From Paulo Coelho, author of the international bestseller "The Alchemist," comes a poignant, richly poetic story that reflects the depth of lov... read full description
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Dec 17, 2009
P. Cookie
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I have just experienced a wonderful and enlightening love story that has moved me deeply. Indeed, Paulo Coelho's "By The River Piedra I Sat Down And Wept" is a must read for people who have lost, found, or still seeking for love.
I have made some references to this novel in some of my past blogs. But now, I am writing more about it on my personal realizations after experiencing this enigmatic literary work.
I have jotted down some lines from the book that stru More...
I have made some references to this novel in some of my past blogs. But now, I am writing more about it on my personal realizations after experiencing this enigmatic literary work.
I have jotted down some lines from the book that stru More...
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Jun 26, 2010
Michel
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Thank you, Mr Coelho.
At a time when my parents and my son are dying, and can't accept love, help and support, this one paragraph in your Author's Note gave me joy and hope:
"But ultimately there is no good reason for our suffering, for in every love lies the seed of our growth. The more we love, the closer we come to a spiritual experience. Those who are truly enlightened, those whose souls are illuminated by love, have been able to overcome all the inhibitions... They have bee More...
At a time when my parents and my son are dying, and can't accept love, help and support, this one paragraph in your Author's Note gave me joy and hope:
"But ultimately there is no good reason for our suffering, for in every love lies the seed of our growth. The more we love, the closer we come to a spiritual experience. Those who are truly enlightened, those whose souls are illuminated by love, have been able to overcome all the inhibitions... They have bee More...
May 01, 2008
Amy
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By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept" tells of Pilar, a frustrated scholar looking for some greater meaning in the endless cycle of her days. When a childhood friend contacts her, she is surprised to learn that her former playmate is now a charismatic spiritual leader, someone revered as a miracle worker. She is even more astonished when he reveals that Pilar has always been his great love. Confused by this sudden opportunity for a new chance at life, Pilar gradually comes to realize tha
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Apr 07, 2011
Rine
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Pilar is like all the other woman from the barrio who is smart and has her life all planned. But as she visits a childhood friend that she secretly loves. She embarks in a journey that will give her a chance to rebuild her life and have the gift to love ones again.
As she meets her childhood friend, she eventually not only learns that this guy had planned to enter the seminary but also that he is a visionary of the Virgin Mary and he is able perform miracles by curing. She then leaves the no More...
As she meets her childhood friend, she eventually not only learns that this guy had planned to enter the seminary but also that he is a visionary of the Virgin Mary and he is able perform miracles by curing. She then leaves the no More...
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Jul 08, 2011
Nikita T.
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“By the River Piedra I sat down and wept. There is a legend that everything falls into the waters of this river – leaves, insects, the feathers of bird – is transformed into the rocks that make the riverbed. If only I could tear out my heart and hurl it into the current, then my pain and longing would be over, and I could finally forget.”
And so the novel starts out. The most beautiful opening paragraph I’ve ever read in my life. And unless you are heartless or have never been in lov More...
And so the novel starts out. The most beautiful opening paragraph I’ve ever read in my life. And unless you are heartless or have never been in lov More...
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Nov 20, 2008
Ancilla
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This is another book of Coelho which couldn't give me satisfaction as what The Alchemist does. I learn a lot from The Alchemist.
However, it still a nice one.
It gives proof that Coelho has a deep knowledge and skills about diverse religions, although it is clear that that He has more about Christianity. However, it might be hard for those non-Christianity readers when they read this book (this is only a guess).
Above all, I do believe that GOD has feminine face. Why More...
However, it still a nice one.
It gives proof that Coelho has a deep knowledge and skills about diverse religions, although it is clear that that He has more about Christianity. However, it might be hard for those non-Christianity readers when they read this book (this is only a guess).
Above all, I do believe that GOD has feminine face. Why More...
