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