This sub's most popular posts regarding Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist are negative... I loved it!

Submitted by benspaperclip t3_1234cdn in books

Just minutes ago I finished reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I loved it. I think I'll read it again soon, but first I'll give it some time to sink in.

Before writing this post, I checked to see what kinds of posts had already been made regarding the book. Most described the book as childish, pointless, a self-help book disguised as fiction, etc. I disagree, and I don't think anyone is necessarily right or wrong.

I'm 25 years old. I'm not religious in any way, but I do find a lot of joy and meaning in nature and the outdoors. That's led me to become a teacher. I love to share my passion with others. But getting here has been a bit of a journey, and I appreciate that Santiago follows the same kind of journey. He finds meaning and joy along his adventures, almost haphazardly, much like I have.

The language is beautiful, and feels natural to the wanderings and musings of a boy on a journey. But does that make it childish? No. The themes can be expanded to describe all manner of people, and I know people of all ages wonder what their purpose in life is, or "Personal Legend", as my version describes.

But patience and faith in the future have been my best tools to find joy in my life, and I think that's basically what the story describes. I really appreciated The Alchemist, and I look forward to contemplating its themes and reading it again.

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Comments

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[deleted] t1_jdthjhs wrote

I think because it's a fairly shallow in its "inspirational" aspirations.

The "live, laugh, love" of books.

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salty-hubbub t1_jdubcji wrote

To be honest I believe the issue is not with the book, but with the world, which have eroded and blemished the concepts of faith, self love and forgiveness, endurance, etc. So many books, movies, commercials, "self-help-professionals"(throws up in mouth a bit), ponzi schemes, etc. have chewed and spit out these themes so many times that they became stale.

Also I must add, Coelho was ahead in this as well, because in the book he actually subtly picks at the mythos of "will it to make it true", inclining to question these kinds of this.

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partytown_usa t1_jduau45 wrote

Agree. If you enjoyed The Alchemist's themes about fate, determinism, life purpose, etc, then I'd recommend reading Thomas Pynchon's Gravity's Rainbow next. It's a more nuanced and challenging perspective on those same concepts.

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TheGoldenDog t1_jdum9jl wrote

If you liked The Alchemist try Gravity's Rainbow? Surely you're joking?!

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raelrok t1_jdunfnz wrote

If you like making paper airplanes, you should try making a V2 rocket!

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I-am-an-onion123 t1_jdunuxw wrote

If you're struggling with gravitys rainbow then you can do some supplementary reading on it while you're reading it, maybe summaries and analysis online or such. I understand why it can be a struggle for some but if you put in the effort it's very readable. Everyone can read it with this in mind.

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raelrok t1_jdv1gl3 wrote

I did really enjoy it. I read it across a 6 month period with a few breaks between putting it down and picking it back up.

It is a book where the reader can suffer from missing context due to their (lack of) knowledge of the period, but I managed to struggle through with the help of Wikipedia where things got murky.

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Umbrella_Viking t1_jdv8w2p wrote

I’ve read both. The Alchemist is fine.

It’s funny everyone around here trashes a book for being simplistic in its message then go on to praise To Kill a Mockingbird as though that author doesn’t hit you with themes using a cudgel.

The message doesn’t have to be hidden and esoteric and require a companion manual (Weisenberger’s Gravity’s Rainbow companion is excellent - I dare say it’s a must or the multiple references per page fly over your head) to understand.

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Pipe-International t1_jdt7ccy wrote

I don’t think it’s pointless, it obviously has a point but I do think it’s childish. Not in a way that’s immature, but that it has all the classic tropes of child/middle grade literature. However, just because something is ‘childish’ doesn’t mean it cant be enjoyed by adults. It’s accessibility is probably a lot of the reason why it’s a continual best seller.

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minimalist_coach t1_jdtc2yk wrote

I didn’t enjoy it, but it was enthusiastically recommended to me by a few people, so clearly others did enjoy it.

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nativecrone t1_jdultrn wrote

Same. Though reading OP's description I feel like I should have. My connections to nature are where I am most grounded in my spirituality.

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LAffaire-est-Ketchup t1_jdu8iqw wrote

I felt like it was “meaning porn” — it tried to be super deep but was shallow AF

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kleebish t1_jdv8wn7 wrote

I love that term! Will use it but credit you.

