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Book Review - The Alchemist

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I recently read the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho after hearing from multiple people that it is one of their favorite books.  Since it is one of the best-selling books in history, I'm guessing you may have already read it.  This book is truly inspired.  It is simply and beautifully written with much wisdom and truth woven throughout it.

The book is an allegory told through a story of a young shepherd boy who is guided by a prophet to follow his personal legend.  Everyone has a personal legend (personal plan) and the soul of the world (the spirit) will guide them to achieve their personal legend if they listen.  God wants us all to achieve our personal legends, but there will be tests and trials along way.  We need not to fear, because everything is in God's hands.  The young boy sets out to follow his personal legend, which will lead him to treasure.  He meets different individuals, including the alchemist, along the way that teach him lessons and help him on his journey to fulfill his personal legend.

I loved this book.  I found it such an uplifting story of faith and following your heart.  I thought I would share a few of my favorite quotes so you can feel uplifted as well.
"When each day is the same as the next, it’s because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises."
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” 
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” 
“In his pursuit of the dream, he was being constantly subjected to tests of his persistence and courage. So he could not be hasty, nor impatient. If he pushed forward impulsively, he would fail to see the signs and omens left by God along his path."  
"The wise men understood that this natural world is only an image and a copy of paradise.  The existence of this world is simply a guarantee that there exists a world that is perfect.  God created the world so that, through its visible objects, men could understand his spiritual teachings and the marvels of this wisdom."
"One is loved because one is loved.  No reason is needed for loving.” 
Jan's Rating:  

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  1. Becky ShulerSeptember 22, 2011 at 5:14 PM

    Thanks for the quotes! I love them! I appreciate you and your upbeat positive attitude. I always enjoy reading your blogs because I enjoy your pictures and cute sense of humor. Keep up the good work!! :)

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lee AnnSeptember 22, 2011 at 8:15 PM

    I read the book last year and really enjoyed it too. It was such a unique book I thought.

    ReplyDelete
  3. grammawoodSeptember 26, 2011 at 8:49 PM

    I'll have to put this on my list of books to read.

    ReplyDelete

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