Books : The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream

Rating: - A good read but somewhat over-rated
A readable fable of a shepherd boy, Santiago's journey of self-discovery. The book begins with some promise - it is quite easy to relate to the main character and many of his experiences. The character of Santiago is developed well and I felt most readers would be able to empathise with him.

Toward the end of the journey however, the author lost me somewhat with some confusing events/ metaphors. In the context of the book it appeared to me as though the author had reached some point on the journey which he had not experienced himself or could not adequately express his experience with the consistent simplicity of the rest of the book. To me it seemed like he decided to throw in a bit of chaos to cover this up which was disappointing.

The story as a whole and the driving concept of the book .. i.e. to follow your dreams certainly comes through regardless and overall it is enjoyable... I cannot help but feel though that something is lacking.

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Rating: - Seize the Day!
Tried several of his other books, this one is by far the best. A very readable book. In its simple way it tells you if you take the risk it may pay off, don't take the risk and you will never have the adventure.

Can be taken as fable or as just a story. Either way it is satisfying.

The person who recommended it to me said that it had "changed their life!" Surprisingly it changed mine - I risked an adventure, but I had been putting it off for some time - Seize the day and live your dream!

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Rating: - Simple tale wonderfully written
I have read most of the reviews here for this book and mostly I think they are spot on. It was not a life changing book for me, but I can understand it may be for some. It is very well written and one of those books were you just keep reading and turning the page. I found a lot of the ideas in the book made me think a lot and consider, perhaps, things that I had forgotten. But to sumarise its a simple tale of a boy and his journey and the people, and ideas he encouters, and ultimately these change his lfe and his outlook on life. It is so well written and very thought provoking....give it a go, and you will not be dissapointed.

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Rating: - Unexpected
I have just finished reading this book and I have to say it wasn't at all what I expected. My friend lent it to me and was explaining what Alchemy was, which then kinda put me off reading the book for a while as it sounded quite dull.
When I eventually picked the book up I was shocked at how easy to read it was the pages flow like an eternal stream which really makes it easy to take in the message the book is giving you.
I find myself now thinking of this book when I feel low or stressed remembering how important each day is and how lucky we are to feel love in our lives or just to be able to experience something new everyday if we just open our eyes to our world.
It really is a book for everyone and it does not lecture or dictate what is right or wrong. For me it was just telling me that it is my life and it is up to me to enjoy it.

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Rating: - You Will See Yourself In a Mirror For the First Time
Do Not Buy this book and expect it to change your life. It is a book! However, read the story with an open mind and be prepared to be uplifed and inspired. You interpret the book the way in which it works for you. There is a very strong but personal message inside for everyone of us if you are prepared to follow your dream.

Basically the book is about a shepherd boy who follows his dream to Egypt. What more can be said except, follow your own dream and be inspired.