As you know throughout the month of July we shall be discussing my book “The Alchemist”.
Throughout the week, I will be accessing this page 2-3 times a day in order to answer your questions until July 31st. I want also for you discuss among yourselves – since I’m very curious to see your reactions to the book.
I wrote a foreword for the 10th anniversary edition of the book and I would like to post it here as an introduction to the book:
Ten Years On
I remember receiving a letter from the American publisher, Harper Collins, which said that: “reading The Alchemist was like getting up at dawn and seeing the sun rise while the rest of the world still slept.” I went outside, looked up at the sky and thought to myself: “So, the book is going to be published in English!” At the time, I was struggling to establish myself as a writer and to follow my path despite all the voices telling me it was impossible.
And little by little, my dream was becoming reality. Ten, a hundred, a thousand, a million copies sold in America. One day, a Brazilian journalist phoned to say that President Clinton had been photographed reading the book. Some time later, when I was in Turkey, I opened the magazine Vanity Fair and there was Julia Roberts declaring that she adored the book. Walking alone down a street in Miami, I heard a girl telling her mother: “You must read The Alchemist!”
The book has been translated into 67 languages, has sold more than 65 million copies, and people are beginning to ask: What’s the secret behind such a huge success?
The only honest response is: I don’t know. All I know is that, like Santiago the shepherd boy, we all need to be aware of our personal calling. What is a personal calling? It is God’s blessing, it is the path that God chose for you here on Earth. Whenever we do something that fills us with enthusiasm, we are following our legend. However, we don’t all have the courage to confront our own dream.
Why?
There are four obstacles. First: we are told from childhood onwards that everything we want to do is impossible. We grow up with this idea, and as the years accumulate, so too do the layers of prejudice, fear and guilt. There comes a time when our personal calling is so deeply buried in our soul as to be invisible. But it’s still there.
If we have the courage to disinter dream, we are then faced by the second obstacle: love. We know what we want to do, but are afraid of hurting those around us by abandoning everything in order to pursue their dream. We do not realize that love is just a further impetus, not something that will prevent them going forwards. We do not realize that those who genuinely wish us well want us to be happy and are prepared to accompany us on that journey.
Once we have accepted that love is a stimulus, we come up against the third obstacle: fear of the defeats we will meet on the path. We who fight for our dream, suffer far more when it doesn’t work out, because we cannot fall back on the old excuse: “Oh, well, I didn’t really want it anyway.” We do want it and know that we have staked everything on it and that the path of the personal calling is no easier than any other path, except that our whole heart is in this journey. Then, we warriors of light must be prepared to have patience in difficult times and to know that the Universe is conspiring in our favor, even though we may not understand how.
I ask myself: are defeats necessary?
Well, necessary or not, they happen. When we first begin fighting for our dream, we have no experience and make many mistakes. The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.
So, why is it so important to live our personal calling if we are only going to suffer more than other people?
Because, once we have overcome the defeats – and we always do – we are filled by a greater sense of euphoria and confidence. In the silence of our hearts, we know that we are proving ourselves worthy of the miracle of life. Each day, each hour, is part of the good fight. We start to live with enthusiasm and pleasure. Intense, unexpected suffering passes more quickly than suffering that is apparently bearable; the latter goes on for years and, without our noticing, eats away at our soul, until, one day, we are no longer able to free ourselves from the bitterness and it stays with us for the rest of our lives.
Having disinterred our dream, having used the power of love to nurture it and spent many years living with the scars, we suddenly notice that what we always wanted is there, waiting for us, perhaps the very next day. Then comes the fourth obstacle: the fear of realizing the dream for which we fought all our lives.
Oscar Wilde said: ‘each man kills the thing he loves’. And it’s true. The mere possibility of getting what we want fills the soul of the ordinary person with guilt. We look around at all those who have failed to get what they want and feel that we do not deserve to get what we want either. We forget about all the obstacles we overcame, all the suffering we endured, all the things we had to give up in order to get this far. I have known a lot of people who, when their personal calling was within their grasp, went on to commit a series of stupid mistakes and never reached their goal – when it was only a step away.
