The Alchemist question

I too found it somewhat Underwhelming, and a bit over-hyped.

Bland old boring "the secret" mumbo jumbo with no inspiration or a good story.

I was definitely not impressed. It was about as enjoyable as reading a college textbook.

You guys are taking this book out of context. It's "The Little Prince" for adults.

I absolutely hated this book. Me and two other people read it as a novel study in school, and you would think that by doing all the extra work (chapter summaries, author investigations, etc.), that we would have had a better incite on the book.... No.
We were completely lost by all of the random characters being thrown around in the book, and the end of the book was a waste of time. We joked that we should have read the ending first! Then we wouldn't have had to read the entire middle section!
I thought it would be a good read, seeing as how a million copies sold world wide! No. Just because a ton of copies sold, doesn't mean everyone enjoyed the book.

Sorry for the rant :)

As some critics have said, it reads more like a philosophy guide than an actual novel. It had its good moments, but it lacked something I really desire and that's strong characters; only two characters are given names and we're not even given a description of our protagonist. That's what makes me put the novel in the "okay" category.

People kept convincing me to read this book like it was the ultimate guide to spirituality, but I don't usually trust things that get popular easily or find them interesting or credible, especially books. Eventually a friend gave it to me as a present and I forced myself to read it. I wasn't disappointed at all because I had very, very low expectations. Coelho tried too hard to amaze the readers with the chain of events that were barely a "chain", but rather some separated, aimless incidents that I could not relate to either the journey of Santiago or the ending of the book. Not to mention the stereotyping that is used in a non-offensive way, but still is stereotyping. After that I even tried to pass on all of the negatives I found and just enjoy following the plot to anticipate or expect an ending to see if it matches Coelho's ending, but I couldn't even find a plot!! It was more like Santiago writing his own diary in a scrapbook and having internal conflict while writing it.

In short, it's a very overrated book, and Coelho should stick to writing short stories and forget about fictionalizing spirituality.

It's been a long time since I read it but I remember feeling disappointed at the time. It didn't move me in the slightest and I just felt like I'd read a load of drivel. I consequently discarded the book without a second thought (to charity of course). About a year ago a friend gave a copy of this book to my boyfriend and said it was the best book he'd ever read, it had really changed the way he thought about the world (apparently) and my boyfriend was instructed to read it straight away. I masked my puzzlement at this statement and said nothing as I didn't want to upset my friend. However, later on, I questioned myself and wondered if I was dumb or something and had missed the point with the book. SO... its very comforting to see this post and know that others felt the same. Incidentally my boyfriend has never touched the book and it sits on the bookshelf gathering dust.

Niether impressed nor depressed.
It was just an okay okay read through.

Me.. me..

When I first admitted to not being impressed, I found that I was in a very lonely club. It was cool to love Coelho.

I did not like it then. I still do not like it.

His "Eleven Minutes" was even worse.

I was not.

I was ready to be blown away or at least really enjoy it, and instead I was COMPLETELY underwhelmed, I thought the tenets and messages were extremely obvious and naive, and the story itself boring and too simple. I'm so surprised this book has done as well as it has; makes me nervous about the state of humanity, lol. The message was so trite.

I really hated this book. I had to read it for a college course and it was such an over simplistic shallow view of life that to me was nothing short of facepalm worthy.

I was quite excited when The Alchemist was selected for one of my book groups. I had yet to read Cohelo, but had heard that he was an amazing and inspiring author. I found it somewhat tedious - certainly not a page turner, nor a book to savor and reflect upon. I guess I missed the memo.

For me, reading this book was a waste of time.The main idea it's a good one,you have to search for things that makes you happy closer to you, but the writer's style is so dramatic and sometimes ambiguous.I wonder why so many people liked it?

I recently read some of Aesop's fables and they allowed me to see why I didn't appreciate The Alchemist like I expected to. Yes The Alchemist is a simple tale but so are Aesop's fables. However Aesop's fables are delightful.

This entire book is a pseudo-intellectual steaming pile of shit that begs you to be inspired by its depth by constantly repeating "wisdom" and "soul" and other relevant keywords. The repetition inspires nothing but maybe suicide. There is absolutely no story, it's ridiculous in insisting that you can get whatever you want just by the sheer thought, and if that's not enough,;the universe will CONSPIRE to help you achieve it.