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Nov 21, 2011
Franchesca
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Like a certain book collector known to wake up every morning and arrange his books, I woke up and felt that irresistible urge to fiddle with my books: check them, arrange them. It was then that I decided to spend the not so unusual evening by re-reading Coelho's book. I realized as I reached the middle that IT IS AN INTENSE BOOK. Re-reading books are always good, especially those that befuddled you at first read and leave you hanging, forever contemplating the mystery behind the lack of...someth
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Dec 28, 2007
Somayeh
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سعی کن زندگی کنی خاطره مال پیرمردها و پیر زنهاست.
خداوند هر روز لحظه ای را به مه می بخشد که در آن می توانیم هر آنجه را که ما را ناشاد می کند دگرگون کتیم.
خدا همان است، هرچند هزار نام دارد، اما آدمی باید نامی را انتخاب کند تا او را به آن بخواند.
اگر کسی ما را بخواهد همه ما را میخواهند. اما اگر تنها باشیم تنهاترهم میشویم.
این که بدانی در راه درست هستی یک چیز است اما این که فکر کنی راه درست فقط همین است، چیز دیگری است. More...
خداوند هر روز لحظه ای را به مه می بخشد که در آن می توانیم هر آنجه را که ما را ناشاد می کند دگرگون کتیم.
خدا همان است، هرچند هزار نام دارد، اما آدمی باید نامی را انتخاب کند تا او را به آن بخواند.
اگر کسی ما را بخواهد همه ما را میخواهند. اما اگر تنها باشیم تنهاترهم میشویم.
این که بدانی در راه درست هستی یک چیز است اما این که فکر کنی راه درست فقط همین است، چیز دیگری است. More...
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Jan 09, 2009
Jacqui
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A very thought provoking book about exploring the Feminine face of God and how our lives expand when we consider for a minute that 1. it is not only men who are made in the image of God, but 2. as women God also speaks in and through us and grants us access to an incredible wisdom -- if only we would embrace it.
The book focuses on the relationship between Pilar and her childhood friend who is becoming a priest and can perform miracles through his dedication to the Blessed Mother. He More...
The book focuses on the relationship between Pilar and her childhood friend who is becoming a priest and can perform miracles through his dedication to the Blessed Mother. He More...
Dec 25, 2008
Dhini
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saya baca buku ini sampai sekitar 5 x ...! karena terlalu bagusnya sampai bikin saya ga paham kalau hanya satu kali baca...
disamping itu, terus terang, ada bagian yang harus saya baca dengan hati-hati agar tidak salah memahami maksud sang penulis.. bagian yang saya maksud adalah yang membahas tentang sisi feminin Tuhan...
alur cerita dan latar belakang suasana yang ditampilkan, bagi saya terasa begitu syahdu..romantis..cenderung suci karena kental dengan unsur spiritual More...
disamping itu, terus terang, ada bagian yang harus saya baca dengan hati-hati agar tidak salah memahami maksud sang penulis.. bagian yang saya maksud adalah yang membahas tentang sisi feminin Tuhan...
alur cerita dan latar belakang suasana yang ditampilkan, bagi saya terasa begitu syahdu..romantis..cenderung suci karena kental dengan unsur spiritual More...
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Jan 09, 2012
Laie
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Excerpts from Paulo Coehlo’s “By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept”
The heart decides, and what it decides is all that really matters.
At some point, we have each said through our tears, “I’m suffering for a love that’s not worth it.” We suffer because we feel we are giving more than we receive. We suffer because our love is going unrecognized. We suffer because we are unable to impose our own rules.
True love is an act of total surrender.
One doesn’t love More...
The heart decides, and what it decides is all that really matters.
At some point, we have each said through our tears, “I’m suffering for a love that’s not worth it.” We suffer because we feel we are giving more than we receive. We suffer because our love is going unrecognized. We suffer because we are unable to impose our own rules.
True love is an act of total surrender.
One doesn’t love More...
Nov 05, 2011
Ana
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MY FAVORITE LINES FROM THE BOOK:
At some point, we have each said through our tears, “I’m suffering for a love that’s not worth it.” We suffer because we feel we are giving more than we receive. We suffer because our love is going unrecognized. We suffer because we are unable to impose our own rules.
True love is an act of total surrender.
You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happ More...