This is the most dangerous of the obstacles because it has a kind of saintly aura about it: renouncing joy and conquest. But if you believe yourself worthy of the thing you fought so hard to get, then you become an instrument of God, you help the Soul of the World and you understand why you are here.
So, let’s embark in the discussion of my book for the up-coming month.
Love
Paulo
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Dear Mr.Coelho,
I am a huge fan of you and your books. I am turning 15 this year and i have began reading your books since the age of 12. I was passing through a tough period in my life at that time and trully felt lost in this huge world! Your books brought meaning to my life, however, i am still very confused with what my calling is…I love writing stories and poems since it helps me release my negative energy and thoughts! How did you first realise what you were meant to do in your life??
Thank you for taking the time to read my post!!
ps: i am looking forward to hearing from you soon!! :D
Good evening dear Paulo.
Let me thank YOU for existing, for being a Genius that expanded and developed my world, my thinking, my view about the world and many others… Let me kiss YOUR hard-working hands and eyes ONLY because they have radically changed the world and because THEY have given me enough strength to fight for my dreams, to overcome any difficult step and to live my life fully…
I always wanted to write a novel, a novel that would change the view of the readers, but I never had an advice from someone, someone’s opinion…
When I started to read YOUR novels, sorry YOUR ABSOLUTELY GREAT novels I received my long-awaited advices and recommendations…
YOUR WORK it’s like a food that keeps me satiated as long as I read it!
Now, I have got all the power to make my dream become reality…
I Just thank YOU, a Thank YOU probably not important for YOU, but very important for me, because I could confess my totally respect and admiration…
All my Love and Respect,
Irina, 16 aged,
Republic of Moldova
Dear Paulo,
At the age of 45yrs(46 next month)I went into a book store talked to the universe to show me a book for inspiration and what did I find “The Alchemist” I read it in 2 days, and even though it taught me what I’ve known for a while now, it really sank in and touched my heart. If only I had discovered this when first published, it would have helped me understand so much more when trying to comprehend my psychic visions. However I believe we come across things when we’re mean’t too, and even though the universe has been screaming at me since I was 9yrs old it was your book that spoke to me the most so for that THANKYOU. I’m now starting to read the “Pilgrimage” and know I will enjoy each and every one of your books.
So thankyou for your beautiful words and for sharing them
with the rest of the world.
With Love and peace in my heart.
Hi Paulo,
People Call me Murali and i am a south indian. I introduce myself as engineer just because i have degree with good grades and work experience. Honestly i really does not know whom i am. Looking for a dream job, recently i made a 4 jumbs in a short time of 2.5 months and i am in 4th company, realised that dream job or job i like cannot be given, but only can be loved and taken.
Thanks Paulo. God Bless you.
i hope paulo coelho would answer this,but i know its impossible he must be very busy to attend to me, :)
i have so many questions with my life, making decisions with marriage and how to really own my life. how will i start everything from a failure into a success?
2 words ,, “U ROCK ” !!!! :D
A good book can take you places no plane, train, or automobile ever can.
I need to read it again. The message is so important, but I am in a
part of the way that is not going easy. Indeed, I struggle with fear for disappointment and failure. I have to get over it. Fast!
Hi Paulo,
Just finished reading The Alchemist and could not stop myself from writing to you. I loved the way you have presented the Crystal Merchant and his reason for not visiting Mecca. I think it is the fourth obstacle that stops us from the realizing our dream. And you put it very nicely in your book:- “fear of realizing the dream for which we fought all our lives”. I just want to thank you for writing this book. I will surely visit my Mecca.
My Mecca- nic!
;)
Thanks for such a wonderful book…
It helped improve my view towards life and the world..
helped build a strong base on such basics…
and it also encouraged my interest in writing and philosophy
Hi Paulo, Well heres a new one. I havent read any of your books !!! Im born South African now a New Zealander and sell second habd books. In the process I learn a lot about them and the authors. I have just read and really enjoyed Juan Arias book, confessions of a Pilgrim.
