The Alchemist

[Cosima___J]

This book by the Brazilian writer Paulo Coelho has received so much praise. Many readers have found it to be "life changing" or "the best book ever !" Supposedly, a movie was to be made of the book.

Booklist states: "Beneath this novel's compelling story and the shimmering elegance with which it's told lies a bedrock or wisdom about following one's heart."

I must be an insensitive lout! I just could not see all that much that was inspiring.

To me there was too much mystical claptrap:

The Master Work was written on an emerald
"Soul of the World"
Everything has it's Personal Legend
Omens are teribly important
Melchizedek (from Genesis?) puts in an appearance
Your eyes show the strength of your soul.
Two way conversations are carried on with the wind and with the desert.
"As we look to fulfill a dream, it looks to find us just the same, if we let it."

[John F]

And here I thought you were writing about Ben Jonson's comedy. From what you say, you might have gotten more out of the play.

[springrite]

I have the book but have yet to have the time to read it as more worthy books are bought before I get to it.

It can not possibly be worse than the Alchemist Symphony, can it?