The Alchemist

Location	Call Number	Branch	Item Status
Westgate Adult Books	Adult Book / Fiction / General / Coelho, Paulo	Westgate Branch	On Hold Shelf
Westgate Adult Books	Fiction	Westgate Branch	In transit
Downtown 2nd Floor	Fiction	Downtown Library	Due 06-05-2019
Downtown 2nd Floor	Fiction / Coelho, Paulo	Downtown Library	Due 05-15-2019
Pittsfield Adult	Fiction	Pittsfield Branch	Due 05-29-2019
Pittsfield Adult	Fiction / Coelho, Paulo	Pittsfield Branch	Due 06-16-2019

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COMMUNITY REVIEWS

I'm faithful yet unbelieving submitted by PBS on June 26, 2011, 9:07am This book is more a life philosophy than a work of fiction. Yet its place as a book of life philosophy is at odds with the events that transpire in the book, which are more fiction than a life philosophy. While the statement of life philosophy through fiction may not be a problem with some books, the blurring between reality and fiction makes it more problematic here. While there are certainly spiritual insights to be gained from this book, as well as the importance of optimism in the face of trials and danger, I'm not convinced that following this book's ideas (if that is possible) is the only recipe for a happy life. Additionally, for a book that seems to be about discovering yourself and the worth of a spiritual life, there's quite a focus on earthly treasures.

Well Done submitted by hcf on July 25, 2014, 1:45pm Great book club read ~ lots of discussion.

Pursuing your dream submitted by sueij on July 2, 2015, 2:36pm I loved this. I think allegories make beautiful stories (when well done, of course), and it reminded me of _Haroun and the Sea of Stories_. I thought it was beautifully written as itself... a story about a young man pursuing his dream. Though simple, we could hear his thoughts, see the world from his viewpoint, hear him grow as he experienced more of the world.

But of course, the book is really about pursuing our own dream, and with only a little thought, it invites us to that contemplation and journey as well.

A great personal read, or book club discussion, though whether you like it might depend whether you are at a searching/ deciding point in your life. Highly recommended.