1 post tagged “the alchemist”
There are
two types of people in this world: those who like Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, and those who don’t. I
fall into the latter category, and I’m probably the only person I know who has
read the book who wasn’t completely blown away. (So, I guess this means the two types of people in this world are -- “everyone in the world” and “Mitch Schneider”.)
Let me first acknowledge I understand the popularity of The Alchemist… According to Wikipedia, The Alchemist has sold over 65 million copies in 150 countries, and has been translated into nearly 60 languages. It’s won awards; it’s being made into a movie; it’s featured front and center in any bookstore you enter… I get it – The Alchemist is clearly a good book (and it’s certainly well-written and moves quickly).
But I didn’t like it, plain and simple. The story (which is about a young boy, Santiago, who believes in omens that carry him from one destination and environment to another) is just Über-sappy and parable-like. The Alchemist is meant to inspire the reader to go after his or her dreams, and to never settle... If I wanted this inspiration, I’d watch the movie, Rudy. I bet, if you read The Secret, and liked it, you would want to own multiple copies of The Alchemist for every room in your house.
I think my problem is I read this book well into my late twenties, when I’d like to think I’ve figured most things out (or have an idea which way to go). This book is probably best read by fresh-out-of-school college graduates, members of Greenpeace, or people on Zoloft.
I’m not going to comment any further because you’ve likely just reported this blog post to the Homeland Security Council. But in keeping with the tradition of my One Minute Book Reviews, I’m giving The Alchemist two “Mitch’s” out of five.
My next book: Choke, by Chuck Palahniuk
Past reviews:
-The Tender Bar (Rating: 3.5 out of 5)
-The Kite Runner (Rating: 4 out of 5)