Really interesting that you knew who your grandmother was from the moment you saw her. I bet you had a special connection with her. I somehow knew when holding my new born grandson that he recognises me and he proceded with very serious baby talk, looking so intently at me. The same happened with his mum. She was in those hospital cots behind glass when I first came to see her. She seemed to spot me a long way off and her eyes followe me as I walked to her. I have a special connection with them both and am lucky enough to have 3 daughters and 2 grandghildren.
I dont expect them to remember tose first encounters but can well believe that some folks would, as you do.
I LEARNT A NUMBER OF THINGS FROM THE BOOK AND PROBABLY A LOT MORE SUBCONCIOUSLY.
I was surprised to find that you are over 60, as old as my husband, also born in 47. I am just a year younger. The covers of your books gave me the impression that you were a young writer.
Mr. Coehlo
i really enjoyed reading your books you have opened up a new world to me. Now I have the courage to try and find my personal legend and my reason for being in this world.
Hi Paulo,
I am a student of Linguistics with Semiotics as one of my subjects. I will be submitting a semiotic analysis of ‘The Alchemist’. I have begun work on it and would be grateful if you commented on it after I finish it.
Hi Paulo,
It has been always been my dream to write a book but I don’t know how to start. Every time I read something about following your dreams, this little voice inside me shouts…for me to start to pursue what I really like to do.
I do hope that in time, I will have the courage to start fulfilling my dream.
I do believe in what you’ve written in the Alchemist…And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.
I really love your books!
More power to you!
Ahh… you might need to “break a pact, ask for forgiveness, then make a bet.” To understand those words, go to his other book: The Valkyries. Don’t stop reading until you read all his books =).
My best wishes to you.
From: someone in a support group for Paulo Coelho book “junkies.” There seems to be a book for every human ailment. These books and my Bible… I don’t seem to need anything else!
esse é o meu livro preferido.
eu o amo demais, mais do que os outros.
ele me inspira muito
ele me fez voltar a ter fé em deus.
eu amo de coração esse livro.
I can tell you nothing but you are the most amazing person on this life…I spent the best time of my life reading your books…I must say that i consider you my role model in this life…am lost…the problems are killing me step by step…these people are nth but jurks..i want to do nth but reading your books…coz when i read them..I rly know what shall i do..
i’m just lost and i can’t understand the signs this life is misrable and there is alot of problems which i can’t solve it but when i read the alchemist i felt that there is someone like me . u r my ideal person i wish i can be like you ….
i loved it mostly becaus it talks about us arabs and our country (lebanon) neighbor countries and th desrts.and it talks about maktoob which w as arab muslims talk about alot.
Hola! Mr. Coelho
Quisiera saber de algun lugar donde pueda comprar el resto de sus libros[ya tengo El Alquimista y The Zahir] pues quisiera leerlos cronologicamente. Vivo en Los Estados Unidos De America, en el estado de Texas para ser exacta. Apreciaria cualquier informacion. Y de antemano muchas gracias.
Si tienes Kindle, estan en Kindle. Pero todos los libros estan en espanol en USA
About more than a year ago I walk into a book store and bought a few for my kids and a few magazines. I left the books in my car, and forgat all about them. I must of clean out my car and brought them in my home. I made a desition to live my dream start my own company and follow what I believe is my purpose. How ever the road has been hard and every morning I ask my self is this really worth the stress, the finacial sacrafice the pain of the dissappointment, is it really for me? But I stay on the path. I took a 2 week vacation hoping to comeback with a more energy than that when I left. But I was in worse position everything is going wrong as least thats what I feel, 2010 has not started as I wanted it to. So I prayed and at CHurch the pastor talk about asking God and believing in our calling. My company is limked to my calling I believe really strong, so the next day my mom mentions that she founds some books for my kids in a bag as I start to look at the books there it is The Alchemist, I dont remember buying it or even ever heard of Paulo Coelho, but apperantly my mother has. I am not much of a reader. So I took interest. As I read the introduction I realized that the universe knew I would need to understand the struggles with finding once purpose and legend. I have not finished the book but I wanted to see who Paulo was for myself. I know that this book will be a true blessing for me.
