The Alchemist | Paulo Coelho | A tale from Mathnawi of Rumi

The Alchemist | Paulo Coelho | A Simple & Enjoyable Reading

books:

The Alchemist

	The Alchemist Paulo Coelho HarperCollins, 2006 - 208 pages average customer review:based on 1275 reviews view larger image
	for more information click here

highly recommended

A tale from Mathnawi of Rumi

I love this guy Coelho. He does an incredible job of making complicated concepts of spirituality and mysticism more understandable. Or at least makes you think about these deeper. There is a lot of symbolism and philosophy in this book. One subject that is hidden in the text is the (reference to) the Sufi concept of ONENESS of BEING or "Wahdat-ul-Wujood". Some sort of Pantheistic view you can say. One can read poet Rumi to see the same tale written 700 years ago. Another subject that is very well given to the reader is a sense of interfaith/intercultural dialog, that we are all going to live on the same planet and we better learn how to treat each other well... But you have to explore the book for yourself. And make sure your spirit is that of Santiago, the shepherd boy, who can be like the winds!

for more information click here

A Simple & Enjoyable Reading

If I had to pick up a book after reading Joseph Campbell's book, "The Power of Myth," this book was definitely a good follow-up. While still entranced by Campbell's storytelling and passion for ancient myths, this book entranced me as well. I finished this book in a day (which is literally impossible for me these days), so it should tell you that this is a simple read.

This book was also lent to me by my dad who did not care for this book at all (he read this after finishing "Kiterunner" which he did enjoy), but he wanted me to read it. The story is beautiful, simple and short. I have not heard the hype of this book nor did I know what it was about.

The seemingly simple story of a shepherd leaving all he owns behind to explore the great world resounds with me. The idea of Soul of the World resounds with me also. Following your personal dream and living life to the fullest. These all are lessons that I keep forgetting in the normal day-to-day drudge of daily life. This is a simple story that keeps reminding the reader that there is more to life than just what is here in front of one's eyes. This is a story of listening to your heart and moving forward to find the dreams of youth again.

While this is not the best book I have ever read, it is a pretty good story that is pretty much duplicated by many other stories floating around. I almost gave it a three-star but decided it was good enough for a four-star simply because I enjoyed a pleasant afternoon of reading this book, which I rarely get these days.

7/25/08

for more information click here

Enjoyable pick-me-up of a book

This is the equivalent of a caffienated soft drink. Goes down easy. Uplifting. Enjoyable. Not much in the way of long-term effect. But not a waste of time and money.

A good read if you are stuck, depressed, demotivated. Might get you out of the rut and back on track.

As far as the premise that the universe conspires to give you what your heart desires... People make their own luck. If you are passionate about something, you will work harder and perform better at those tasks than if you dread your work. It's not the soul of the universe at work. It's your own heart and soul bringing out the best in you. How can this not increase your chances for success?

for more information click here

treasure chest

Cute story. Reminded me of Siddhartha. A sheep herder goes on a journey to find purpose in his life, treasure, love, and finds it.

"The Alchemist" I read because it's been recommended to me more than any other book in my life, it's passed my gaze on bookshelves of friends. I'm glad it's over.

I can finally say I've read the epic hyped out novel about a guy who learns to intuitively guide himself through life paying attention to omens and people with wise things to say who are good at magic.

An easy read. A little over an hour. Not too much flash. Lots of spiritual guidance type substance. A dallop of God and manipulating nature with inherent psychic abilities stuff. Camels.

for more information click here