The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho (Epub)

Description

A special 25th anniversary edition of the extraordinary international bestseller, including a new Foreword by Paulo Coelho.

Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.

Paulo Coelho’s masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago’s journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life’s path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.

User’s Reviews

Paulo Coelho’s enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. What starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts. Amazon.com Review Like the one-time bestseller Jonathan Livingston Seagull, The Alchemist presents a simple fable, based on simple truths and places it in a highly unique situation. And though we may sniff a bestselling formula, it is certainly not a new one: even the ancient tribal storytellers knew that this is the most successful method of entertaining an audience while slipping in a lesson or two. Brazilian storyteller Paulo Coehlo introduces Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who one night dreams of a distant treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. And so he’s off: leaving Spain to literally follow his dream. Along the way he meets many spiritual messengers, who come in unassuming forms such as a camel driver and a well-read Englishman. In one of the Englishman’s books, Santiago first learns about the alchemists–men who believed that if a metal were heated for many years, it would free itself of all its individual properties, and what was left would be the “Soul of the World.” Of course he does eventually meet an alchemist, and the ensuing student-teacher relationship clarifies much of the boy’s misguided agenda, while also emboldening him to stay true to his dreams. “My heart is afraid that it will have to suffer,” the boy confides to the alchemist one night as they look up at a moonless night. “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself,” the alchemist replies. “And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.” –Gail Hudson –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From School Library Journal YA– This simple, yet eloquent parable celebrates the richness of the human spirit. A young Spanish shepherd seeking his destiny travels to Egypt where he learns many lessons, particularly from a wise old alchemist. The real alchemy here, however, is the transmuting of youthful idealism into mature wisdom. The blending of conventional ideas with an exotic setting makes old truths seem new again. This shepherd takes the advice Hamlet did not heed, learning to trust his heart and commune with it as a treasured friend. Enjoyable and easy to read, this timeless fantasy validates the aspirations and dreams of youth.- Sabrina Fraunfelter, Fairfax County Public Library, VACopyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Kirkus Reviews Coelho is a Brazilian writer with four books to his credit. Following Diary of a Magus (1992–not reviewed) came this book, published in Brazil in 1988: it’s an interdenominational, transcendental, inspirational fable–in other words, a bag of wind. The story is about a youth empowered to follow his dream. Santiago is an Andalusian shepherd boy who learns through a dream of a treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. An old man, the king of Salem, the first of various spiritual guides, tells the boy that he has discovered his destiny: “to realize one’s destiny is a person’s only real obligation.” So Santiago sells his sheep, sails to Tangier, is tricked out of his money, regains it through hard work, crosses the desert with a caravan, stops at an oasis long enough to fall in love, escapes from warring tribesmen by performing a miracle, reaches the pyramids, and eventually gets both the gold and the girl. Along the way he meets an Englishman who describes the Soul of the World; the desert woman Fatima, who teaches him the Language of the World; and an alchemist who says, “Listen to your heart.” A message clings like ivy to every encounter; everyone, but everyone, has to put in their two cents’ worth, from the crystal merchant to the camel driver (“concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man”). The absence of characterization and overall blandness suggest authorship by a committee of self-improvement pundits–a far cry from Saint- Exup‚ry’s The Little Prince: that flagship of the genre was a genuine charmer because it clearly derived from a quirky, individual sensibility. Coelho’s placebo has racked up impressive sales in Brazil and Europe. Americans should flock to it like gulls. (First printing of 50,000) — Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Publishers Weekly This inspirational fable by Brazilian author and translator Coelho has been a runaway bestseller throughout Latin America and seems poised to achieve the same prominence here. The charming tale of Santiago, a shepherd boy, who dreams of seeing the world, is compelling in its own right, but gains resonance through the many lessons Santiago learns during his adventures. He journeys from Spain to Morocco in search of worldly success, and eventually to Egypt, where a fateful encounter with an alchemist brings him at last to self-understanding and spiritual enlightenment. The story has the comic charm, dramatic tension and psychological intensity of a fairy tale, but it’s full of specific wisdom as well, about becoming self-empowered, overcoming depression, and believing in dreams. The cumulative effect is like hearing a wonderful bedtime story from an inspirational psychiatrist. Comparisons to The Little Prince are appropriate; this is a sweetly exotic tale for young and old alike. 