Thank You,
Carmen
This book was the first book which open the door for me to look at things with my heart, to listen more. It wasn’t always easy, but reading your books, been a great inspiration.
Thank you.
love
Zuzana
It’s a deep inspiring Novel..
It strikes the deepest point of the reader..
And stimulate him to walk to his own road of personal legendary being…
was it just three–four years when i sat there on the floor with the dust all over our poor little house and yet, i felt like i was the richest 7th graader in the world. i was reading this book and the next years of my life have been wonderful. yet, after many things have changed in me, i think, i need to read thihs book again. paulo, i always wished i had a grandfather who would love me dearly, i always wished that would be you.
It is the best book i had ever read…….its just wonderfull…everthn is so magical……..i luved it
I purchased The Alchemist as a whimsy in passing. The novel was lying on a table; I grabbed on my way to pay for the rest of my books. Most were disappointments; The Alchemist was the last to have been read. The story has re-opened my eyes to beauty and struggles of the world. I am slowly re-attuning myself with nature. Coincidentally, though we cannot say anything to be coincidence, I continue with another of your novels Brida. Your works have encouraged me to rediscover the mystic side of life. I loved some years following some of the Traditions. I am rekindling my understanding of the unknown. Your work is amazing. Thank you.
A very inspiring book. After I finished reading the book I had a sense of liberation. A strange feeling went through my veins.
Dear Paulo, “The Alchemist” is a great book of yours. Very spiritually inspiring, but I am in process of reading “the pilgrimage” last night I read the blue light exercise and already fascinated by your experience. I am so curious to know how the road of Santiago affected your life and why do you seek such experiences, is it only to find your inspirations?? I have all of your books but not yet read them all, I would like to re-read them in the right chronological order, do you think that this will greater my reading experience?
Sir i love the book.such a nice mitivatinhg story…so hopeful…
Dear Paulo,
I am Saleh from Syria. And you know Syria well. It is the country of miracles, faith, the magic of East, The desert, love, beauty, goodness, in short it is the country of real Islam. the open Islam..
I am “Alawait”_ a very small section of Islam. We believe in God and his prophet Muhammad ( peace be upon him ). We also love all God’s messengers_ from Adam to Muhammad. We also love Imam Ali Ibn Abi Talib, the cousin of The prophet Muhammad( peace be upon him ). And we are his followers. We are not Shiaa..
While I was reading your great book ,Alchemist, I remembered a lot of Imam Ali’s sayings and his sons’ sayings. For example, “Be optimistic in good and you will find it.” and Imam Zain Al-Abdeen’s saying : ” The Holy Quran was built depending on four things: Words for puplic people, Signs for specific people, Kind things(Ideas) for the holy people and Facts for prophets.”etc. I am sure that you read about Imam Ali and about “Ahl Albait” ( the very close relatives of the prophet Muhammad). I want to know your opinion about them. Have your readings about Islam,in general, and especially about “Alawait” influenced your writings? Or you haven’t read about Alawait yet. .
I am one of your many fans around the world. I also read ” Maktoob ” the fantastic book. Nowadays, I am reading
” Alzaher” and other books. I am very admired of your style of writing because I believe that Mind is the greatest creature of God and that Minds can do anything but we should discover the secret..
I am a teacher of English and very interested in reading and music. But I don’t read anything. I only read the great books because I don’t like to waste my time reading unworthy books.
My respected author,
I am a little curious to know your inspiration behind becoming an inspiring author. What do you think is the most important thing before starting a novel?It is a dream and not a novel to be tasted and swallowed , it is baffling, enigmatic and the mystery of becoming an alchemist is still not solved.
sir
I think your best book is the zahir. because ıt make you feel like an intelligent atmosphere. maybe I couldn’t say what I want to say but its is best book which I had to read.
