1 stars (Atrocious) - This is one of the worst books I've ever read - a real struggle to finish due to its kindergarten plot, poor proof reading and hippy "message". No idea why its so popular - its like it was written by a 13 year old. 1 stars (Pure Comedy) - This is quite possibly the worst (AND FUNNIEST) book I have ever read. I actually read this book while in Peru (where most of the story takes place) and I can most assuredly say that the author has never been to Peru. His descriptions of the country are vague at best. For instance, he describes a field of Oak trees at one point. I travelled extensively through Peru and in my entire time saw not one Oak tree. Redfield's views on history and culture are entirely ethnocentric. In fact, almost every vague point he makes in regards to history revolves totally around western society. Redfield wants so hard to come off as deep and spiritual in this book and just comes off as an absolute flake. However, this book is very funny to read. It is so bad that my friend and I would actually take turns reading it to each other and end up on the ground laughing. If you are actually looking for a book with substance, I suggest a book called The Prophet by Kahlil Gibran. A true masterpiece- something that The Celestine Prophecy is most definately not. 5 stars (Insights to live by) - My daughter sent me this book while I was in Alaska. I found the story exciting, and was unable to put it down untill I had finished. I bought several copies to send to my children in the lower 48. The insights confirmed my beliefs and I have re-read it several times. I have also read the Secret of Sahmbhala and The Tenth Insight ... Warner Books :: Fiction & General :: Visionary & Metaphysical :: General :: Fiction - General :: Fiction :: James Redfield :: :: The Celestine Prophecy
4 stars (pleasant) - im personally drawn to portugese authors. in both the works of jose saramago and paulo i sense a very strong current: both of these men have a gift for capturing the essential human spirit in prose. to me, the alchemist was a dance; seamless blending of wordplay and personality, reaching for a portrait of the beauty of human experience. the story is fair and lighthearted, a saunter; however there is something quite magical about it. one could say it comes with paulo's integration of mysticism and arab cultures. there are many scenes where the reader, with the help of paulo, can deceive the senses into letting go as to transcend the present and play amongst the ethereal literary setting. all this works together to make reading this book a pleasantly positive and enjoyable experience. when low scores are given i do not understand what one could possibly be seeking other than a nice story. in terms of storytelling, this one is exceptional, and it would be something else if all approached this one with intent and respect. it deserves at least that. 2 stars (occasional insights in a shallow text) - Occasionally in The Alchemist there are moments that made me dog-ear the page, words and turns of phrase that I thought captured an important sentiment about life and the pursuit of dreams. But these rare moments are embedded in a foggy text, a text that has the appearance of wisdom but is actually quite shallow and vague. In Santiago's various discussions with the people and things he encounters, from the Englishman to the desert wind, there is a superficial feel of deep ideas being discussed when most of the time there is little substance to the ideas, little development and thought put into them. Profound words like "omen" and "heart" are tossed about without any effortful exploration of their meanings. These thoughts, these words, are dealt with too easily and superficially. Rather than stir me and engage me in deep thought, the book act... HarperSanFrancisco :: Reading Group Guide :: Fiction & Literary :: Visionary & Metaphysical :: Literary :: Fiction - General :: Fiction :: Fables :: Paulo Coelho :: :: The Alchemist- A Fable About Following Your Dream
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