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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
Complicated
3.25-3.5 stars
I know this one is considered a classic, but it was just ok for me. There was some beautiful writing, but I found my attention straying a bit. Mostly, it was a bit more spiritual than I was hoping for.
I know this one is considered a classic, but it was just ok for me. There was some beautiful writing, but I found my attention straying a bit. Mostly, it was a bit more spiritual than I was hoping for.
I listened to the audiobook book with Jeremy Irons as the narrator. I very much enjoyed it and was able to listen to the whole thing in just 1 afternoon!
3.5 ★
The journey of the young shepherd Santiago definitely reminded me of the Fool's journey - a certain courage and fear of the unknown, but the definite want to try and give it all towards this magical journey of endless possibilities. It's such a beautiful journey of self-discovery, world, and other people's character discovery, such poignant, inspirational, and motivational story. I personally felt very attached to the pyramids, as I had just done a 'Powerslave' tattoo and wasn't expecting the similarities between Santiago's dream and my current art endeavour - I've been feeling very connected to Egypt's story and the pyramids lately.
The entire book reads like a fable, with lots of beautiful quotes and thought provoking actions, I enjoyed.
“For her, everyday was the same, and when each day is the same as next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day the sun rises.”
“When you possess great treasures within you and try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed.”
“making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.”
“So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.”
The journey of the young shepherd Santiago definitely reminded me of the Fool's journey - a certain courage and fear of the unknown, but the definite want to try and give it all towards this magical journey of endless possibilities. It's such a beautiful journey of self-discovery, world, and other people's character discovery, such poignant, inspirational, and motivational story. I personally felt very attached to the pyramids, as I had just done a 'Powerslave' tattoo and wasn't expecting the similarities between Santiago's dream and my current art endeavour - I've been feeling very connected to Egypt's story and the pyramids lately.
The entire book reads like a fable, with lots of beautiful quotes and thought provoking actions, I enjoyed.
“For her, everyday was the same, and when each day is the same as next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day the sun rises.”
“When you possess great treasures within you and try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed.”
“making a decision was only the beginning of things. When someone makes a decision, he is really diving into a strong current that will carry him to places he had never dreamed of when he first made the decision.”
“So, I love you because the entire universe conspired to help me find you.”
As a beginner i read this book thinking it would be an easy read. But, the book didn’t meet my expectations. It was quite complicated
Good quick audiobook I got to listen to tonight. Was crocheting my blanket while listening to this. I appreciated the message in this book emphasizing the journey of our goals. I love how the character was scared to try something new when he was comfortable and content where he was. Showed real courage to pursue his own goals and put himself first over what was easy
adventurous
hopeful
medium-paced
adventurous
emotional
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-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:
No
Some books find you in the most curious of ways. I remember hearing an actress I admired mention Paulo Coelho as one of her favourite authors, and I tucked the name away in the back of my mind—saving it for a time when I was ready to read something meaningful. And somehow, that moment arrived with The Alchemist. Fittingly mysterious, my coming to this book feels just as fated as the journey it narrates.
What immediately struck me was the simplicity and depth of Coelho’s writing. The story is straightforward and almost dreamlike in tone, yet rich with meaning. At its heart, it’s a story about chasing your dreams—what the author calls your “Personal Legend”—and embracing the uncertainty, trials, and wonder that come with that pursuit. It reminds us that the journey is as vital as the destination, and often where the truest treasures lie.
Coelho takes the idea of following your dreams quite literally—our protagonist, simply referred to as the boy, is compelled by recurring dreams that push him to seek his purpose. The beauty of it is that we never learn his name. He is just the boy, and in being so, he becomes all of us. He could be you, me, or anyone who’s ever longed for something more.
It’s difficult to review this novella as one would a conventional novel—because it doesn’t feel like just a story. It feels like something lived. There’s a quiet, almost fable-like quality to it, filled with teachings on peace, growth, faith, and above all, listening to your heart. It draws you back to the basics—the kind of dreams we had before the world told us otherwise.
The Alchemist is a book you revisit more than once in a lifetime. It’s the kind of story that keeps you grounded, that reminds you not just of the dream you once had, but of the wisdom gained in seeking it. A real gem—one I’ll be adding to my personal library in hardback. Undoubtedly a five-star read.
It's really such a good book for young people the story is beautiful and it teaches everyone a lesson somehow....