The Alchemist Part II

As I wrote the title out for this post I found myself pondering the choice of the book's name. I like the name, The Alchemist, but at the same time the book could easily have been called something else. The alchemist played a key role in Santiago's journey, but so did several others. Would the book have been as popular if it was called Santiago? The Shepherd? The Quest? The King of Salem? The personal legend? What do other people think? I don't normally question an author's title, but in this case I find it intriguing because the conciseness of the story means the title has to have real meaning.

As for the story itself, I found it to be a charming little tale with lots of lessons and a happy ending. I enjoyed reading the book, but it's easy to see why it became so popular. Coelho's universalism appeals to people in all walks of life, all religions, all times. It is a feel good story that rolls multiple religions, mysticism and psychology into one sweet little package that appeals to most people. I of course do not agree with many of the religious implications made in the book, but I did find it intriguing. I appreciated the story and enjoyed reading the book. I'm actually glad it was on the shorter side though because in my opinion to draw it out would have made it stale, sappy and not nearly as good a story. Good job on Coelho's part, keeping it brief.

Honest truth here, I nearly laughed out loud at the end when I realized the treasure was buried right where the story started. It was one of those bang head against the wall moments while shaking one's head and laughing. Poor Santiago! I did appreciate that he actually found a real treasure and the implication was that he could go back and marry the girl he loved. So often the "treasure" in a story is figurative or a lesson learned and it's nice to have the hero discover an actual treasure for once. The beauty of it though is that he gained so much else in his journey to find it. If nothing else the book was a good reminder that God does work all things out for our good and that He is teaching us valuable lessons along the road of life as we strive for our own eternal treasure.

So, a week late, but...

I finished Part One (I know, you would think if I chose the book I would be more timely about reading it), but I am really liking this book so far. I agree with Emily and Sarah about the strong Christian ties with the sheep/shepherd and Otherwordly characters who direct Santiago towards his treasure. I agree with Sarah that I am still a little leery about the spiritualness of this book, since I have read one other book by Paulo Coelho and am pretty sure that he is not a Christian, but I think that all truth is God's truth, and there seems to be plenty of truth in this book.

I really like the whole thought of one's Personal Legend. This is something I believe so strongly in, and I think it is true a lot of people start out when they are young with strong dreams and desires of what they want to be and do when they get older. However, like the Baker, as you get older, things get in the way and sometimes it seems easier to do what one is accustomed to verses striking out into something unknown. However, I think God really calls us to stretch ourself out of our comfort zones and go on travels to discover who we are, who He made us to be, and what He made us to accomplish. And this takes a lot of courage to strike out into the unfamiliar and uncomfortable. Yet, at the same time, it is something that makes us the most fulfilled.

I guess I partly like Santiago because I can kind of relate to him. I have always felt like I have wanted something more in life and that is important to go out and discover our "treasures" and personal story. It is tempting at times to blame the world and think that is it against us when something bad happens (like when his money was stolen--he wept because God was unfair, and because this was the way God repaid those who believed in their dreams). It can be easy to blame God when things go wrong, but I admire that he ultimately got over that and didn't stop him from pursuing his ultimate goal.

I am a little unsure of all this omen business and the rocks, but I think it compliments the story in a way because it is supposed to be written like a fable or fairy tale, and so in fairy tales often things happen that are very ominous and represent which way the heroine/hero should go. I think that is also why this story is pretty didactic, Eden, and pretty obvious about the point it is trying to make. I really am liking it, though, and can't wait to see what the treasure is, too. I, of course, hope it involves lots of pretty jewelry, so he can go back and marry his one true love. :)

The Alchemist

Okay, I was looking at the book and there aren't really clearly defined chapters. Though there's no table of contents, it does seem to be split up into two parts though with the break about a third of the way in. So my suggestion is that we read and discuss Part One by next Friday (7/11) and that we discuss Part Two two weeks later (7/25). Maybe as we're reading, there'll be an obvious spot to break for the Friday in-between, but unless anyone has issues with that schedule...

I've been interested in reading this book for awhile, but was quite surprised to see that it was published over a decade ago! Clearly, it's time.