I gave that book as a gift a lot of my friends. then that book change their life.
finally, I hope you will come to turkey especially to istanbul
I really need to talk with you about life and life perspective…
book written is so nicely, ” Like the flowing Rivers” . Story related to the pencil is really a heart touching. I have become a regular reader of Paulo Coelho
sir ,
i am also not a reader till now ,but your themes matches so much with my thinking that i cant stop myself to read all your works .
hiiiiiii rajinder…i read about ur case and i will tell u what i believe in-if ur loved ones want to go let them go bcoz if they really love u they will come back…
but u must inform him about ur feelings.sumtymes its a lack of communication…
BUT WHY U R SAD ,u should be so happ that u have found ur love even if he isnt with u…its difficult to understand but take it this way-
have some aim in life,some purpose,think what u wanted to be whaen u were young,what u like most and focus the energy of ur love towards that job….carry those good moments whaen u were with him and recall them in the tymes of despair so that u be happy…believe me if love is true,it will get the success.
wait for the moment of reunion but dont make ur love ur zahir but the obsession to achieve ur aim.
convey him ur feelings but dont beg for the love bcoz true love is unconditional…
hope it will help u..
I need a summary, plot,theme , characters of of alchemist because i’m studying it now
thanks
hesham
Dear Paulo,
I’ve just been given a gift of your book: Manual of the Warrior of Light. I am enjoying it thoroughly but wish to know where this story from the prologue comes from. I seem to remember seeing a film where there were bells from submerged temples ringing – somewhere in Indonesia, as I recall. My sister seems to think it’s Greece. Please elaborate.
Regards,
Judy.
The Alchemist is defenatly the best book I have ever read. I first read it when I was around the age of 17 and it was great. Iv read it twice and have gave it to a few friends to read who have also said it’s the best book they have read. Not only has it made me realise a lot of things in life but it has changed the way I see and think about things. I have enjoyed reading many of your books and they are all excellent, I also loved The Devil And Miss Prym. I will be looking forward to reading many more of your books. with love.
i was never a reader till my age of 22. When i once saw the book alchemist in a man’s hand who was selling it on road, i dont know why but i just purchased and read it. in 2 days i almost finished half of the book. The urge to read that book came from somewhere within myself. I dont know from where. The philosofy in that book gave me the solutions in my materialistic life. I felt first time “Spiritually Healed” in my life after reading this book.
hey, i love your books. the first book i read was The Alchemist and the story meant so much for me. i was like really related to it and i appreciate every thought i found there. i learned a lot. and it was also like that the book was written for me and retold my own story. thanks for the inspiration. i’m currently reading the devil and miss prym. and i gonna read eleven minutes after. i have also like your book Veronika decides to die. that was so great!
Hola señor Coelho. I am a young fan of your books. I read The Alchemist when I was 15 and ever since I have been enthralled by every creation of yours. Till date
I don’t like reading novels but when one of my friend just bought “the alchemist” i felt like reading it. After reading the book once i want to read as many times as i can. It’s such an inspiration to me.
The Alchemist
Entry #1
This book is about a young man who dreams of becoming a shepherd and traveling around the world. He meets a random person that wants to read his book, little did Santiago know that he was a king and he wanted to help the boy with his personal legend. The king’s personal legend is to help other people with their own personal legends. the king tells him the personal legend and tries to decipher what it means, he tells the boy that he needs to go to the pyramids and there he will find treasure. The king gave Santiago two stones, Urim and Thummim, and the king told Santiago to only use them when he really needed them, and that they would only answer yes and no questions.
He meets a crystal glass shop owner and works for him for a year, then makes enough money to go to Egypt.
