- ذاكرتي لا تساعدني الآن ... لكني قرأت هذه الرواية في مكان آخر
____ ا
ابريل 2018

قرأتها منذ عامين، وانا اقرأها كنت احس بأنني اعرف روحية النص وبأنني قرأته في مكان آخر..... وبعد سنتين كنت اقرأ بعض الصفحات من "الف ليلة وليلة"، فعرفت اين قرأت "الخيميائي" ولماذا كان ذلك الإحساس بروحية النص، فدافع البغدادي (الف ليلة وليلة) في رحلته هو الحلم (مثل سانتياغو في الخيميائي)، سافر البغدادي الى مصر (وكذلك فعل بطل كويلو)، تعرض البغدادي للمخاطر والتنكيل به (وكذلك بطل كويلو)، تكذيب الحلم والإستهزاء بصاحبه (الوالي عندما يتكلم مع البغدادي في الف ليلة وليلة، والزعيم لسانتياغو في الخيميائي وهو يحفر النفق)، الحلم المضاد (الوالي للبغدادي: هناك بيت في بغداد وصفه كذا وكذا فيه كنز (بمعناه)، والزعيم لسنتياغو: في اسبانيا كنيسة يرعى فيها الرعيان..الخ (نفس الكنيسة التي كان يرعى بها سانتياغو)، العودة وايجاد الكنز (في كلا القصتين) و "الف ليلة وليلة قبل الخيميائي بمئات السنين!!!!

All those negative reviews are baffling to me. Where does it say this is a self help book? People are bashing the "lessons" as if this is some philosophical or religious work. It's a fictional story that can be enjoyed by yourself or with your kids for ENTERTAINMENT PURPOSES. It's a fun story filled to the brim with quirks and marvels. I was curious the entire time how following one's legend blindly would turn out for the boy. Am I going to now follow my dreams without logic and reason as in the story? No. Because I'm not a crazy person. Get over it. It's just a story and a good one at that.

EDIT: My first 100+ likes review. Thank you everyone!

I've just seen I've got likes on this book. I never read this book. I never added this book. How did it get on my bookshelves? Note that I always add shelves to my books and this one has none. No dates either. Really really weird.

I sell this book quite well so I do know about it. I don't read fiction, I don't like religious, pseudo-religious, spiritual, self-help or any books like that, this one falls into a few of those categories. How can someone have added it for me? GR what gives?

A good parable--like "The Prodigal Son"--should comfort the afflicted and afflict the comfortable. The problem with this little book is that it does precisely the opposite.

Coelho's message--and, boy, is this a book with a message--is that each of us has his own Personal Legend, and that if we recognize that legend and pursue it sincerely, everything in the Universe (which is after all made up--wind, stone, trees--of the same stuff we are) will conspire to help us achieve it. Corollaries: 1) people who don't recognize their legends are never happy, 2) people who fail to realize their legends are afraid, and 3) people who refuse to pursue their legends, even when they know what they are, are both unhappy and afraid. (I admit I've left out a nuance or two here and there, but not many. There aren't more than three or four nuances in the book.)

I fear that the result of taking such a message seriously will be to make the successful even more self-satisfied, the narcissistic more self-absorbed, and the affluent more self-congratulatory. At the same time, those who are unfortunate will blame themselves for their bad fortune, those who lack self-esteem will lose what little they have, and the poor will see--no, not God, as the beatitude says, but--the poor will see they have only themselves to blame.

Perhaps I am being too harsh. I can see how a few individual young persons, hemmed in by parental expectations and seeking their own paths, may find enough hope and courage here to help them venture forth. But I am convinced the damage done by books like this--like The Secret, The Celestine Prophecy, and anything ever written by the late Dr. Wayne Dyer (or, for that matter, anything he may ever choose to channel from beyond the grave)--is far greater than the little good they may achieve.

If you like parables, don't read this book. Go read a book of Hasidic tales collected by Martin Buber, a book of Sufi stories collected by Idries Shah, or a book of parables and sayings by Anthony de Mello instead.

Or then again, you could just try Jesus. Jesus is always good.

Homework for "Introductory Course For Irony Disposal And Sarcasm Removal (ICFIDASR)", lesson one, re-submission number 47.

