2017 Reading Challenge discussion

This is not the edition I read, but oh well. I switched back and forth from "book I can read in a day" to "book chosen for the cover," but in the end I chose "book that was translated" because it was! And those can be difficult to find especially because I look for books through my local library or at discount stores such as Goodwill or local book stores. I wasn't expecting much from this book and I think because of that it turned out to be really good! :)

It's one of my favourite books. It has a certain calm about it along with adventure and finding perspective. I certainly haven't read anything like it ever since.

I haven't read it yet for pure prejudice, the author isn't well liked in academia and my lit professors always discouraged me. one day...who knows?

Lara wrote: "I haven't read it yet for pure prejudice, the author isn't well liked in academia and my lit professors always discouraged me. one day...who knows?"

I've read two other books by him Brida and Aleph and while the first wasn't hideous, the latter I really struggled through. Too spiritual. So, I don't really recommend the author as much as I recommend this specific book.

I read this book for this category too.

I agree that it's quite unique. It's still a bit too spiritual for my taste, and certainly very moralistic. But that can be a good thing every once in a while and I enjoyed reading it. I haven't read any of his other books though...

Elizabeth wrote: "This is not the edition I read, but oh well... I wasn't expecting much from this book and I think because of that it turned out to be really good! :) "

I read The Alchemist without any preconceptions and no expectations either (I had no idea what it would be like except that it was written by a S American author). Once I'd switched to 'oh it's a fairytale' mode (and started to re-read from the beginning in a lighter frame of mind), I really enjoyed it. It was fun and simple with a moral thrown in too.

I think a bit of spirituality isn't a bad thing, especially if it's presented in such an open minded, liberal and charming way.

Quite a refreshing little book

... and vastly different from the horror I'm reading at the moment ( (It)) although you could argue there are morals in IT too..

I often read this book when I need a pick-me-up. One of my favorites, too!