The Alchemist
Entry #2
The boy then goes to Egypt and meets up with a group that is just about to leave for the oasis in the desert, which is where the boy was told to go before he went to the pyramids in Egypt. They boy and his group go into the desert and they travel for days, taking breaks only to eat and sleep at night, when it was cool. They would get up early so they could avoid traveling in the hottest part of the day. On his journey to the oasis, Santiago learns about and reads the soul of the world, how the dunes depend on the cars and camel and how he camels and cars depend on the dunes. And how the birds in the sky can represent something that is about to happen, and only the sharpest of eyes and minds can realize that the world is trying to tell them something.
When Santiago gets to the oasis he meets a young girl and instantly falls in love with her, almost forgetting about the girl he knew back home. This also distracts him from finding and achieving his personal legend, and finding the alchemist.
i am ur fan forever!
Hi MR.Coelho,,
I am ur young fan frm India..jst wnted to ask wateve u rite hav u relly experienced it …lyk meeting ur messenger,trditions..
amd wud really lyk to meet u sumday.
Kunal
I WAS READING YOUR BOOK ALCHEMIST AND I WANT TO THANK YOU FOR GUIDING ME AND MOTIVATING ME TO MAKE A FINAL DECISION.SIR I ALWAYS THOUGHT THAT OUR SOCIETY IS LACKING THE BASIC MORAL FIBRE AND INTEGRITY IN OUR YOUTHS AND THIS IS THE MISSING LINK BETWEEN OUR DEVELOPING STATE AND DEVELOPED STATE OF A NATION.
I HAVE DECIDED TO OPEN A SCHOOL IN SOME RURAL AREA WHERE I CAN PROVIDE AN EDUCATION BASED ON GANDHIAN SYSTEM.IM AT NATIONAL DEFENCE ACADEMY RIGHT NOW AND I WILL CONTINUE IN SERVICE FOR 20 YEARS TO GAIN ENOUGH FINANCIAL RESOURCES AND DISPATCH MY FAMILY RESPONSIBILITIES. THEN I WILL LEVE MY JOB TO FULLFILL MY AIM OF LIFE
SIR I HAVE GOT A QUESTION OF ETHICS AND MORALITY.THERE IS A GIRL WHOM I LOVE SO MUCH AND WE BOTH SHARE THE SAME DREAM.SHE IS PURSUING ENGINEERING AND WE BOTH WANT TO MARRY EACH OTHER.BUT SHE IS FROM A DIFFERENT CASTE AND MY PARENTS ARE AGAINST IT.NOW I CAN WAIT FOR NEXT 5-6 YEARS BUT IF IN FUTURE MY PARENTS DONT AGREE WHAT SHOULD I DO?SHOULD I MARRY THAT GIRL OR LEAVE HER?
SHE IS MY MOTIVATION AND I KNOW WE BOTH TOGETHER CAN ACHIEVE OUR AIM.EVEN IF IM NOT WITH HER I WILL FOLLOW MY DREAMS BUT IT WILL BE MUCH TOUGHER.
I WILL BE GRATEFUL IF UI CAN HELP ME ABOUT IT.
IF YOU KNOW “SHE IS MY MOTIVATION AND I KNOW WE BOTH TOGETHER CAN ACHIEVE OUR AIM.”, WHAT YOU WANT MORE? YOU BLESSED. pLEASE, DONT THROUGH AWAY THAT GODS GIFT. UNIVERSE WILL FIND A PLACE ON EARTH FOR YOU ON EARTH.MY BEST WISHES FOR YOUR WAY IN LIFE.
Hey its just one life,so make most of it.
Dont compromise on anything.
you start a New Beginning , keep aside Caste and colour,
if ur parents are not convinced, give them enough time
and let them understand how ur grl is going to make a difference in your life.
Wish u all the very Best
Dear Paulo,
what exactly is Baal and who is Elia (is he Mose?).
Looking forward to your reply
Love
Maryon
Hi. i agree with each person who praises the Alchemist book. this book can really change some things in your life. i remember when i read it first time there came a very positive line in my life. So it happened each time when i read it…, hehe, you may think that i` m crazy but it really helped me a lot! how can i explain why?…well, i don` t know, it` s something ununderstandable, you must just read it and maybe then you`ll understand. Some fairy thing is hidden in this book…
Thank you Paulo Coelho for being!
