I acquired this book at the recent recommendation of a friend--who was intentionally choosing some major changes in her life. I admire her and her spirit, so when she made the recommendation and pointed out The Alchemist was very meaningful for her in terms of her choices, I had to read it. The Alchemist is all about change--that which we choose as well as that which we may not expect. It's a story--a philosophy, if you will--of intentionally being open to change. The attitude of responsibility combined with the willingness to remain open to other than our own biases, most often enables change in directions we may want, but are not awake enough to recognize. I too, like most of us, am going through major change--intentionally. I read The Alchemist and recommend it to all who seriously believe we MUST continue learning and improving ourselves--and environment around us.Read full review
Good day, readers! I actually stumbled on this simplistic, realistic and great fable. My 22 year old daughter and I were talking about life’s paths; the distractions, responsibilities for one’s self and to others in the pursuit of one’s dreams or goals. She included in her email a YouTube reference with interview’s of Will Smith as he was interviewed by several renowned journalist. I watched all the interviews, however only one was noticeable as he spoke about the author Paulo Coelho’s book “The Alchemist”. It’s not what he said but how he said it that made want to buy the book. (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tPTTN8WZ7kM&feature=player_embedded#) Consequently I purchased the book here eBay and finished it in about a day and half. This is the first book I read by Paulo Coelho. The story is focused on a young shepherd boy and the extreme lengths that he will forge through to follow his dream. With untimely consequences and circumstances, he finds himself at unexpected situations and places but never the less, he surges on towards his quest no matter how hard the journey gets. The story reawakens the reader, and offers him/her a renewed sense of wonder, inspiration, and hope. Coelho skillfully shows us the importance of the journey to realizing our "personal legends" and finding our "treasures" in life. In discovering and achieving our own heart’s desires, we learn so many things about life, others, and ourselves. Things may not always go as planned, but with determination life's ambiguities start to make sense, and our hearts will lead us through the obstacles placed in our paths: "when you really want something, the universe conspires in your favor." The Alchemist is a story of courage and believing, of love and patience that binds us together in following our dreams and living it out. I have since purchased,”The Pilgrimage” and The “Warrior of Light”. Buy it! Read it! Share it!Read full review
I'll start by stating I've never read a "Self Help" book. A friend of mine I'd not spoken to in over 25 years recommended the book to me after we had reconnected and I began to share my story with her. The book was powerful for me. As the story unfolded and the meaning of it’s content began to reveal itself, I had to stop reading on several occasions as I became overwhelmed. It had a very positive impact on my life reconfirming thoughts and philosophies that I embraced long ago but had gradually lost sight of with age. I think everyone should invest their time to read it, especially those standing at a major crossroad in their life. The author’s intent is pure and without prejudice. . The book is extremely well written but in the simplest of forms. After reading it... I took several steps back, regrouped physically and mentally, and then started walking forward again. I purchased five more books and sent them to friends and family members.Read full review
This book is written as a fable and the reader will easily be able to see that it’s just a story but the underlying themes and morals seem to relate directly to some part of my life. A quick read finished in a day, well worth it
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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