Book reviews by D.G. Kaye

Sunday Book Review – The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

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My Sunday Book Review is on Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist. This was another book that was patiently sitting on my bookshelf awaiting my eyes. As a person who is guided by universal messages, I found this book the perfect read to ignite my belief that when we have the desire and passion to follow our dreams we should follow them.

 

 

Blurb:

A special 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new Foreword by Paulo Coelho.

Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.

Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago’s journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.

 

My 5 Star Review: Journey of the heart

An enchanting tale narrated by Santiago, a young shepherd boy living in Andalusia, whose dreams and aspirations lead him on a magical journey of self-discovery to follow his curiosity. His goal is to reach the great pyramids of Egypt and his travels lead him to meeting some interesting people along the way – some good, some bad – all of which have lessons to teach him.

This book put Coelho on the map for the wisdom of words that made him famous – a classic literary masterpiece. We have much to learn through Santiago’s journey, teaching us to pay attention to our hearts and dreams through experience and omens as Santiago learns to analyze life through his journey. We’ll find love, adversity and true life lessons from this sensitive and wise young shepherd as he gains knowledge throughout his travels, only to discover he knew the secrets of his real desires all along.

This is a book you may want to read over many times throughout life as there are so many nuggets of wisdom we can take from it, and for those moments in life when we can use a little inspiration.

44 thoughts on “Sunday Book Review – The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho”

  3. Hi Debby – thanks for this excellent and very relevant review … it’s a book I need to read again – the library beckons me. I’ve read it before I started blogging and not taken it in properly and probably read it when my mother was ill – so couldn’t concentrate properly … another read now is (truly) due – so excellent timing – thank you … cheers Hilary

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  7. I’ve heard so much about this book through the years and never got around to reading it. Sounds like a must-read, Debby. I’m going to have to pick it up. Thanks for sharing the book and your review. 🙂

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  9. This sounds like one to add to my library! I will order a copy from my local bookstore, Deb. Thank you so much for sharing your review. I LOVE to get recommendations like this. If I saw it on GR or Amazon, I may not have realized how wonderful it really is.

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    1. Oh thanks Lis, that’s a lovely compliment. You know me, I write my reviews like I”m sharing my opinion with friends. This book is timeless. I too had it bookmarked for so long, and so glad I read it! 🙂 x

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  11. Hello Debby,
    Thanks for the reminder. I read this “The Alchemist” when it first came out & it had a great influence on me. I need to write a review myself.
    Hey, I am wondering if you’re going to make your memoir “P.S. I Forgive You” into a paperback. I don’t read e-books though I should since I am selling one. 😉
    Sherrie Miranda’s historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
    http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y
    Her husband made a video for her novel. He wrote the song too:

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      1. Debby,
        You might want to check back with Amazon. I did not see a paperback for that book. You did switch from Createspace to Amazon’s new printing site, right?
        Sherrie Miranda’s historically based, coming of age, Adventure novel “Secrets & Lies in El Salvador” is about an American girl in war-torn El Salvador:
        http://tinyurl.com/klxbt4y

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  12. Thanks, Debby. This is another one of the books I’ve heard so much about that I always worry it won’t live up to the expectations. I have read one of his books recently, that I wasn’t that impressed by, and have Hippie on my Kindle as well, but perhaps I should give it a go. I’m just wondering if I might be better off with a Spanish or an English translation. I’ll see. Have a great week. 🙂

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    1. Thanks Olga. It would be interesting to see what your take would be from the Spanish version, as sometimes things get lost in translation. Although, the messages are loud and clear and make you think in this book. 🙂 x

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    2. Olga, can you read Portuguese? Coelho is Brazilian & the book was originally written in his native tongue.
      I also loved most of Coehlo’s books. The older ones anyway. The newer ones are dealing with different issues & are a bit too pedestrian (if that’s the right word) for me.
      Peace,
      Sherrie

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  13. Debby, I love all the books by Coelho and this is one of my favourites. Although I read it many years ago, it made an indelible impression on me. Your review captures the magic and wonder of the book … and I’m reaching out for my copy! I want to reread this! Your special anniversary edition is beautiful and precious! Many thanks for sharing your thoughts on this book and glad you got to read it!

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  16. Why is it I am never surprised at the amount of synchronicity we have going on at times Debby.. My email alert came in this morning, I read this book years ago, and only in February did I reach for it again in my book shelves and pull it out again to re-read.. It is indeed a masterpiece of discovery as it speaks to those who see the way in which our Universe works..
    Showing us we have the power within each of us to manifest the real treasures we seek.. Yet we often fail to chase dreams instead we focus upon the negative emotions drawing that which we give our intention to the greatest chance of manifesting..
    This was the first of his books I ever purchased, since then I have purchased many more, each have their own specific message I think.
    Many thanks for sharing Debby, Sending Much love your way ❤

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    1. Thank you so much Sue for adding to the review of this wonderful book. And no, I am not surprised we are in sync with our thoughts, LOL. Manifesting can be such a simple measure, but can take awhile until we get accustomed to believing we can.
      Thank you Sue. Hugs!!! ❤ xxx

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      1. Here’s to empaths and synchronicity .. Wish I didn’t have to keep back tracking though to view your valued replies.. lol… Patience is a Virture, a lesson obviously I need right now haha..
        MUCH love dear Debby… You are a valued friend.. ❤

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  18. Great review. Debby! I read the book a couple of years ago and was impressed. There are many wonderful quotes in it that I stand by. I should actually read The Alchemist again, just like you recommend, as I’m sure it would equally as inspiring as the first time around.

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