I was not so fascinated with this book “The alchemist” by Paulo Coelho but did about it a lot. So, here it is the alchemist book review. I purchased this book a few years back, but read it for the first time this year. I must say I
it.
This book makes us understand that we give up so easily on our dreams. But, if we have the willingness and we are determined, all doors open up for us. The journey to achieve the dreams will be equally memorable and to cherish for.
There are so many of us who just give up so easily and do not achieve dreams. Not because they are not capable, but because we do not try enough.
In fact, many of us do not even attempt to try to achieve things we want to. We keep on thinking that we cannot.
The book tells us that it is the first step which is the hardest. What is the first step?
It is to decide what we want to achieve. This needs to be done with full willingness and determination.
This book is just anyone’s story. Everyone can relate to it. The best part is motivation that it gives. The language is simple and the story is engaging.
The plot of the book
It is a story of a shepherd from the south of Spain who was content with his life. He had a dream which recurred many times. The dream of finding a treasure.
Initially, he was not so sure about the dream. But, later he starts believing in his dreams. He leaves everything his house, his settled life. He travels across the border to Africa just to get his dreams accomplished.
In the end he accomplishes what he wants to. He finds his alchemist.
His journey starts by selling his sheep. After that, he crosses the border where he meets a man. Unfortunately, that man steals his money. His all money was gone.
The only thing he is just left with two stones and nothing else. This made him terrified and double minded of his decision. At the same time he enters the market and meets a crystal shop owner. As, he needed money so he asked for some work from the shop owner which he gets.
He stayed there, did lots of work. He earned enough which could have let him live his life with happiness always. After getting the money he again started his journey in the desert to find his treasure.
He meets a lot of people and one of them was English man. During the journey, he learned a lot from everyone, including the camel, the desert, the English man.
One fine day, he meets a desert woman and falls in love with her. He had hopes to settle down with her. But, with all the trials, learning, patience he continues his journey.
The main lessons which he learned during his journey was the treasure is not gold, but what a person has in himself/ herself.
The book “The Alchemist” has so many quotes which I just loved like:
“IF YOU START BY PROMISING WHAT YOU DON’T EVEN HAVE YET, YOU’LL LOSE YOUR DESIRE TO WORK TOWARDS GETTING IT.”
“EVERYONE SEEMS TO HAVE A CLEAR IDEA OF HOW OTHER PEOPLE SHOULD LEAD THEIR LIVES, BUT NONE ABOUT HIS OR HER OWN.”
“THE SECRET OF LIFE, THOUGH, IS TO FALL SEVEN TIMES AND TO GET UP EIGHT TIMES.”
“THERE IS ONLY ONE THING THAT MAKES A DREAM IMPOSSIBLE TO ACHIEVE: THE FEAR OF FAILURE.”
Summary of The Alchemist
The book is of a young shepherd boy from Spain named Santiago. He is happy with his life, sheep and the books, but he always gets the same dream. The dream of treasure in the pyramids of Egypt.
After meeting the old man he leaves his comfortable and contended life, starts his journey to follow his dream.
The old man also gives him magic stone and some advice for the lifetime. He crossed the Mediterranean and Sahara to reach Egypt.
During the journey he meets few people. The journey was full of difficulties but gave him lessons of life. This changed the way he looked at things.
Who should read “The Alchemist”
This book should be read by the person who:
- Is looking for motivation.
- Wants some motivation.
- Wants to have inspiration.
- Wants to read a book, but should be story based.
- Who like love stories.
Meaning of “Alchemist”
This book comes with a lot of hidden learnings. It also tells a lot about the writer’s thought process. Here the alchemist word is used a lot, which means in the book a magician who can turn any metal to gold.
When you will read the book you will find that there is a mention of the search of alchemist many times in the book.
What is actually an alchemist?
The meaning which actually author wants us to understand is alchemist means “life”. If we look for our own personal focus areas. If we look at what we want in life with determination, then we can surely get it.
It will be like a magic as we will be converting our regular, ordinary lives into shiny gold, treasure. During the journey we will have moments to cherish and enjoy. The main point is we should not give up. Live in the present and be focused.
The book is focused on the main character and how he goes in search of the treasure, but a few things which I did not like are
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At some places the book has some spiritual connection which may be dependent on personal choice.
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The book talks about women waiting for the man to come, doing regular household chores whereas man can engage with other women around.
But I guess this is because of the story is based in that era.
You can get the details of the book The alchemist.
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Anju is a trainer, entrepreneur, and career growth specialist who helps students, working professionals, women, and Job seekers to reach out to their goals by implementing a Career Growth plan
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