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jawnbaejaeger t1_jduaygr wrote

I'll be honest, I hated the fucking book.

Like every single thing about it, I hated. I found the entire thing insipid and reductive, but I kept reading it because I had heard so much about it and kept hoping it would get better. For me, it didn't. I'm a cynical old broad, and books like that just don't work for me.

But that doesn't mean you can't love it or that you're wrong for loving it. I'm glad you can find inspiration and joy in it where I couldn't. Your reaction to the book makes you happy, and we could all use a little bit of happiness in our lives.

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HealthClassic t1_jdtlfl9 wrote

I actually liked the first parts of the book quite a lot, where it's just a boy wandering around with some sheep. I wished it had continued like that.

But I didn't feel anything at all from the allegory and the lesson that it offered. Or rather, I think it's a really mistaken view of the world, but it's also not novel or interesting in a way that would make it worth reading for someone who doesn't buy the conclusions.

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Go-Brit t1_jdu4gpm wrote

YES that first part was super enjoyable! I thought I was in for such a treat.

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mom_with_an_attitude t1_jdt6bw9 wrote

I liked it, too. You have a right to enjoy what you enjoy. Don't let other people's opinions get in the way of your own enjoyment. The Internet likes to hate on a lot of different things.

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sekhmet1010 t1_jdu7s7h wrote

I read 3 Paulo Coelho books (Alchemist, Zahir, 11 Minutes). He is not a good author, in my opinion.

That doesn't mean people can't enjoy them.

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kimjobil05 t1_jdv7165 wrote

i loved the alchemist, i guess it found me at a point in life where I needed what it told me... that there's other things I could be doing other than what I was doing at the moment... and one step forward per day is all it takes.

however, I tried valkyries and veronica must die and found them almost unreadable. lol...

but the alchemist was huge for me when I read it, close to seven years ago. it legit changed my perspective on life.

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kleebish t1_jdv9qd0 wrote

I do know how life changing the right book at the right time can be. At 17, I read Colette's "Claudine at School." Then the other 3 Claudine books. She became a guiding light for me, getting me through a depression and rethinking my mother's deeply flawed teachings on life, sex and autonomy. I recognized myself in the character and she has been a little kernal inside me for 40+ years.

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kimjobil05 t1_jdwthy2 wrote

that's why books are so powerful... ive read the alchemist like three times, i understand the criticism, yet id still recommend it, especially to people i know who struggle to read difficult, 500 pages tomes. all that the book needs is to speak to me, thats enough.

what is claudine at school about? thats an amazing experience... you were almost educated on adulthood by this books. is that a fair comment?

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sekhmet1010 t1_jdv7qal wrote

I think that there are a lot of people who feel the same way. That is why the book was as popular as it was. Sometimes it's all about timing.

Maybe it's a reductive way of thinking, but i feel like sometimes there are these gaps in the market, which even when filled by comparatively sub-par books, end up being just the thing. We have seen this with so many other books like The Secret , Twilight , Da Vinci Code etc.

I am glad the book helped you!

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kimjobil05 t1_jdwsg9j wrote

yeah..... the important thing is having a message that resonates.

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geitjesdag t1_jduxm5y wrote

I'm surprised by how polarising it is. I read it at about 20, and I thought it was alright. No strong feelings either way, but I probably wouldn't read it again.

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BobCrosswise t1_jdten5l wrote

I thought it was fine.

I read it before this sub started circle-jerking over how much they hate it, so I had no particular expectations either way. And I thought it was just sort of pleasant, if a bit shallow.

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TaxQuestionGuy69 t1_jdu3lso wrote

Man I’ve really struggled with Paulo coelho books. The language in them, and lessons, all feel targeted at 12 year olds.

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MaybeSecondBestMan t1_jdvcttk wrote

The r/books circlejerk is never more obnoxious or banal than when this book gets mentioned. “DAE actually not like the Alchemist?” is pretty much a meme at this point. People take way too much joy pontificating about how the book is “actually not that deep” and ”not as smart as it thinks it is.” I’m guessing these would be better descriptors of the people who pile into these threads than the book itself.

It’s a feel-good fairytale adventure about trusting your destiny and finding some treasure. People almost universally enjoy simple, well-told stories, and that’s exactly what it is. It’s a nice quick read, something to make you reflect a little and feel good for having gone on an adventure. It’s not trying to be the Bible, though you would think so for how much attention it gets on this subreddit.

