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3.62 AVERAGE
3.62 AVERAGE
inspiring
fast-paced
This is not a Christian book. Or maybe it is, depending on who you ask. If you ask the (historical) Christian he will tell you that this is not a Christian book. If you ask the Alchemist, he will tell you that this *is* a Christian book because to the Alchemist all things are just One Thing. Though wrapped in Christian (and sometimes Muslim) language, this book is certainly about alchemy but maybe not in the way you imagine. You’ve likely heard that alchemy is concerned with the transformation of metals into gold or maybe that it’s about developing the elixir of life which cures all diseases and grants eternal life. And you wouldn’t be wrong, but not all would agree that you are exactly right. As is the case with so many ancient spiritual texts (Christian ones included) their treasure is buried under a literal reading. The alchemy of The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is about spiritual transformation of the person, not chemical transformation of the elements. In his own words, “ ‘This is why alchemy exists,’ the boy said. ‘So that everyone will search for his treasure, find it, and then want to be better than he was in his former life. Lead will play its role until the world has no further need for lead; and then lead will have to turn itself into gold. That’s what alchemists do. They show that, when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too … Love is the force that transforms and improves the Soul of the World … Because when we love, we always strive to become better than we are’ “ (155). I’d say this is a book about mysticism. But it’s also about courage and love. It was a very easy and pleasurable story that I will likely read again. Stay curious. Read. And above all, love
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
reflective
sad
fast-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
adventurous
inspiring
lighthearted
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
i once had a dream, but never mind, it is what it is (don't get me wrong, this book is delightful—specially the first half—just not for me).
I listened to an audiobook version of this novel. I enjoyed listening to it, and don't understand all the extremely negative reviews for it on Goodreads. By no means is this an instant classic, but it was interesting allegorical story. The writing style reminded me of [b:Candide|19380|Candide|Voltaire|https://d202m5krfqbpi5.cloudfront.net/books/1345060082s/19380.jpg|2833018] in a way, possibly because both were translated from romance languages?
adventurous
challenging
hopeful
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
N/A
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated