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