Do yourself a favor and let yourself enjoy the book. Don’t even look at this subreddit regurgitating the same hackneyed takedown a thousand times over. “WOW, the Alchemist? My thoughts on this overrated ‘novel…’” Oh fuck off, you self-serious knob.

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cpuphry t1_jdtnfec wrote

i thought it was fun

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earthgoddessK t1_jdtyegt wrote

People complain that it doesn’t have enough depth but I felt that it was one of those books that carried a great deal of underlying philosophical and spiritual content.

Ironically, I purchased it at the airport in Rio de Janeiro during an 11 hour layover, when I was returning home to live in the US after spending 6.5 years living abroad.

To me, the concept of the character coming full circle at the end, with the underpinnings of the experiences and lessons he had learned along the way, was very powerful.

While some people find the book boring, I came away with a sense that there is richness and profound meaning in this life that a great deal of people overlook.

I suppose some are looking for clever entertainment, and not a contemplative narrative. I found it odd that others would dog it in this subreddit, but it is a book I have gifted to more than one person since I read it.

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MaybeSecondBestMan t1_jdvokhj wrote

> Ironically, I purchased it at the airport in Rio de Janeiro during an 11 hour layover, when I was returning home to live in the US after spending 6.5 years living abroad.

Damn, this book must have hit hard for you. Sometimes you just find the right thing at the right time. That’s awesome.

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ReturnOfSeq t1_jdv9snu wrote

This book doesn’t have depth or hidden meaning. Depth-wise, this is the book equivalent of someone jumping into an empty pool

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sullgore t1_jdukyvx wrote

I also really loved it and found it really almost life changing (I was 24 when I read it). Came on this sub and it made me feel like I was a moron for even liking it.

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Supernova_134 t1_jdv47a0 wrote

You say that because everyone dislikes the book or because you have reason to believe the book is that bad?

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sullgore t1_jdv4o1u wrote

I still enjoyed the book and think about it sometimes 3 years after reading. Just at the time the outpouring of hate for it on this sub was excessive

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Supernova_134 t1_jdv5ctc wrote

There is nothing wrong with enyoing a book even if some other people didn't like it. Excluding some obvious cases of course.

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ddpherm t1_jdtg8mj wrote

I really enjoyed the book too. I thought it was a cool, unique story.

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amit_mango t1_jdufhkk wrote

Cool, perhaps. Wouldn’t call it unique at all though… didn’t he even admit that it was basically just a ripoff? :/

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ddpherm t1_jdv68x2 wrote

Unique from what I have read. It was a far more interesting story than the generic general mysteries and thrillers that I generally read.

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ReturnOfSeq t1_jdv9l8n wrote

‘I thought this was good because I usually read books that I myself describe as generic’ is a very honest review of Alchemist.

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Peakcok t1_jduavgz wrote

I love it and probably because I didn't look for deep meaning from it. My biggest lesson from it was that sometimes what you're seeking is already with you and you don't have to look do hard to find it. A few phrases from it help to keep momentum when I feel low. For example, if you really want something, the universe conspires in your favour towards it, this keeps you working towards your dreams. I was a book nerd and I don't get time to read as much as I used to, but I loved Alchemist.

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ReturnOfSeq t1_jdv99wf wrote

The universe doesn’t know about you or care, and it’s certainly not secretly helping you. You are describing wishful thinking and survivorship bias. I doubt the homeless panhandler with no legs by my house would agree the universe is secretly trying to help

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GenoPax t1_jdt6waw wrote

Loved it too!

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A1Protocol t1_jdti2cd wrote

I wouldn't worry too much about the book world's opinion on the literary value of a story 😀

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withygoldfish t1_jdtkyff wrote

I don’t think it’s a book for people who have stopped dreaming (also referred to in some circles as ‘old people’).

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FishbaitMo t1_jdvdvic wrote

I read The Alchemist for the first time at 14 years old. My dad and I had just sailed to a small coastal Great Lakes town. He laid down for a nap and I went out exploring on my own, feeling very adult. I stopped in a tiny book shop to browse and the very cute friendly clerk mentioned how much he loved the book I’d picked up to cover how flustered I got when he came in from the back. I bought it and it turned out to be the perfect book to acquire in that manner. I had an enormous amount of fun reading it and it’ll always hold a special place in my heart. Glad to see others have positive experiences with it in this subreddit too!