At some point, we have each said through our tears, “I’m suffering for a love that’s not worth it.” We suffer because we feel we are giving more than we receive. We suffer because our love is going unrecognized. We suffer because we are unable to impose our own rules.
True love is an act of total surrender.
You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happ More...
Oct 20, 2011
Andrew
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Maybe it was a poor translation, maybe I just didn’t understand all the references to Catholicism or maybe I am not ‘spiritual’ enough, but in my opinion this book is terrible. It reads like a childish parable/love-story that an 11 year-old would write.
Nothing happens in this ‘follow-your-heart’ novel, except that a women meets up again with her childhood crush and falls for him again. Apparently she could only do this because she had let God into her heart, after many years of not More...
Nothing happens in this ‘follow-your-heart’ novel, except that a women meets up again with her childhood crush and falls for him again. Apparently she could only do this because she had let God into her heart, after many years of not More...
Sep 30, 2011
Andrea
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I felt very identified with this book as the circumstances of the young woman in this story were similar with mine. This book didn't only interest me for its quotes and plot, but also for its resolution. That resolution was actually the answer I was looking for in my previous circumstances. I got to understand and see clearly some aspects of human behavior that I overlooked before. This helped me understand my frustration and therefore keep a peaceful mind.
The thing with Paulo's books is th More...
The thing with Paulo's books is th More...
Sep 18, 2011
Angie
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Pienso que al final el amor siempre triunfa. Si dos personas desean estar juntas para siempre, asi sera. No importa los obstaculos, como este libro nos ensena. Pilar tuvo miedo de volver a reencontrarse con su amigo de infancia porque sabia que habia un sentimiento latente. Los dos viajan juntos y se dan cuenta que ese sentimiento es mutuo y deciden arriesgarlo todo. El, siendo un seminarista y teniendo el don de sanar a la gente, sabe que no puede seguirlo haciendo si es que desea entregarse a
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Aug 07, 2011
Jhen
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It is said that there is a small difference between fiction and reality - the former has to make sense. Dwelling into the cryptic reality, which itself is a vague concept, fiction has to choose precious gems to stand guard of its very own purpose. Given the boundaries and possible temptations, fictional sayings often tend to digress, and hence go redundant into the literary paraphernalia. The mid way between the extremes is the only path to ’Santiago’, to salvation. And the one who knows the lim
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Jul 28, 2011
Maria
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Novel yang sangat indah..
Novel ini bercerita banyak tentang cinta dan kehidupan spiritual, termasuk campuran yang rumit antara keduanya. Di dalamnya juga banyak ungkapan - ungkapan cinta yang syahdu dan bermakna sangat dalam..
Berkisah tentang seorang wanita, Pilar yang menemukan kembali cinta pertamanya sejak belasan tahun berpisah. Cinta yang dahulu tumbuh di hati masing2 dari mereka, namun malu untuk diungkapkan. Pilar tumbuh menjadi wanita dewasa yang tegar, yang mampu meng More...
Novel ini bercerita banyak tentang cinta dan kehidupan spiritual, termasuk campuran yang rumit antara keduanya. Di dalamnya juga banyak ungkapan - ungkapan cinta yang syahdu dan bermakna sangat dalam..
Berkisah tentang seorang wanita, Pilar yang menemukan kembali cinta pertamanya sejak belasan tahun berpisah. Cinta yang dahulu tumbuh di hati masing2 dari mereka, namun malu untuk diungkapkan. Pilar tumbuh menjadi wanita dewasa yang tegar, yang mampu meng More...
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Apr 19, 2011
Neeraja
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According to legend, the river Piedra was so cold and frigid that anything that fell into it - leaves, stones, feathers...all turned to stone. Kind of a black-hole, into which one could hurl anything that they wanted to purge and exorcise out of them. Over the banks sits a woman, furiously writing down her life's story to be flung into the river; to forget, to heal, to extinguish her flaming agony. The book contains her story.
I expected a dramatic tale to unfold from the woman in this More...
I expected a dramatic tale to unfold from the woman in this More...
