![Alchemist (06) by Coelho, Paulo [Hardcover (2006)]](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41k9vPpc5bL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
![Collected Works of Kahlil Gibran- DELUXE EDITION [Hardcover] KAHLIL GIBRAN](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/81wAJCFu-oS._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
![The Alchemist[ THE ALCHEMIST ] By Coelho, Paulo ( Author )Apr-25-2006 Paperback](https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/41IX8gx0VNL._AC_UL160_SR160,160_.jpg)
I picked up a copy of this book because my students were reading it for their English class and I like to throw them off by slipping literary references into Algebra class. I figured it was a short book, it wouldn't take along time, and it would give me a sense for what they were learning in their other classes (and maybe spark some cross-curricular ideas!)
Oh man, was that a mistake. It didn't do any of those things (and apparently kids these days don't actually read their summer reading, what a shame). Instead, I fell deeply in love with this book and have read it three times in the last two years. It's the kind of book that works on more than one level - you have your hero who goes on an adventure, learning from a wise mentor, hitting roadblocks, coming to know himself and the world around him before realizing that his true treasure was in himself all along, and if that's all you get out of the book, then that's fine, but there's more going on here.
The difficulty of the book is figuring out what that more is. The book constantly suggests and hints at lessons that seem at once a comment on ethics and metaphysics, history and anthropology, post-colonialist critique and folk fairy tale. Biblical allusions abound next to Islamic lessons on the nature of God while institutions and mysticism are equally likely to be evoked and revoked. There's always the sense as you read that there is something lingering under the surface, but the minute that you try to grab it (or write it in a review) it seems to disappear.
That seems to be the point of the book, that the message is clear if you read it without trying to grab it. Hold it loosely and it comes easily, try to describe it and it flits away. The book is allusive; it works on you without seeming to, and at the end you're left both satisfied as the adventure concludes and also wanting more, or perhaps wanting to do more. Perhaps that's why I like this book so much - it doesn't yield its secrets easily, or perhaps it yields it too easily, and you finish wondering where your heart and your treasure lie and what your personal legend might be. I imagine that this book might say more about its reader than its text: when you know your own heart and your own journey well enough, perhaps this will only remain a passing, although enjoyable fairy tale.
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club?
Learn more
Join or create book clubs
Choose books together
Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Flip to back
Flip to front
Follow the Author
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.
|
Price
|
New from | Used from |
|
Audible Audiobook, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$0.00
|
Free with your Audible trial | |
|
Paperback, Deckle Edge
"Please retry"
|
$4.90 | $3.57 |
|
Mass Market Paperback
"Please retry"
|
$5.39 | $7.63 |
|
Audio CD, Audiobook, CD, Unabridged
"Please retry"
|
$19.54 | $2.90 |
|
Multimedia CD
"Please retry"
|
$53.47 | $29.66 |
From #1 New York Times bestselling author Colleen Hoover comes a novel that explores life after tragedy and the enduring spirit of love. | Learn more
Enter your mobile number or email address below and we'll send you a link to download the free Kindle App. Then you can start reading Kindle books on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.
-
Apple
-
Android
-
Windows Phone
-
Android
To get the free app, enter your mobile phone number.
Customers who viewed this item also viewed
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
What other items do customers buy after viewing this item?
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
Customer reviews
Top reviews from the United States
There was a problem filtering reviews right now. Please try again later.
Reviewed in the United States on July 12, 2018
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on September 15, 2018
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on June 9, 2018
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on October 9, 2017
Verified Purchase
Reviewed in the United States on March 21, 2018
It comes in a lovely 'box' holder with a ribbon cover over it. It's the ideal gift set.
Verified Purchase
Beautiful gift edition. Highly recommended.
By Blake on March 21, 2018
This gift edition is beautiful.By Blake on March 21, 2018
It comes in a lovely 'box' holder with a ribbon cover over it. It's the ideal gift set.
Images in this review
Top reviews from other countries
Vanshika Sharma
Honest Review
Reviewed in India on July 16, 2018Verified Purchase
Honest Review
Reviewed in India on July 16, 2018
This is probably the most intresting book I've read so far, the writing so the book is amazing and can be easily understand. If you are first time reader then I would definitely recommend this book. It is was originally written in Portuguese and later translated in English.Reviewed in India on July 16, 2018
The story is about a boy from Andalsuia and his adventures through African desert to find treasure in Pyramids of Egypt. One can easily relate with the story because we all have our own goals and this book will teach you that no matter how many obstacles come in your way you should never give up
As per the quality of book goes, It's not that great, Pages are low quality. But the texts are readable without getting strain in your eyes. So I can say the quality of book is okay
I'm giving 4 star because of the low quality of the book.
I hope this review will help you in your buying decision.
Images in this review
Ajay
i love this book
Reviewed in India on August 16, 2018Verified Purchase
Martin @B2BTechMark
A good enough story, but relies on a certain existing mindset
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 19, 2018Verified Purchase
Som
A Midas touch !
Reviewed in India on October 20, 2017Verified Purchase
A Midas touch !
Reviewed in India on October 20, 2017
This book is not for you if you are looking for a way to escape reality by immersing into a juicy plot during the week end. This book is about you, me and anyone and everyone .It is about our life, our troubles and tribulations, our goals and the purpose of our existence. To determine our goal ( or Personal Legend as Coelho terms) and to pursue and achieve it is not difficult if we are focused because in the words of Coelho,"..... when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."Reviewed in India on October 20, 2017
The story is that of a shepard boy named, Santiago ,from Andulasia. The boy embarks upon a journey in search of a treasure that he had dreamt of. Each one of us are, infact, Santiago, unable to realise when and where we spilt 'the spoon of oil '. As you go through the book you learn that all is not lost and there is hope.
Narrated in a simple lucid manner,the story is interspersed with metaphors ,fables and allegories. Compelling, interesting and full of hope and positivity, The Alchemist is a bedrock of inspiration that instills a strong sense of faith in yourself.
Such is the power of this book that you will want to read it again and again. Paulo Coelho has an uncanny knack to soothe your soul and boost your morale. This book, in my opinion, should be read by everyone, young and old, atleast once .
Images in this review
Miscellany Pages
Be Inspired to Follow Your Dreams by An Adventure Story Unlike Any Other
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on July 1, 2018Verified Purchase
Deals related to this item
Page 1 of 1 Start overPage 1 of 1
