Review: The Alchemist

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

My rating: 3 of 5 stars

I was in the mood for another meaning-of-life book, so did some searching and The Alchemist came up on several lists. I saw reviews on Goodreads from people who found it life-changing and from people who hated it. I guess I’m in the middle. It wasn’t horrible, but I didn’t really learn anything, either.

The constant references to “personal legend” and “treasure” came to seem like prayer beads Coelho was clicking off in my mind, as if sayin...