Feb 26, 2011
Riana
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this book was a joke.
horrible, pretentious, verbose, and yet basically content-free language - which in itself might be seen as quite an achievement if you're trying to do really bad writing.
and the content....?! uummmmm, empty, trite banalities and cliches. - i really dont understand how anyone who has even spent a *minute* reflecting on any philosophical question would get any sort of insight out of such a book!
as i remember it, the outline of the plot even so More...
horrible, pretentious, verbose, and yet basically content-free language - which in itself might be seen as quite an achievement if you're trying to do really bad writing.
and the content....?! uummmmm, empty, trite banalities and cliches. - i really dont understand how anyone who has even spent a *minute* reflecting on any philosophical question would get any sort of insight out of such a book!
as i remember it, the outline of the plot even so More...
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Jan 29, 2011
Mathilda
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i so badly wanted to like this book, but i couldn't bring myself to do so. this book is deeply depressing on its view of love and entirely different from how i perceive love. to summarize this book, it is as if to say "falling in love" with many women the guy met is so easy. and to make love to whomever he met or "fell in love" with, in my world, i call that something that starts with F. nobody falls in love so often too many times. nobody does. if they do, it's just lust thr
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Jan 03, 2011
Brittany
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“Embrace the Magic Moment”
I knew the author Paulo Coelho for his writing of The Alchemist and was excited to read By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept: A Novel of Forgiveness, which was given to me by a friend. This book is a beautiful, hopeful and spiritual read. The author masterfully used a fictional journey to tell a beautiful story based on love and being open to the daily occurrence of miracles. He uses Mary, the Mother of God as the core of this love and believes in the fe More...
I knew the author Paulo Coelho for his writing of The Alchemist and was excited to read By The River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept: A Novel of Forgiveness, which was given to me by a friend. This book is a beautiful, hopeful and spiritual read. The author masterfully used a fictional journey to tell a beautiful story based on love and being open to the daily occurrence of miracles. He uses Mary, the Mother of God as the core of this love and believes in the fe More...
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Nov 11, 2010
htanzil
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Kisah Cinta adalah kisah yang tak habis digali oleh para penulis novel. Kisah Cinta memang dapat ditulis dari berbagai sudut pandang sesuai dengan gaya dan karakter dari si penulis yang dengan imajinasinya meramu kisahnya menjadi kisah cinta yang menarik untuk dibaca.
Novel ini ditulis oleh Paulo Coelho, penulis novel terkenal "Sang Alkemis" Walau novelnya kali ini bertema cinta, namun di tangan Coelho novel ini menjadi sebuah kisah cinta yang 'tidak biasa' karena dibalut deng More...
Novel ini ditulis oleh Paulo Coelho, penulis novel terkenal "Sang Alkemis" Walau novelnya kali ini bertema cinta, namun di tangan Coelho novel ini menjadi sebuah kisah cinta yang 'tidak biasa' karena dibalut deng More...
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Nov 07, 2010
Heba
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The process of telling a story, living it AGAIN or for the first time is the only way to growing and reaching a resolution with a better view of everything.
This man was born a story teller.
roads are made to be traveled
.and stories to be read
'' I noticed that his voice hadn't changed. But his words certainly had.''
Development of the character.
This is the exact defination of every book and story told. It justifies the pain and rising actions for the sake More...
This man was born a story teller.
roads are made to be traveled
.and stories to be read
'' I noticed that his voice hadn't changed. But his words certainly had.''
Development of the character.
This is the exact defination of every book and story told. It justifies the pain and rising actions for the sake More...
Sep 21, 2010
Vicki
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I have read several other books by Paulo Coelho and I really liked most of them. "By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept" also did not disappoint me.
The story starts with the narration of "Pillar." She introduces the reader to her childhood friend, whom she never gives out his real name, always addressing him as "him."
When I read the cover of this book, it said "A Novel of Forgiveness," so I assumed that the story was about Pillar More...
The story starts with the narration of "Pillar." She introduces the reader to her childhood friend, whom she never gives out his real name, always addressing him as "him."
When I read the cover of this book, it said "A Novel of Forgiveness," so I assumed that the story was about Pillar More...
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Sep 20, 2010
Yolis
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This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers.
