I read The Alchemist and didn't like it. I read Veronika Decides to Die and it fast became one of my favourites. The issues that this novel deals with, are things that I have faced in my own life.

I loved the way that it was written. It was very real and the depictions of most of the mental illnesses were confrontingly accurate. The way that Coelho described Mari's panic attacks was almost too accurate for me, it was almost as if I were reading my own experience.

Sure, I think the book had it's flaws. I squirm when Coelho uses his characters and his novel to voice his own personal philosophies (in a rather trumpeting, I'm so smart! manner) - but when the philosophies are this good, then it's easily forgiven. It might be simple things that are dealt with, 'obvious' insights - but sometimes we need that kick in the ass (in the guise of a good novel) to get back on track. I also find Mitch Albom's novels good in this regard.

I also think Coelho misrepresented Schitzophrenia. From what I know of it, it's traumatic and harrowing and not something that could be possibly caused by a bump on the head. It irritates me when someone of such high standing misrepresents something so serious, because it leaves unknowing members of the reading public with poor ideas in their head. The last thing we need is someone brushing aside the symptoms of their own, or a loved one's schitzophrenia because the only thing they've ever read on it - was some nonsense written by Coelho! Okay, maybe dramatic, but it still annoyed me that he didn't get it right.

After coming out of a severe two year struggle with depression and anxiety, I'm always aware of how we get one shot at life. This is it. I live every day with the knowledge that it could possibly be my last, it isn't morbid - it makes me feel deeper, think deeper and live more intensely. I choose to read books, adventure, spend time with loved ones instead of watching tv or doing something equally fruitless, just because I remind myself that this could be it, this could be my last day, hour or even my last breath. Being aware of one's life, and the certainty of one's death will ensure that you'll make every second count.

This book reinstated those values for me. I think everyone should read it.