The Alchemist

I'm not sure I agree with the overall message of the book. I find it's more like it doesn't matter how much you want something, if the universe decides it's not for you, it's not. I don't think we have as much control over our reality as the story is trying to say we do. Sometimes life is just about getting through storms the best we can, and learning to let go. While there are some alright quotes, the rest came off as preachy or was full of clichés.

I have read many critical reviews of this book and I can absolutely see the reasons why so many people dislike the book. For me, however, this book came at just the right time of my life, and it had a huge impact on me.

You see, the book is about following your dream. In my case, I felt stuck in a life that didn't suit me at all, unable to move. This book comes with a certain naivety that is freeing. The kind that says, it doesn't matter, just go for it. Yes that sounds like a recipe for disaster for some people, especially since some events in the books might seem to have a rather dubious meaning. But for me it was a lifesaver. And most of the more rational books that I read as well did no remotely have the same effect. The book might suggest to stop thinking sometimes, and that might be just what you need.

You critics are all right, but I will recommend this book to anyone.

I feel like I should go back and bump basically everything down to at least 4 stars except this book. Because it doesn't feel right it should share the same rating...

This book is... life changing. I'm finished, but I am going to go back and start it again right away. It is INCREDIBLE.

Thank you, thank you, thank you Lora for telling me to read it!