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ButtonPrince t1_jdw8f4x wrote

I liked it too. I often find myself relating it to new books I read or just to events in my life.

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Crawgdor t1_jdtjiob wrote

I deeply disliked it, bordering on hatred. But taste is individual and surely you would dislike some things I hold dear.

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Tamerlane_Tully t1_jdtwqe1 wrote

Someone dared to say they enjoyed a book and every single person here decided to tell them immediately how wrong they are.

Guess what guys, taste and art is entirely subjective, and unless you've won the Nobel Prize in literature, your opinions mean jack shit.

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BeneLeit t1_jdu4kzx wrote

I love that book. This sub seems to overwhelmingly hate it. To each their own!

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No_Bid_1382 t1_jdw20u5 wrote

I don't know what this subs obsession with tearing this book down is. It's like you all read someone's negative post about it and had to adopt that as your personality. News flash, some people enjoy shallow pop fiction like The Alchemist (hell EEAAO just won best picture), and the way in which it lives rent free in all your heads speaks far more to y'all than to Coelho.

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ButteredNap t1_jdwvf11 wrote

I read this book just after completing a long journey and just before I was setting out on the next stage of that. It was perfect timing for me. Perhaps others read it at a more closed off time of their life. Happy songs sound grating and effete when you’re hunkered down inside yourself. People could call Tao te Ching childish or simplistic. It’s less about the book and more about the reader. It’s always been this way

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godp1301 t1_jdtnang wrote

I didn't like it either. I was hoping to learn something from that book. I did not. I'm 45 and already realized most of the things in there. A bit like The zen and the art of motorcycle maintenance. Maybe it depends on where you are in your life and what this book may bring you. I remember loving Le discours de la méthode from Descartes when I was in college. That was really an eye opener for me and made me realize how I should be approaching others and new experiences. I'm glad you liked it though :)

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No_Cockroach_5048 t1_jdukm9q wrote

I loved it too, and I am ok if most people didn't like it, we have different perspectives and have read different stuff in our life and that can change the way we think about a story. The Alchemist was one the first books I read and maybe I liked it more because I wasn't exposed to many books yet. But even after reading many books (although not much tbh) I still like it. I still go back to the parts I had highlighted and still draw inspiration from those lines. I recommend it to all beginner readers since it's short and is written in very simple english.

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[deleted] t1_jdv7kvw wrote

I liked it. I read it when I was on my own journey of self and it resonated.

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ItsCoolWhenTheyDoIt t1_jed14i5 wrote

It was a good ‘lay by the pool’ book for me. I think people who view The Alchemist as a self help book are misguided. It’s an adventure book about finding your inner light. There is a difference between childish and nourishing the inner child that’s inside everyone. IMO The Alchemist is the latter.

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Hercule-Porotta t1_jdugh5n wrote

I read it as a teen and thought it was profound.

However I don't think I would enjoy it as much now. Esp when I really hate Hesse's Siddhartha!

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jonhybee t1_jdv9mkb wrote

Dont worry, if you are not familiar with philosophy already, this is a great entry level book imo. The bad reviews come from older/more accomplished readers expecting more then a teen level intro to the topic of deep thinking. Its all about expectations, I read it when I was 12yo and it was pretty mind blowing for a 12yo in the 90s.

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quattrophile t1_jdvbpnw wrote

I also thoroughly enjoyed it, although I haven't read it since 2006 so I'm not sure I'd like it again if I reread it.

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welder-of-words t1_jdx12wg wrote

I never got the hype around it. I didn’t HATE it but I was underwhelmed. I think it’s just one of those things that depends on the context - ie how old you were when you read it, what’s happening in your life at that time etc.

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KingSzmaragd t1_jedcpub wrote

As a Brazilian I feel truly embarassed by Paulo Coelho's books. That is not we have to show the world. I feel sad that from an international perspective Paulo Coelho overshadows magnificent Brazilian authors such as Machado de Assis, João Ubaldo, Ariano Suassuna, Jorge Amado, Guimarães Rosa, among others.

