Summary & Study Guide The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

by BookRags

The Alchemist is subtitled "A Fable About Following Your Dreams." Fables are cautionary tales that have a point to make. The universal point this story makes is that everyone has a special destiny, and yet not everyone resolves to attain it because it takes hard work. Reaching one's destiny requires leaving behind familiar surroundings. It also demands persistence, the ability to change when appropriate and the willingness to respond to omens that point the way.

This study guide includes the following Plot Summary, Chapter Summaries & Analysis, Characters, Objects/Places, Themes, Style, Quotes, and Topics for Discussion.

36 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 10, 2011

Reviews

[Farah]

more than amazing!!!! i came to release many things i didn't even notice before!!!

[Sange Wangmu]

It is a very interesting story, its all about following ones dream and obstacles we face while trying to acheive our goal

[Sarah Martin]

My favourite book, can read it in a few days and I will keep reading this over and over again

[Cath · Rating 5 out of 5]

LOVE this book. Reminds me somewhat of a French book called The Man Who Planted Trees by Jean Giono. That book should be required reading in school AND for those who've already finished school. People seem to forget(or never realize) the importance of trees in our world, not just environmentally but spiritually. Another that should be required reading is Animals in Translation by Temple Grandin. Animals aren't just 'things', they're sentient beings who see the world differently. To be humane, we need to make the effort to 'see' things their way when we're dealing with animals under any circumstances. Temple Grandin 'sees' the world much like animals and has made it her mission to make slaughter houses(the dread) more humane. Whether you believe her or think she's affective or not, the book is profound.

[Diana · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is a fable about following your dreams. A young shepard has recurring dreams about traveling to the pyramids to find his treasure. The story follows his journey there....which takes a lot of time.
It is full of wonderful saying such as "When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you achieve it." Kind of difficult to follow in parts. One of the main lessons it has to teach is that everyone has a special destiny, not everyone attains this because it takes hard work to get there.
By the way, I did read the book and not the summary and study guide, but couldn't find the book on the lists of books. This is a review of the Alchemist.

[Sheila Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first audio book. It was fascinating. The writing in this book is beautiful, the words create so many vivid images. I loved it. This book will have a different meaning for every single person that reads it! Its said to be a life changing book. I agree. The fictitious journey of the main character simply named, "Boy", represents so many life lessons.

[Leah Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good to sit back and reflect upon life. This book is a reminder of the vagaries of life.

[Dilla Ariesta · Rating 2 out of 5]

Buku yg memusingkan tapi banyak arti yg didapatkan

[Ianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Simple yet enchanting.

[Sharif Ibrahim · Rating 5 out of 5]

My first english read book. very inspiring.