50,000 first printing; $50,000 ad/promo. Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. About the Author Paulo Coelho, born in Rio de Janeiro in 1947, is one of the bestselling and most influential authors in the world. The Alchemist, The Pilgrimage, The Valkyries, Brida, Veronika Decides to Die, Eleven Minutes, The Zahir, The Witch of Portobello, The Winner Stands Alone, Aleph, Manuscript Found in Accra, and Adultery, among others, have sold 150 million copies worldwide. –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. Review “A wise and inspiring fable about the pilgrimage that life should be.” (M. Scott Peck)“An adventure story full of magic and wisdom.” (Rudolfo Anaya, author of Bless Me, Ultima)“A touching, inspiring fable.” (Indianapolis Star)“A magical little volume.” (San Francisco Chronicle)“[This] Brazilian wizard makes books disappear from stores.” (New York Times)“[His] books have had a life-enchanting effect on millions of people.” (London Times)“A beautiful story with a pointed message for every reader.” (Joseph Girzone, author of Joshua)“As memorable and meaningful as Saint-Exupery’s The Little Prince.” (Austin American-Statesman)“A sweetly exotic tale for young and old alike.” (Publishers Weekly)“A most tender and gentle story. It is a rare gem of a book.” (Gerald G. Jampolsky, M.D., co-author of Change Our Mind, Change Your Life) –This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title. From Booklist Brazilian novelist Coelho�s 1988 myth-laden story of the shepherd who follows his �Personal Legend� in spite of assorted travails is rendered into a richly colored and faithful sequential-art version. With Santiago, we see the glories, the mysteries, and the threats along his way from the Andalusian pasture to foreign cities to Egypt; experience his devotion to reading and his attraction to mysterious women; and watch as he reads omens with the help of magical stones and other artifacts given to him by the various wise men he meets. Although the landscapes, city crowds, and animals are gorgeously rendered, the faces can be jarring�even in his youth, Santiago (and everyone else) has dark lines awkwardly scattered on his cheeks and forehead in lieu of expressive changes. Because facial close-ups are essential to our seeing Santiago and to what Santiago sees, this is disconcerting, but otherwise, this adaptation provides a long-popular novel an interesting new life. –Francisca Goldsmith –This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. From AudioFile Pure joy and enchantment are the best ways to describe Paul Coelho’s mystical novel of a Spanish shepherd boy seeking his destiny. In that same spirit narrator Yareli Arizmendi spins this marvelous tale of exotic adventure. The tale ranges from the countryside of Spain to the glittering oasis of the Egyptian desert. Arizmendi makes us feel the pain and joy of Santiago, the poor shepherd boy, as he tries to decide whether to seek a larger fortune or stay in the security of his job. Exuding softness and pathos, the narrator reminds that us most people who are unhappy failed to follow their dreams when young. I.Z. (c)AudioFile, Portland, Maine –This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Review ‘His books have had a life-enhancing impact on millions of people.’ THE TIMES ‘One of the few to deserve the term Publishing Phenomenon.’ INDEPENDENT ON SUNDAY ‘Coelho’s writing is beautifully poetic but his message is what counts! he gives me hope and puts a smile on my face.’ DAILY EXPRESS ‘I love The Alchemist.’ OPRAH WINFREY ‘The Alchemist is a beautiful book about magic, dreams and the treasures we seek elsewhere and then find on our doorstep.’ MADONNA “I feel like the luckiest man on the planet. It’s a dream come true for me,” to be able to direct and star and bring Coelho’s book to the screen.” LAURENCE FISHBURNE on the upcoming film adaptation of The Alchemist “One of my favourite books is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, and I just believe that!I can create whatever I want to create. If I can put my head on it right, study it, learn the patterns!I feel very strongly that we are who we choose to be.” WILL SMITH “When I’m on the set with young actors and sometimes you meet people in life who you feel they are a little confused and they want to be re-centered, there are two books that I always recommend. One of them is Siddhartha, and the other is The Alchemist. RUSSELL CROWE –This text refers to an alternate kindle_edition edition. Read more

