A review by robotowilliam
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

2.0

I kinda liked the ''feel'' of the story, how the boy followed his heart and didn't get too attached to things or let his fears stop him, but I was very sceptical of the way it was all framed. I am not sure people who hold this book dear are going to be happier for it. It was too self-helpy, full of advice from someone basically just some random guy. It was interesting to read about the boy's life in Spain and his experience with the crystal shop and the journey through Africa, that was all fine, but the point of it seems to be the author's opinion about how to be happy, and I disagree with most of that part of it. The universe will conspire to help you? No it won't. You've got to listen to omens? That's superstition and totally unhelpful. I did like that it advocated for quite an easy-going approach to life, but it was too preachy and the religious elements totally turned me off.