To view it, click here
Aug 25, 2010
Sanjeev
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'BY THE RIVER PIEDRA I SAT DOWN AND WEPT'-PAULO COELHO.
review:
this novel of love starts with quote like "you have to take risks,we will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen".a strong line for normal thinker and he goes on with some romantic quotes like "think about the loved one three minutes, then you forget about him three hours", then "you'll think about him three hours and forget him for three minutes" and More...
review:
this novel of love starts with quote like "you have to take risks,we will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen".a strong line for normal thinker and he goes on with some romantic quotes like "think about the loved one three minutes, then you forget about him three hours", then "you'll think about him three hours and forget him for three minutes" and More...
Jun 04, 2010
Lutfi
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Kmrin pas nyelesain baca novel ini kebetulan seorang paleoantropolog sepuh kenalanku jadi salah satu pembicara di pertemuan pengikut ajaran Ki Ageng Suryo Mataraman. Dalam pertemuan tadi dia ngebandingin antara ajaran tersebut dengan agama formal. Beberapa peserta keberatan saat dia cerita tentang penganut agama itu orang yang ga rasional. Klo minjem istilahnya orang Samin tipe yang: "Belum pernah pergi ke surga kok ngajak-ajak"
Aku yang sebelumnya ga pernah denger tentang a More...
Aku yang sebelumnya ga pernah denger tentang a More...
Apr 12, 2009
Elketw
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Category: Books
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Author: Paulo Coelho
Di Tepi Sungai Piedra Aku duduk dan menangis. Ada legenda bahwa segala sesuatu yang jatuh ke sungai ini, dedaunan,serangga, bulu burung akan berubah menjadi batu yang membentuk dasar sungai. Kalau saja aku dapat mengeluarkan hatiku dan melemparkannya ke arus, maka kepedihan dan rinduku akan berakhir, dan akhirnya akupun melupakan semuanya.
Di tepi sungai Piedra aku duduk dan menangis. Ud More...
Genre: Religion & Spirituality
Author: Paulo Coelho
Di Tepi Sungai Piedra Aku duduk dan menangis. Ada legenda bahwa segala sesuatu yang jatuh ke sungai ini, dedaunan,serangga, bulu burung akan berubah menjadi batu yang membentuk dasar sungai. Kalau saja aku dapat mengeluarkan hatiku dan melemparkannya ke arus, maka kepedihan dan rinduku akan berakhir, dan akhirnya akupun melupakan semuanya.
Di tepi sungai Piedra aku duduk dan menangis. Ud More...
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Mar 10, 2009
Preeti
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If you're expecting another The Alchemist, just stop right there, turn around, and never look back. Seriously. Trust me and do yourself a favor.
After the success of The Alchemist, I feel like Coelho just threw a bunch of ideas together and called it a new story. Sure, it has the themes of faith, love, and following your dreams, but in my opinion, the story just wasn't concrete enough to really... I don't know, actually teach you anything - if that's what Coelho sought to do. The More...
After the success of The Alchemist, I feel like Coelho just threw a bunch of ideas together and called it a new story. Sure, it has the themes of faith, love, and following your dreams, but in my opinion, the story just wasn't concrete enough to really... I don't know, actually teach you anything - if that's what Coelho sought to do. The More...
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Nov 11, 2011
ثريا
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عندما قالوا عن روايات پاولو كويلو بأنها "عالمية" فذلك لانه يكتب بلغة الحب ويستخدم المفاهيم الانسانية المشتركة التي يفضلها غالبية الناس على اختلافهم.. يدعوا دائما للبحث عن الحب الحقيقي بل و يجعل في بحثه مشقة ليكسب تعاطفنا، يدافع بجدية عن المشاعر الصادقة حتى ولو بدت سطحية او سخيفة فيخفف عنا الخيبة او الاحباط من حب كان من طرف واحد او قصة حب لم تكن موفقة، يطالب بالذوبان في الاخر مع التعمق في اكتشاف الذات. ويجعل الحب محور رحلة الحياة و يشارك المخلوقات الكونية في الرحلة، فالصخور تتفاعل و حبا
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