| The Alchemist is one of those "esoteric" feeling | | | | A few of his books have been non-fiction and about |
| books that makes you feel like life is vivid again. | | | | his own life. From what I can piece together, Paulo is |
| It certainly plays on the feeling that "there is | | | | a member of a little-known Mystic Catholic sect |
| something more" that you've forgotten and the | | | | which seeks after spiritual growth. They assign |
| thought that you are part of a bigger plan. | | | | previously unknown international mentors to their |
| As you follow Santiago, the shepherd boy on his | | | | members...older men who have attained a high |
| adventure, you will automatically question your own | | | | degree of spiritual power (and worldly success?). I |
| adventure in life; are you living up to your higher | | | | won't even go into some of the weird stuff they do, |
| purpose? Why have you forgotten your way? What | | | | but if you want to an idea, pick up "The Pilgrimage", |
| else is out there that you should be doing? Have you | | | | also by Coelho. |
| betrayed what you were meant to do with your life? | | | | But do read The Alchemist; it is just such a good |
| Asking questions like this...feeling the feelings that go | | | | book. It will definitely give you a wisdom-buzz...or an |
| along with such questions...it really is a wonderful way | | | | "esoteric-buzz". |
| to live. For the short time that you read this book, | | | | Today I was reading an interview with Paulo, in which |
| you will feel more alive. You will feel more in tune | | | | he talked about watching for "Omens" in your life |
| with "the universe". You will feel that wonderful | | | | that only you will recognize. It's a language the |
| -wind feeling...that is...unless you don't know what that | | | | "Universe" speaks to you through...like coincidences, |
| feels like. | | | | songs, feelings, synchronicities. This is a theme he |
| Santiago follows his dreams, which take him from | | | | definitely speaks a lot about in The Alchemist. |
| Spain to Morocco and then Egypt, all in search of a | | | | Some people complain that the book is too simplistic, |
| special treasure. During his travels he learns lessons | | | | that you would be stupid to believe that there is |
| from messengers that seem placed in his path at the | | | | some "plan" for your life that you should have |
| right moment, just when he needs them. | | | | followed; that you should wake up, take your head |
| The author, Paulo Coelho, is a Brazilian writer who is | | | | out of the "touchy-feely" clouds and get back to |
| very well-liked. I heard that Madonna loves him. I | | | | work. |
| have read several of his books, but I think this is the | | | | If you are prone to such thoughts, perhaps this book |
| best one. He has churned out quite a few more | | | | is not for you. However, if you enjoy waking up your |
| books in the last few years that I have not read | | | | soul from time to time, there is no better place to do |
| yet, so it is certainly possible that he has outdone | | | | it than in the clouds. |
| The Alchemist. I'll check it out. | | | | |