Dear Paulo,
wish me luck – I lost track, but am trying to find the right path again.
Much love
Maryon x
lots of LUCK………
Everything will be fine:)
Keep smiling
:):):):):)
Hi sir…..I am a big fan of yours.When I read Alchemist I thought how can a human being write such a great work.I consider it as a sacred book.I recommend my friends to read this book.I like reading philosophy.I feel if some day I meet you it will be good to meet such a great person. Sir I have encountered a problem.
I am a simple girl.But twice I had intutions and they came out to be correct.They were death of my pet dog and injuries to my cousin brother.I had also experienced jerks in neck in those years.Now everything is fine.Many boys proposed me and I have said always no.But I felt unexplained attraction to a boy(not even 1% physical attraction).Some souls attraction or something like that.I am from sikh religion.It is said that now there is no living god now in our religion.Our last guru said if you want to ask question from us, then from now onwards you ask question and open our religious holy book. The pages which will be opened will be our answer. I opened it mant times and the answer was always like”you were together from many times and this time also you will be together”.I am waiting for him from more than 4 years.He is flirt,not understanding.He doesnot love me.My life has come to a stanstill.what should I do now?sometimes I think I should marry someone,or I shouldnot marry or wait for him.I don’t want to beg from him because if the relationship is not based on love then its of no use.Sir I want genuine advice and help from you.I was fully confused what has happened in my life.But in those four years I read Zahir,Brida.Then I realized that these things are rare but true.Then I compared what has happened in my life and novels which I am reading are so close.What is my future? I havenot told to the boy.actually we are not in contact from 4 years.But the Zahir is same.Please guide me.Its enough now.I hope you will help me out.
I am shy thats why I have changed my name.
I am so angry and I have decided that when I will grow old (just on verge of leaving earth) I will write novel on my life which will be with the true names of characters.
I am angry.I don’t know on whom-God or that boy.
will wait for your advice.thanks
Hi, Im 14 years old and am in 9th Grade Pre-IB English. We are reading your book The Alchemist and are going to have a socratic seminar on it. My teacher also said that if you replyed to our post that she would give us extra credit. Your book is very inspiring and it is read all over the world. I was just wondering what it is like to go from a middle class home in Brazil, to a world famous author? I also wonder where you get your inspiration from and if you would mind sharing it?
<3 Lauren :D
dear paulo coelho,
The Alchemist..well,when i heard people talk about what it had done to their lives i always wondered how a book can change your life? i would have never known the answer if i hadnt touched ur book…the moment i started reading the first page of the book,right from author’s note to the epilogue…every single page n every single letter that dropped from ur mind and got converted into words through ur pen..touched me deeply…i started discoevering myself..n never before i had this joy of discovering sumthing… The Alchemist helped me out through a tough tym in lyf.. it helped me as friend in tym of need…i wished the book had never ended…coz wen u had read a good book..u feel lyk u r losing a gr8 friend as u turn the last page of the book… i suggested my friends to read it n dey got equally touched…
somethings i learnt from this book n have started to use it as one of my life principles.. ur heart n soul olways connects with god..god does whatever is gud for ur..just connect with him a little more..show him dat u hv faith in him…da day u start connecting with him u’ll understand signs n omens in life that meant absolutely nothing to u before… i have felt that myself.. n one thing i have developed myself as a principle of life is this..never in my life am i gonna hate someone..every human being on this earth is god’s creations..
and another thing we need to understand..noone can b responsible for the happiness or pain we feel..its oll withing us..we can make ourselves happy or sad..
thank you paulo for ur lovely creation….
just wanted to ask u something… u mentioned one thing repeatedly in ur book”inner voice”..”voice of ur heart”…but at moments heart speaks nothing..at that moment how do u decide what is right or wrong?
May be that is the time when ur heart is asking you to keep
quiet that is to stay calm , that is to remain as a Mute spectator:)
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