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pitapiper125 t1_jduvzjb wrote

I'm on the side of not having enjoyed it. But according to most of the comments, maybe it's because I'm older and already have a jaded view of life 🤔

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klaaptrap t1_jduxs0k wrote

Same people that like this book keep telling me I don’t understand how clever the last Jedi was

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WARPANDA3 t1_jdv2bye wrote

I thought it was way overrated. It was an ok book. Just ok

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kleebish t1_jdv8g5j wrote

Yep. The boy is on the journey and the women are there as props.

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ReturnOfSeq t1_jdvahre wrote

I’ve said it before, I’ll probably say it again. If you force fed an AI r/im14andthisisdeep then asked it to write a book, you’d get something a lot like the alchemist.

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OptimalNobody5897 t1_jdtkb6o wrote

For me,it is the weakest book Paulo's.. for example, read "11 minutes" and compare with "alchemist"..Paulo can describe feelings, the best way, however, can't open window fighting for your goals. He can describe emotion in the best way, can't make notion...in this category - motivation or such as, it is wast of time.. But Paulo has own place in the world of literature..

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Caleb_Trask19 t1_jdukj3x wrote

This always seems to be the gateway book to those who don’t read or don’t read much, especially since high school or college. If it gets you back into reading great! But there are so much better and more wonderful books out there that will really blow your mind so keep reading widely and deeply.

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odetowildthings t1_jdurcwb wrote

The Alchemist is overrated. It seems to be the most purchased book among teens and young adults (though I didn't read this because of that). I tried reading it and was bored halfway through. It seems like the character's journey is never-ending, with no certainty as to where the destination was or what.

And I *love* reading different genres of books, so if I say this about a book, you'll know it's that bad because I hardly ever get bored with anything I read.

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Iwstamp t1_jduuf76 wrote

The first thought when I completed that book was, what a ridiculous waste of time. Bumper sticker book.

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bsurfn2day t1_jdta0yf wrote

I think a lot of the shade throw at that novel is because of his other books. Which are sort of out there new age self help books. I think people group it together with the body of his work. Which isn't fair and there's nothing wrong with in-bedding wisdom in a novel anyway. IMO.

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olliepots t1_jdtcaab wrote

I’ve never read any of his other books. The Alchemist is bar none the worst book I’ve ever read. However, I don’t cast judgment on anyone who feels differently. I’m happy for anyone who finds value in something, even if I don’t.

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Decumulate t1_jdtqdng wrote

Was also in the camp of people who thought it was stupid - and I’m someone who really loves philosophy so this wasn’t a case of it being too meaning-infused. I just thought it was written for a 7 year old trying to see the world the first time. For anyone older it felt pretty lame.

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PTRDTH t1_jdtityd wrote

The language is too simple to be of any literary value, there is no philosophy to speak of, the "lesson" itself is pretty vague and ambivalent. Overall you can enjoy it but don't expect it to be on the same level as reading Charles Dickens or Mark Twain.

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[deleted] t1_jdv8myk wrote

There is a philosophy though. I came across this Terrence McKenna quote shortly before I read the Alchemist and it reminded me of the philosophy of the book.

Nature loves courage. You make the commitment and nature will respond to that commitment by removing impossible obstacles. Dream the impossible dream and the world will not grind you under, it will lift you up. This is the trick. This is what all these teachers and philosophers who really counted, who really touched the alchemical gold, this is what they understood. This is the shamanic dance in the waterfall. This is how magic is done. By hurling yourself into the abyss and discovering it's a feather bed.

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PTRDTH t1_jdv9rjm wrote

Reading the quote, it makes so much sense now. Thanks a lot.

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OinkMcOink t1_jdtplt2 wrote

Personally, the problem I have with The Alchemist is the people I've met in person who read it, which is mostly people who says they love reading books but could not mention any other books than The Alchemist (or The Count of Monte Cristo.)

I don't care if people don't like books, we all have our varied interests. I hate it when people mention this book (and The Count of Monte Cristo) as valid examples that they're "well read" too. The reason non-readers read it is it's short and popular. Who hasn't heard of The Alchemist, right? I've read it too, but the problem is I've read other books too and that's very much the end of books as a topic in a conversation for me.

My opinion on the book itself is that it's a padded short story masquerading as a right full book. It's charming, sure, but it could have been better off as one shorter story in a book of collected stories.

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