Manuscript Found in Accra in Around the World in 80 Books

Mar 29, 2013 Deb (Readerbuzz) Nance rated it it was ok

It was with trepidation that I agreed to review Manuscript Found in Accra. I will say upfront that I am not a big fan of The Alchemist and, if you are going to like this new Coelho book, I feel pretty confident saying that you probably should be a fan of The Alchemist. If you loved The Alchemist, then you may as well stop reading this review right now.

It’s been a long time since I read The Alchemist but if you’d ripped the cover off this book and replaced the cover of Manuscript with the cover o ...more

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Apr 20, 2013 Laura (booksnob) rated it really liked it

Shelves: literature, 2013

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho ranks in my top ten favorite reads of all time. I have read it multiple times aloud to my classes and have recommended it to countless people. It is a timeless story that I revisit again and again (which is saying something because I usually don't like to reread). So when TLC book tours announced the tour for Manuscript in Accra, I knew I had to read it.

The Manuscript in Accra begins on July 14, 1099. In the holy city of Jerusalem, people of the three main faiths g The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho ranks in my top ten favorite reads of all time. I have read it multiple times aloud to my classes and have recommended it to countless people. It is a timeless story that I revisit again and again (which is saying something because I usually don't like to reread). So when TLC book tours announced the tour for Manuscript in Accra, I knew I had to read it.

The Manuscript in Accra begins on July 14, 1099. In the holy city of Jerusalem, people of the three main faiths gather to hear a man speak. The three monotheistic religions of Judaism, Christianity and Islam share the holy city. The Crusaders lie just outside the city gates and the people face an unknown future in a time of war.

The Copt or Greek speaker, gathers in the Holy city to share his wisdom with the masses. After the copt's initial speech, he offers to answer questions from the crowd. He answers questions based on anxiety, love, loyalty, sex, death, war, beauty and much more. Each chapter is full of quotable wisdom and inspiration.

"No matter how you are feeling get up every morning and prepare to let your light shine forth.
Those with eyes to see will see your light and be enchanted by it." Pg. 106

This book is meant to be read slowly and savored. Read a chapter a day, use a highlighter, and reflect on your life and on how the passages will enhance it. The Manuscript in Accra has something in it for everyone. It is really not a story at all but a guide or a book of wisdom you can use to apply to your life. It is in question and answer format and is religious in nature.

"Do one thing: Live the life you always wanted to live. Avoid criticizing others and concentrate on fulfilling your dreams. This may not seem very important to you, but God, who sees all, knows the example you give is helping Him to improve the world. And each day, He will bestow more blessings upon it." pg. 42

I will definitely have to reread this. It is enlightening and it is perfect for the times your heart cries out for a book that will bring you peace, or a new idea, or a different way of thinking about something.
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Feb 12, 2015 Lisa of Hopewell rated it liked it

Shelves: read-in-2015, translated-into-english

There's a lot to puzzle over in it. Parts are the Bible parts are crap on par with Love Story's famed "Love means never having to say you're sorry." Not sure if "Love" [seems like it is a being in this case] is Christ or just a being known as "Love". Near then end if mentions the need of an invisible sword to "fight the demons of intolerance" still thinking about that line, too. Most was very enjoyable and it was very readable--but not at all what I expected when I liked the cover. I was expecti ...more

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Jul 07, 2013 Astrid Lim rated it really liked it

Shelves: historical-fiction, inspirational, religion, phylosophical, middle-east

This is the kind of book that you either would like it or hate it, depends on your mood at the time. If you don't feel you're into too much preaching and so-called inspirational quotes, stay away from this book. But if you need something positive, food for your soul... well, nobody could deliver the story better than Paulo Coelho. This book is full of quotable sentences that can make you nodding your head vigorously while reminding yourself of the wasted moments of your life. But there will be a ...more

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Jan 19, 2016 Jillian rated it it was ok

So I love Coelho and I usually love books like this: poetic, spiritual, inspirational, etc. but I really didn't feel connected to this book. It seemed very stream of consciousness so that I could barely keep hold of the topic; sometimes there were contradictions and often there was this wordy, unintuitive way of describing things. I really wanted to feel moved by this book, but maybe you have to already feel uplifted to enjoy this one...I'm gonna retry this in the future. ...more

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