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The Alchemist
by
Start date
April 1, 2020
Finish date
April 30, 2020
Discussion
New School Classics- 1915-2005
Why we're reading this
April 2020 New School Classic Group Read

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What Members Thought

Kenny
It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.
The Alchemist ~~ Paulo Coelho


1

I preface my review by saying I am amazed how wildly passionate people are in their feelings toward this novel ~~ regardless of whether they love or hate The Alchemist. I’m one of those people who love it. But, I understand why people are so passionate in their dislike of this work. Paul Coelho looks to inspire passion in people with The Alchemist. And he succeeds in doing so ~~ especial
...more
Lesley Looper
Jun 10, 2015 rated it it was ok  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: audiobook, 2015
I had higher hopes for this one; it just wasn't as compelling as I thought it would be. I did enjoy Jeremy Irons' performance on this Audible book, though. ...more
AmberBug com*
I don't understand the hype of this book at all. A fable? A novel? It falls short of a complete story but is way too long to be considered a fable. The moral was so simplistic and I found it rather boring. The best thing I could say about this book is that the writing wasn't bad and there were hints of magic to the story that I did enjoy (although each time it ended so abruptly making the magic seem contrite). Sorry, this one was not for me. Thankfully it was short enough not to be a time waster ...more
Mimicha
Jul 26, 2016 rated it did not like it  ·  review of another edition
I did not finish this book, I haven't thrown it away, just in case someone tells me the second part really makes it worth it to read. I found the first part to be sanctimonious. Coelho has his values, and wants to impart them on the world. He'll even add a step by step "how to live your life by his standards" to make it easier for the reader. I found it preachy. It reminds me of a self-help book, even though it was masked as fiction. This book deserves no more of my words. ...more
Meg
Feb 08, 2021 rated it it was ok  ·  review of another edition
this is just the little prince for boring grown-ups
Tom
Mar 13, 2017 rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
yeah I guess it was good for what it was but I like my deep thought books to be, oh I don't know, deep? ...more
Trisha
Jun 05, 2011 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: classics, best-ever
This book was absolutely amazing!!! I finished it in a day and a half, I just couldn't put it down! It was uplifting and spiritual, without getting bogged down in religion. It was all about discovering your destiny, being in touch with the universe, and following your heart. I would recommend this to everyone! An absolutely brilliant novel! ...more
Kris
Jan 21, 2012 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: own-physical
Emily
Mar 05, 2012 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Kathy
Jan 14, 2014 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
D
Jan 26, 2014 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Leah
Mar 08, 2014 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Caitlin
Sep 26, 2024 rated it really liked it  ·  review of another edition
Charles
Jan 27, 2017 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Keeley
Feb 05, 2017 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Shelves: love-not-metal
Sara
Sep 04, 2018 rated it liked it  ·  review of another edition
D
Feb 14, 2019 marked it as to-read  ·  review of another edition
Dana
Jun 21, 2020 marked it as to-read
Jenny
Sep 18, 2020 rated it it was amazing  ·  review of another edition
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Catching up on Classics (and lots more!)