Comments (165)

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1 to 25 of 165 items
Jan 09, 2024blue_hawk_1992 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
The Alchemist follows the journey of Santiago, a shepherd boy, as he embarks on a quest to fulfill his dreams. Along the way, Santiago encounters various characters and experiences, including a crystal merchant, an Englishman studying…
Dec 15, 2023yechin rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
A pleasant read with a timeless message, but lacks the depth and complexity to truly captivate.
Nov 18, 2023quixoticlife rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
Like a motivational poster stretched into a novella, this book is not half the tale of The Little Prince, to which it's sometimes compared. Characters are two-dimensional vehicles to move the protagonist, Santiago (named in the first line…
Sep 12, 2023jayrule rated this title 3.5 out of 5 stars
I was expecting more from this book because there was such a long wait list for this and it was highly recommended. I found the story to be dreamy but lacking fullness. I found it a bit underwhelming. Too much hype and not enough substance.
Aug 15, 2023corinthianwrong rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
The juxtaposition of the harsh realities of life with the whimsical aspirations of a young shepherd's journey creates a story unlike others. This tale portrays the lessons of reality through a fictional lens. The message is heart-warming,…
Jul 31, 2023AndrewLi07 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist" is an allegorical novel that follows a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago on a journey to discover his personal legend. Along the way, he encounters a series of characters who teach him about listening…
Jul 21, 20234ashmita rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
In “The Alchemist" book, the story follows Santiago, a young shepherd boy who embarks on a journey in search of a hidden treasure in Egypt, guided by a recurring dream. Along his path, he encounters various characters who impart wisdom…
Jun 28, 2023paulcolucci rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Truly remarkable how Coelho crafted such an agelessly beautiful tale that explored such deep themes as destiny, fate, and universal interconnection without completely losing the reader's attention and concentration. Those who take issue…
May 06, 2023green_antelope_1078 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho is a must-read. In this book, the author teaches many valuable life lessons to the reader in a creative way, telling a story about a shepherd who is on a journey to find his true purpose in life. I have…
Mar 30, 2023batrickpateman rated this title 2 out of 5 stars
Very mid. It tries too hard to be deep. It's not good but not bad either. A good starter option for those looking to get into reading more books.
Mar 27, 2023christinalmn rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
There is much symbolism in this allegorical book. Love, purpose, connection, living simply, fear, responsibility and faith are just a few of the themes in the book. I liked the story but sometimes there was too much to interpret. I…
Feb 26, 2023Mnmmitsch rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
I loved this book. Lyrical and full of beautiful imagery, Coelho’s allegory is a quick read that encourages introspection around one’s life choices—and forces the reader to ask whether, like many of the characters we meet in the book, we…
Feb 06, 2023Arun_5 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, centers around an Andalusian shepherd named Santiago. The story follows his search for the treasure buried near the Egyptian Pyramids which he has frequently dreamt of. Along the way, he makes difficult…
Jan 25, 2023
The Alchemist is always brought up when talking about philosophical forward fiction and for good reason. It's allegorical, mystical, dreamlike, and full of wisdom -- all while being beautifully simple.
Jan 25, 2023katjespin rated this title 0.5 out of 5 stars
By god I hated this book. Turgid, simplistic, Panglossian musings wrapped up in an unrelentingly boring allegory. Follow one of those accounts on IG that spews out 5 "deep thoughts" a day and you'll be better off.
Nov 01, 2022mj_jam rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho, is a story about a young shepherd boy named Santiago. Santiago has a dream when he slept under a tree under an old church, which told him to seek out gold near the ancient Egyptian pyramids. Santiago talks…
Sep 22, 2022lfaris66 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
These quotes sum of the message of The Alchemist perfectly.... “There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” “The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight…
Sep 20, 2022Hellter rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
I will become the wind, and I will do it out of love. For love is the force that can change the soul of the world.
Sep 05, 2022brad_93 rated this title 4.5 out of 5 stars
This book focuses on people who are lost in the materialistic world and have deviated from their dreams. It follows our main character, Santiago, a shepherd boy who dreams of travelling the world and discovering treasures, and is…
Sep 04, 2022annaj2006 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
The Alchemist is about Santiago, a boy who goes on a journey to find his Personal Legend. After experiencing a recurring dream, he begins to look for a treasure that is in Egypt at the pyramids. While travelling to find his treasure, he…
Aug 04, 2022mikey69 rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Set in Spain and Saharan Africa, THE ALCHEMIST is an allegorical tale about finding one's fit. That place one is meant to be. Cleverly written, it traces the quest taken on by a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago which leads him to…
May 12, 2022
International bestselling author of twenty-eight novels.
May 04, 2022hao1234 rated this title 5 out of 5 stars
This novel can teach you patience, perseverance, and what really matters in this journey. The characters are memorable, likable, and easy to relate to no matter what background you come from. This is one of the few books I can read once…
Apr 28, 2022mccavend rated this title 4 out of 5 stars
Awesome light-read about the importance of following your dreams and achieving your personal goals. Definitely recommend!
Mar 09, 2022black_hawk_133 rated this title 3 out of 5 stars
A philosophical story of a young Spanish boy who is going for his dream (literary!) to find a treasure close to the pyramids in Egypt. He meets people on the way, and each teach him a little something. Read easily, pace a little slow. …