to be profound. it is interesting to see what lessons santiago learns abt the universe throughout the story, but when it’s in practically every line it loses its impact. also the ending when he finally reaches the great pyramids felt so rushed!! he’s spent years trying to get to this point just for it to be described in less than 7 pages out of the whole book. and his “relationship” with fatima could’ve either been expanded on a lot more or just left out entirely, there was just no depth. like y’all have known each other for two seconds what are we doing here. i really wanted to like this book more.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Xenophobia, War, Violence, Islamophobia, and Racism
phvntomstvrs's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Xenophobia, Racism, Racial slurs, and Violence
Moderate: Sexism and War
Minor: Animal death
hue's review against another edition
reflective
3.25
Content Warnings
Graphic: Gun violence, Death, War, and Violence
lycheeteareads's review against another edition
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
Content Warnings
Graphic: Racial slurs, Xenophobia, and Racism
Moderate: War, Sexism, and Violence
Minor: Animal death
redheadorganist's review against another edition
adventurous
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.0
Content Warnings
Moderate: War and Death
hefftbundle's review against another edition
adventurous
challenging
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
A nice read with some nice sound bites. Didn’t realize it was a spiritual book, but that’s on me. I do love me some talk about signs and omens. I DON’T love me some cultural/religious slurs, though. Made for a really odd read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: War, Islamophobia, Racial slurs, and Violence
mad_mads's review against another edition
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.75
Reading this book felt like riding on a lazy river; it just floats you along and leaves you feeling relaxed and refreshed at the end.
Content Warnings
Minor: War, Racial slurs, and Violence