Reviews from Amazon users, collected at the time the book is getting published on UniedVRG. It can be related to shiping or paper quality instead of the book content:

⭐ I picked up a copy of this book because my students were reading it for their English class and I like to throw them off by slipping literary references into Algebra class. I figured it was a short book, it wouldn’t take along time, and it would give me a sense for what they were learning in their other classes (and maybe spark some cross-curricular ideas!)Oh man, was that a mistake. It didn’t do any of those things (and apparently kids these days don’t actually read their summer reading, what a shame). Instead, I fell deeply in love with this book and have read it three times in the last two years. It’s the kind of book that works on more than one level – you have your hero who goes on an adventure, learning from a wise mentor, hitting roadblocks, coming to know himself and the world around him before realizing that his true treasure was in himself all along, and if that’s all you get out of the book, then that’s fine, but there’s more going on here.The difficulty of the book is figuring out what that more is. The book constantly suggests and hints at lessons that seem at once a comment on ethics and metaphysics, history and anthropology, post-colonialist critique and folk fairy tale. Biblical allusions abound next to Islamic lessons on the nature of God while institutions and mysticism are equally likely to be evoked and revoked. There’s always the sense as you read that there is something lingering under the surface, but the minute that you try to grab it (or write it in a review) it seems to disappear.That seems to be the point of the book, that the message is clear if you read it without trying to grab it. Hold it loosely and it comes easily, try to describe it and it flits away. The book is allusive; it works on you without seeming to, and at the end you’re left both satisfied as the adventure concludes and also wanting more, or perhaps wanting to do more. Perhaps that’s why I like this book so much – it doesn’t yield its secrets easily, or perhaps it yields it too easily, and you finish wondering where your heart and your treasure lie and what your personal legend might be. I imagine that this book might say more about its reader than its text: when you know your own heart and your own journey well enough, perhaps this will only remain a passing, although enjoyable fairy tale.

⭐ A book with an overwhelming number of positive reviews was surely bound to be a great read, or above average at worst. Boy was I wrong. It’s definitely up on the list of worst books I’ve read. Fortunately, I learned a lesson far greater than what the book could teach me; Amazon reviews do not determine the quality of a story.

⭐ So, I’m on a part of my life right now where I’m 25. A year fresh after graduating, and have a new found love and appreciation for books. I’m in such a place where I’m trying to discover what I am supposed to do. I’m a spiritual person, and I really felt that this book is talking to me. I’m sure everyone would resonate differently with the book. But the theme and the message is there.I’m not done reading it yet, but when I started. I read like the first 80 pages nonstop. Really soak in the message and lessons. I can’t wait to finish this book.EDIT:So, I finally finished the book. And wow, never would have I thought, a book would have such an impact on me. It’s a simple tale but filled with lessons if you are seeking it. I read it in like 3 sittings. I’m not much of a reader and just starting to appreciate it, and I am glad this was one of the books I read. Love it.

⭐ This book was a poorly written schlock of new age rubbish. It started out ok but then about the 10th time “Personal Legend” was teferenced it lost me. The narrative is ok until the boy leaves the crystal store and then it’s just unreadable. I really don’t see anything deep or profound here other than persevere I guess and you’ll get what you want. Whatever.

⭐ It seemed like this book was written for a sixth grader. Did not live up to the hype.

⭐ This is literally where it all began, my story intertwined so thoroughly with that of the young sheepherder that I was mesmerized and unable to put it down. If you look through my purchase list you will see I didn’t stop here – I became obsessed with Paulo Coelho’s work and have purchased almost all of his writings. This is my go to gift for all friends, acquaintances, and family members. Words that can be cherished a lifetime and continually brought back to throughout your journey. Do not hesitate to purchase this. SERIOUSLY! If you are on this page considering, BUY IT NOW. It will awaken pieces of you that you are certainly ready for. Welcome to the journey 🙂

⭐ This gift edition is beautiful.It comes in a lovely ‘box’ holder with a ribbon cover over it. It’s the ideal gift set.

⭐ If I had known that this “famous” book was based on the “Space Fairy Story”, with “God” and “…the baby Jesus,” I would never have considered wasting my time (and money) on it. I could barely get through the Preface. It’s just more innuendo piled atop the already too-high pile of religious brainwashing. But yeah, sure, if you need to reinforce your ridiculous notions of god-based faith, you’ll find a 7-course meal here.

⭐ I have no clue what are all these great reviews about?!?- The main character is very confusing and never fully develops. Sometimes he talks like a very learned individual and other times he is lost completely.- The story? I mean was there even a story here? Its like the author just wrote down a completely unorganized dream.- Nothing ever matures in this book. Not story, not character…nothing!- i don’t know if things are lost during the english translation but this book has absolutely nothing as far as i am concerned.

⭐ Bought this book for my preteen reader. He loves it didn’t finish reading it instead he found the audio version on YouTube go figure. This is a great addition to any home library.

Keywords

Free Download The Alchemist in Epub format
The Alchemist Epub Free Download
Download The Alchemist 2015 Epub Free
The Alchemist 2015 Epub Free Download
Download The Alchemist Epub
Free Download Ebook The Alchemist