I was so angry throughout the last 50 pages, that I contemplated finding Coelho, only to stab the self-important bastard for trying to convince us that he is some kind of literary guru; and managing to do so as his sales numbers would attest to.

This was one of my favorite books. I was surprised to see how many people thought that it was a waste of time and a bad book. Throughout the entire story I was engaged and very intrigued about what would happen next. The idea of the philosopher stone was also very interesting, as I have read many other books that graze that topic. I would definitely recommend this book, despite the negative remarks about it.

I have not study enough about Coelho, his life or his beliefs. To be honest I don’t really care about those things.

All I know about this book is that changed my point of view for certain things and opened my mind to new directions. I have decided to give more value to myself and to the things that I want to do and to stop doing actions just to satisfy others.

...and for that, I thank him

Wow!! It's so interesting to see opinions on why people dislike and even hate the book, and see how they're extremely different with what and how you feel about it.. that's why I enjoy the variety and difference since it helps to see things objectively :)

To me it is a great inspiring and uplifting one (well I know you'll prob rolling your eyes reading this! lol). Maybe because firstly I didn't set and expect anything in mind before reading it. Instead, I was just blank my mind, and go go go with every pages.. I think it's important to see things from its own perspective to understand the message and even the beauty of them. Give your full attention and readiness, then you'll find the joy and points of the whole story.

Secondly, I agree with opinions saying that you might need to be in a certain mental and mood condition when reading it. Not saying that you have to wait forever to read this..but when you read it as you're in a certain of life phase, you'll probably find it very uplifting with so many inspiring awakening and moving lines/paragraph there..like what I experienced myself. I found so many lines were like, "omg, i often feel that way", "exactly! that's what have been bothering me", "oh wow! finally i found the answer of what I've been wondering and thinking of"..etc.

Kirsten wrote: "I'm a very spiritual person, but I have to admit this book kinda went in one ear and out the other. At least I can say I've read it."

EXACTLY

I kind of feel the same way. I remember enjoying most of the book, but the end was a let down. From what I remember, I felt that the author set me up for an ending that was going to have this awe-inspiring epiphany, but that didnt happen. Instead, I got an ok ending that left me wanting for something bigger

Aw, I'm sad so many people didn't enjoy this book! it's one of my all time favorites! :)

What's amazing is that he gets such a following of fans despite his literary shallowness. Probably the dumbed down masses find it just their cup of tea

I couldn't stand this book, I think it's his worst! Although I actually liked one or two others by this author, there's still an air of condescension in his tone that irritates. I'm glad I found this discussion, I thought I was the only one who disliked this book so.

Just given this book as a present.

I think possibly the book lost a lot when it was converted to English. For me, I didn't like it or enjoy it, but when I finished it was strange, I felt happy and I didn't know why ..

after completing the book i remembered a saying by MARK TWAIN--when you are in majority, start doubting... i don't know what is wrong with so many people or perhaps with me...it's is an ordinary book that has got nothing to offer

I'm glad I'm not the only one who feels this way about the book. It was hard work reading it the whole way through. I was ready to give up but I like to think positive so plodded along hoping something in the book would inspire me. I really thought something magnificent would happen in the last few pages, but No! Total waste of time and this book was on the top of my Christmas present list this year!:( Santa, I would like an exchange or a credit note please:)

It's housewife philosophy for people who haven't thought about life.

I received this book as a gift from my father. He had gone to a book fair and was told by many that it was "amazing" and "life-changing". My first reaction when he handed it to me was one of confusion. It didn't seem like something I would enjoy. Nevertheless, I gave it a chance and read through the whole thing. It failed to move me at all. The writing was undeniably terrible, the plot was boring and the protagonist was undeveloped. Dare I say that the novel itself is a cliché cover to cover? If any of you want to read a novel that will feed your spirituality, I suggest The Gargoyle by Andrew Davidson. It has everything The Alchemist doesn't and much more.

I was impressed.I think it depends upon when you read it?-at which stage of your life?
At the time When you have energy and want to rebel against everything or at late stage of life when you have memories more than dream???Its a relative thing.

It's spritual motivational book.It teached me a lot of things.I think it is a must read book.

I would rather watch paint dry.

The gist was good, 'go see the world'.
He could have written a shorter version then so many pages. No doubt the reader is indeed glued to the story to know where and when and how much wealth he is going to find.
Its just not all about spending your life earning money, you go meet people and see the beautiful world.

