Overall Rating and Opinion of "The Alchemist"

Discuss the September 2014 book of the month, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
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How do you rate The Alchemist?

1 star - poor, recommend against reading it
7
3%
2 stars - fair, okay
15
7%
3 stars - good, recommend it
68
33%
4 stars - excellent, amazing
118
57%
 
Total votes: 208

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Brenna+3
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Re: Overall Rating and Opinion of "The Alchemist"

Post by Brenna+3 »

"THe Alchemist" was a great book. I kept waiting to see who our hero would meet next on his journey.
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Maggie777
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Post by Maggie777 »

One of my favourite books. I read the book when I was in my most difficult times and when I lost all the hope. This book makes me believe in me once again such a beautiful story.
Sauroke
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Post by Sauroke »

On my reading list, I have 3 other books to finish before starting. After some of the reviews, I am excited to get into it!
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Post by srkilgour »

I definitely prejudged this book by its title and cover thinking this would not be my type of book at all. I was pleasantly surprised how much I enjoyed this book. It really gives you a nice new positive view on life and accomplishing the things you have set out to do. I am definitely recommending this book to all my friends! So glad it was the book of the month or I would have never read it!
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Zannie
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Post by Zannie »

Unlike the other book club books I used an audio book version and completed it in one day. I don't normally use audio books and rarely have the time to complete a book in one sitting. I was rather sick and could not hold a book or keep my eyes open. So I was able to play THE ALCHEMIST and drift off into another world. I found this world believable and entertaining. As the narrative progressed I was able to visualise is so clearly that it was like a movie being played. If you are after an adventure that you can visualise and complete fairly quickly then I would recommend this book for you.
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drs Dawn
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Post by drs Dawn »

This book is on my to read list. It sounds from the posts it is one to read twice. Will be purchasing one this weekend.
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Vivian21
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Post by Vivian21 »

I've yet to read it. I've heard it's great, though and want to purchase it sometime next week.
clmartz
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Post by clmartz »

I had seen quite a hold list at the library for the particular novel, and was intrigued as to what it was about. It was a quick read, as I finished in about a day, but thoroughly enjoyed the adventures of our young shepherd. I finished reading this with a smile on my face, and a warmth that surrounded the rest of my day. It was wonderful story-telling, and a book I may soon purchase (rather than just borrow), as I believe I will be reading this one for years to come. Great message of perseverance, and finding your way in the world.
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PluviophileReader
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Post by PluviophileReader »

It's crazy to think that this book has been out for 10 years and I'm just getting to it now. However, I read this at an ideal point in my life. A few months ago I got laid off from my desk job and I after years of deliberation I finally decided that it was a good time to give my dream of being a writer of some sorts a shot. This book has helped me to solidify my position in continuing to pursue this dream.

The Alchemist, I imagine is also the authors story of inspiration, as the author also to took years to finally go out and pursue his own Personal Legend and become a writer. A choice, which has paid off for him immensely. As the book states, the universe comes together to help someone who is pursuing their Personal Legend.

While the young boy in the story encounters some trials in his journey, he never seemed too discouraged and made it all look very easy to listen to your heart. I only wish that I could handle my own life with the same grace and that my own decisions in pursuing my own Personal Legend were that easy. Ultimately though the story is supposed to keep the reader encouraged in pursuing their Personal Legends and it definitely did accomplish that.
The only person you are destined to become is the person you decide to be.”
― Ralph Waldo Emerson
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ashleyalanarx90
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Post by ashleyalanarx90 »

I'm very excited to begin this book! I have it from when it was on my "Summer Reading List" from my freshman year in college. I came across my copy a few days ago when I was cleaning out some of my old textbooks. I noticed a small paperback book laying in the bottom of the box, turns out it was The Alchemist. I was very excited. I wish I remembered enough from it then (I read my microbiology book much more closely than The Alchemist at the time), but I am looking forward to reading it very soon. I wish I could contribute more of an opinion, but I'm very interested in reading it next after reading the comments.

Ashley
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ChelseaViljoen
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Post by ChelseaViljoen »

The Alchemist is a wonderful read; I have actually read it several times. It's heart warming theme and positive view point makes it a book you can pick up anytime you are feeling down or defeated.
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klastra88
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Post by klastra88 »

I just joined this fabulous Online Book Club and I could not be more excited about getting started. Coincidentally, a friend of mine just referred this book to me and it happened to be the first post I saw when browsing the forums. I am putting this book next on my reading list. It just seems like it is meant to be.

-- 29 Sep 2014, 12:39 --
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miztree46
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Post by miztree46 »

This story was very inspirational. I liked that the author showed that even an ordinary person can experience extraordinary life things in his life. I give it 4 stars. :)
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mandap24
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Post by mandap24 »

The Alchemist is a book that found me at a time in my life where I needed to be reminded about "hope". The story is inspirational and I believe anybody with an open mind can learn something, possibly about themselves, from the book. It gives off a overall positive message as "hope" comes alive through Santiago's journey. One thing I learned from The Alchemist is that the journey is just as important as the destination or one's personal legend.

Coelho created a thought-provoking story with The Alchemist, and by writing such strong characters that not only guide Santiago but the reader along the way of the journey through the story. I definitely think this is a book that should be read by everyone at least once in their lives. The pacing of the story is done excellently, although it slows down in the middle, and it makes the book a fast read so enjoy the story while it lasts!
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TGarbett72
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Post by TGarbett72 »

I read this book when I worked at a coles bookstore location and I found it to be a fairly easy read. Kept my attention and very eye opening to how to see the world. Would recommend anyone to read it!
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