Célia’s comment > Likes and Comments

I agree that is a simplistic tale. But it WAS made out to be life changing literature and that is what I think most people take issue with. It almost seems like it could be a child's story of learning to journey and find one's dreams, no matter how big or small.

Kirsten, I agree. I think this book works way better when you're younger then later. As an adult you pretty know the lessons or already have an opinion about it.

i like this book, because it's very simple, and hard in the same time, because it makes us to think of our personal legend. to think of our futur. i like the book because the important thing about it it's not the story of santiago, but our stories in santiago's journey.

I think Paulo Coelho underestimated his readers while writing this book. The message is bang on but i disliked the way in which he tells the story.

one cannot speed read this buk...u have to read it in a slower pace to gt d innner meaning....its almost like tasting a wine... u have to smell it 1st,then take a sip,,,let it dance wid ur onguet and finally drink it....

I agree, I read it when I was twelve and I loved it. It didn't change my life, but I really enjoyed it and hold a nice memory of it. I confess I am sort of afraid to re-read it now, as an adult. lol You make it sound so bad that I think I'm just going to hold my earlier memory of it. Maybe it should be publicised as a book for children or youths rather than a spiritual life-changing bestseller...

Also, consider the fact that the original, which I read, is written in portuguese and some things about the style may be lost in translation.

Coelho's message is right there in front of you; there's no reason to bill this as an allegory. In addition to that, every character is one-dimensional and they show little to no growth or development.

Precious as in a cute 2 year-old.

Paulo Coelho is a famous and beloved writer whose ideas influence so many people all over the world. His ideas are very important specially because there are millions of people who believe in them and influence their life. That is why his books are translated and read by people of all nations on earth.
However, those ideas are so selfish and ego-centered that makes a man with similar characteristics, while build walls between people and takes it out of the society. He supports the competition and fighting, instead of cooperation and peace. He is fan of the “warrior of the light” and believes in alchemy and life elixir. All his books are full of miracles and magic and of fantastic symbols.
So, let's have a dialogue with him and his ideas. As he proposed to those who criticize his books, write a book instead, I listen to him and do so. A book opposite to each book of his, are written by me and have begun to be published as e-books and as hard copies.
Now you have a dialog (from the Greek word “διά-λογος”) in front of you, to read, evaluate and implement in your life. This is a dialogue which is present for the first time ever. Take advantage of it, come to your conclusions and stop believe blind what you read every time.

Yeah! What she said,lol. Could not have said it better. I loved this journey but I think you have to be in the mental zone to understand the point here. Indeed, it sounds very precious!

Great, well expressed and to the point. I like the way your separated perspectives based upon expectations.