I read the book when I was very young and it made a huge impact on me. I've read it twice more and although it hasn't had the impact it provided the first time, I always found something new that would resonate on my personal journey. Yes, it isn't the greatest piece of literature, but the book has awakened millions of people to pursue a path of spirituality and consciousness. Also, Coelho writes with simplicity, and that's what has made him a catalyst for positive change. He's not saying anything new; he is merely using the wisdom of the ages, wisdom known to man for millennia, and creating a story most people can understand. And that, I have to compliment.
Xavier Saer
http://www.goodreads.com/xaviersaer

All I know is that Will Smith is in love with it.


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Well, it's a relief I'm not the only one. At times, I felt as though I was in the dentist's chair.

I have to say, though, he did deliver in the end.

Worth it? Hmmmmm . . .

I loved this book and its message i.e. the treasure may be in your own back yard but you need to travel a long way before you find it. It's a message that I reflect on many times as I observe the lives of others with the knowledge I've gleaned from my own journey to find the treasure in my own back yard. I'm very glad Paulo Coelho wrote it.

i heard that it's an amazing book , so i was so excited to read it . but honestly it was " boring " and i was so disappointed with it .

Like most of you in this thread, I was totally unimpressed with Alchemist. Coelho is still an author to recognise, though. 11 Minutes is a better read. I really wonder how much of it inspired the 50-Shaders. Warrior of Light is probably the author's best work, and considering that it's a collection of notes he jotted down over a period of time, the book felt a lot more mature for those seeking spiritual Whatevers.

Typical Paulo if you ask me.
Interesting line of thought that spreads throughout the entire novel, but the ending is worse than my drunk uncle in a family gathering.

Yet in general it's not that bad. Even though I have no idea why people think it's his best work because i think it's the worst one of them.

I'm really glad to see I'm not the only one!!

Kirsten wrote: "I'm a very spiritual person, but I have to admit this book kinda went in one ear and out the other. At least I can say I've read it."

Paulo Coelho is a famous and beloved writer whose ideas influence so many people all over the world. His ideas are very important specially because there are millions of people who believe in them and influence their life. That is why his books are translated and read by people of all nations on earth.
However, those ideas are so selfish and ego-centered that makes a man with similar characteristics, while build walls between people and takes it out of the society. He supports the competition and fighting, instead of cooperation and peace. He is fan of the “warrior of the light” and believes in alchemy and life elixir. All his books are full of miracles and magic and of fantastic symbols.
So, let's have a dialogue with him and his ideas. As he proposed to those who criticize his books, write a book instead, I listen to him and do so. A book opposite to each book of his, are written by me and have begun to be published as e-books and as hard copies.
Now you have a dialog (from the Greek word “διά-λογος”) in front of you, to read, evaluate and implement in your life. This is a dialogue which is present for the first time ever. Take advantage of it, come to your conclusions and stop believe blind what you read every time. See more on our FB page @Beyond Paulo Coelho

I didn't hate it, but I wasn't impressed. I didn't feel like it was groundbreaking or inspirational. It felt superficial and forced to me.

It took a while for me to finish it because I got bored with it. While I was reading it I would start thinking about what I was going to read next. Maybe you have to be in a position where you can relate to truly enjoy it...I don't know.

Very overrated, preachy book. The story is average, the message is overly common and the characters are like talking robots. The profuse usage of words starting with capitalised letters as if that infused more profound meaning was just plain annoying ('Treasure', for example). I heard that Coelho's other books are actually better but this one just put me off, probably forever.

Kirsten wrote: "I'm a very spiritual person, but I have to admit this book kinda went in one ear and out the other. At least I can say I've read it."

I also had same feeling like you, for me book like "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari" is better than this book.

And I thought I was the only one! Thank you!

one of the most overrated novels i have ever read.... i really regret wasting my money and time on it

Like many people here I heard the Alchemist was good so read it. But I was disappointed. I found it a real struggle to keep reading. There was no real conflict or tension, no sense that the character was in any real danger or that there was anything at stake - all things you need for good storytelling. It felt like a badly written children's book. I wondered if it was just this book. Perhaps I'll try some of his others and see if they're similar.

I thought it was terrible. It was predicable yet outlandish. It was far too ridiculously cheesy for my liking.