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.