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“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
A very interesting book about following your destiny and what that means.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Violence, War
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
mysterious
reflective
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, War
Minor: Drug use, Alcohol
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
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
"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho had me hooked from beginning to end. The book tells the story of Santiago, a shepherd boy who embarks on a journey in search of his Personal Legend. Coelho weaves together themes of destiny, perseverance, and the pursuit of one's dreams in a way that felt both relatable and inspiring.
The story itself is both character and plot-driven, with Santiago's personal growth and development being the driving force behind the narrative. I appreciated the attention given to Santiago's flaws and the struggles he faced along the way, which made his eventual triumph all the more satisfying.
One of the few criticisms I had of the book was the lack of diversity among the characters. While I understand that the story is set in a particular time and place, it would have been nice to see a wider range of perspectives and experiences represented.
Overall, "The Alchemist" was a captivating and thought-provoking read that I would highly recommend to anyone looking for a lighthearted yet meaningful story.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist, page 22.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist, page 22.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence
adventurous
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Minor: Death, Physical abuse, Violence, Alcohol, War, Classism
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Content Warnings
Moderate: Racism, Violence
adventurous
emotional
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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence, War
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
The Alchemist is a pretty quick read with good pacing. The book focuses on Santiago, a shepherd who gives up his life he knows with the sheep to discover his "Personal Legend."
The latter half of the book swung towards a lukewarm evangelical "trust in God" message, but generally has an uplifting and lighthearted message. I wasn't totally sold on the philosophically feel-good Christian angle Coelho gives in the last half but overall the story has a satisfying character development in Santiago and an ending that put a smile on my face.
The latter half of the book swung towards a lukewarm evangelical "trust in God" message, but generally has an uplifting and lighthearted message. I wasn't totally sold on the philosophically feel-good Christian angle Coelho gives in the last half but overall the story has a satisfying character development in Santiago and an ending that put a smile on my face.
Content Warnings
Minor: Violence
Violent scenes are written in (starting with the Oasis arc) but they aren't incredibly jarring nor are they graphic.
adventurous
inspiring
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Content Warnings
Graphic: Violence, War
hopeful
inspiring
slow-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
Content Warnings
Moderate: Violence
Minor: Racism, Alcohol
adventurous
hopeful
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
No
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
seldom have i read such a wise and thoughtful book. it undoubtedly is 'a fable about following your dream'. it's adventurous and romantic and so peaceful. absolutely enticing!
the message about following your heart and 'personal legend' was a little repetitive, which made the last third of the book somewhat boring, but the ending was quite satisfying nevertheless.
the message about following your heart and 'personal legend' was a little repetitive, which made the last third of the book somewhat boring, but the ending was quite satisfying nevertheless.
Content Warnings
Moderate: War
Minor: Physical abuse, Violence, Blood, Alcohol