The Alchemist is one of those "esoteric"
feeling books that makes you feel like life is vivid again.
It certainly plays on the feeling that
"there is something more" that you've forgotten
and the thought that you are part of a bigger plan.
As you follow Santiago, the shepherd boy on
his adventure, you will automatically question your own
adventure in life; are you living up to your higher purpose?
Why have you forgotten your way? What else is out there
that you should be doing? Have you betrayed what you were
meant to do with your life?
Asking questions like this...feeling the feelings
that go along with such questions...it really is a wonderful
way to live. For the short time that you read this book,
you will feel more alive. You will feel more in tune with
"the universe". You will feel that wonderful 1-in-the-morning-stare-out-the-window-and-listen-to-the-wind
feeling...that is…unless you don’t know what
that feels like!
Santiago follows his dreams, which take him
from Spain to Morocco and then Egypt, all in search of a
special treasure. During his travels he learns lessons from
messengers that seem placed in his path at the right moment,
just when he needs them.
The author, Paulo Coelho, is a Brazilian writer
who is very well-liked. I heard that Madonna loves him.
I have read several of his books, but I think this is the
best one. He has churned out quite a few more books in the
last few years that I have not read yet, so it is certainly
possible that he has outdone
The Alchemist. I’ll check
it out.
A few of his books have been non-fiction and
about his own life. From what I can piece together, Paulo
is a member of a little-known Mystic Catholic sect which
seeks after spiritual growth. They assign mentors to their members...older men who have
attained a high degree of spiritual power (and worldly success?).
I won't even go into some of the weird stuff they do, but
if you want an idea, pick up "The Pilgrimage",
also by Coelho.
But do read The Alchemist; it is just such
a good book. It will definitely give you a wisdom-buzz...or
an "esoteric-buzz".
Today I was reading an interview with Paulo,
in which he talked about watching for "Omens"
in your life that only you will recognize. It's a language
the “Universe” speaks to you through...like
coincidences, songs, feelings, synchronicities. This is
a theme he definitely speaks a lot about in
The Alchemist.
Some people complain that the book is too
simplistic, that you would be stupid to believe that there
is some “plan” for your life that you should
have followed; that you should wake up, take your head out
of the “touchy-feely” clouds and get back to
work.
If you are prone to such
thoughts, perhaps this book is not for you. However, if you
enjoy waking up your soul from time to time, there is no
better place to do it than in the clouds.
