Read Ye Now
The Alchemist
Paulo Coelho
HarperSanFrancisco, 1993
ISBN 0-06-250218-2
Amazon Link
Since the front cover hails this as an "International Bestselling Phenomenon," chances are you've already read it. If not, what are you waiting for?
I believe this book got mixed reviews. Those who love it, adore it. They've formed a kind of cult following for the particular brand of spiritual quest depicted in what Coelho calls "A Fable About Following Your Dream."
The literary cynics don't particularly care for it. It's a little too easy to read and a little too uplifting for them. It isn't just a book about following dreams; it's also about finding God and spiritual purpose for life along the path.
The religious critics aren't likely to embrace it any more enthusiastically than the unbelievers, though. Young Santiago's quest is as mystical as it is religious. Hence, the subtitle "Fable."
However, for those looking to simply enjoy a good book with a positive message, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read full of genuinely uplifting home truths and other points to ponder.
I'll leave you with this passage as a little taste of the kind of truth you'll get from Coelho:
"My Heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky.
"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."
Paulo Coelho
HarperSanFrancisco, 1993
ISBN 0-06-250218-2
Amazon Link
Since the front cover hails this as an "International Bestselling Phenomenon," chances are you've already read it. If not, what are you waiting for?
I believe this book got mixed reviews. Those who love it, adore it. They've formed a kind of cult following for the particular brand of spiritual quest depicted in what Coelho calls "A Fable About Following Your Dream."
The literary cynics don't particularly care for it. It's a little too easy to read and a little too uplifting for them. It isn't just a book about following dreams; it's also about finding God and spiritual purpose for life along the path.
The religious critics aren't likely to embrace it any more enthusiastically than the unbelievers, though. Young Santiago's quest is as mystical as it is religious. Hence, the subtitle "Fable."
However, for those looking to simply enjoy a good book with a positive message, this is a thoroughly enjoyable read full of genuinely uplifting home truths and other points to ponder.
I'll leave you with this passage as a little taste of the kind of truth you'll get from Coelho:
"My Heart is afraid that it will have to suffer," the boy told the alchemist one night as they looked up at the moonless sky.
"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."
posted by Sharon Gerald | 5:03 PM
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