I once read a book that inspired me to change my whole attitude towards reading. It was a medicine of universal, cosmic impact. Before, I had thought that books existed to enrich me, giving me knowledge, pleasure and understanding.

After reading the introductory pages of this "enchanting novel" however, I learned that more wisdom can be gained from the companionship of sheep than from books, as stated by the wise young protagonist, a shepherd who uses books for a pillow and sheep for dialogue partners (it is a one-way road, with the sheep as teachers, for the sheep don't learn anything from him). In simple, unsophisticated prose, which seems to be carefully following the rubric of a Grade 6 descriptive writing assignment, I read:

"The only things that concerned the sheep were food and water. As long as the boy knew how to find the best pastures in Andalusia, they would be his friends. Yes, their days were all the same, with the seemingly endless hours between sunrise and dusk; and they had never read a book in their young lives, and didn't understand when the boy told them about the sights of the cities. They were content with just food and water, and, in exchange, they generously gave of their wool, their company, and - once in a while - their meat."

Learning to take everything literally is part of my course, so I try not to see a metaphor in the fact that the boy learns more from sheep than from books. But I do have a question or two:

If the sheep are only his"friends" as long as he brings them food, do they really count as friends? Are they not just following their needs?

Is it not quite self-evident that they have not read any books in their young lives - they are sheep after all, and won't read in their old age either, I assume?

Do they really "generously offer their wool, their company, and -ONCE IN A WHILE - their meat? At least as far as the meat is concerned, I am sure they offer it once, and not again, and not by free choice, and generously?

As this book is to be taken seriously, I beg to accept my apology if my questions sound like sarcasm. That is not my intention. I am really just asking "all universe to conspire to help me achieve my goal" (another piece of wisdom the book offers) - of understanding how anyone can take this seriously! I just wonder how all universe deals with opposing wishes, which must occasionally occur, even in a small place like our earth. If I for example wish to have my neighbour's garden chair, and my neighbour wishes to keep it, who does "all universe" side with, and how does it conspire to help me get it, and at the same time to help my neighbour to keep it?

Things that happen once can never happen again, I also learn. Before I can even ask why, I get another piece of information: Things that happen twice will always happen again. How does that go together? If things have happened once (which is a prerequisite for happening twice in my world) they won't happen again?!? Whatever is meant, things can NEVER happen twice, that is sure. I can't travel to Italy twice. If I do it anyway (which is not possible) I will definitively do it again. That is nice!

When I do travel to Italy (once, or three times), my life and my path will always provide me with enough omens. That is interesting, and I do not know why I all of a sudden associate this with the sheepish followers in Life Of Brian, who found omens in sandals.

Call me literal-minded, but I do have some issues with the idea of omen provision. Can I order them online nowadays? What do they cost?

To close my reflection on learning more from sheep than books, I have to say: In some cases, that is very true! What a bitter medicine!

As with all medicines, there are some side effects, and it is very important to read the warning before you take this drug:

Please do not read this book if you are in danger of thinking too rationally.

When you read this Grade 6 essay, be careful to check if you show behaviours that you would define as out of character, as they might be symptoms of acute drivel reading allergy.

Symptoms include: anger, frustration, ridicule, frowning, nausea, meaningless giggling, dreams about book burning, urge to throw the book in the bin or out the window. Symptoms may vary, but in all cases, it is recommended to suspend reading until the brain is reset in adequate sheep mode again.

If symptoms do not diminish after enjoying a couple of good, real books, please see your librarian for memory removal surgery or therapy.

This is either a beautifully written and fable-like illustration of simple and universal truths or a load of crap.

I have a bad feeling it’s the later, but then I consider that there could also be a third option.

I read once that Sting, when he wrote the classic Police song Every Breath You Take, mixed up a series of banal clichés about love and loss and just put them all together, and so this cool tune has some satire about it. Similarly, the Credence Clearwater Revival song Looking Out My Backdoor, a clunky but loveable country western tune, was actually begun as a facetious parody of slide guitar yokel lyricism.

I also think of the comedy / performance art of Andy Kaufman and the constant, uncomfortable tension about what he was doing and why. Was it really so bad it was funny? If it was so obviously corny and insincere, was that not funny? Or was it? Was he really wrestling women and then getting beaten up by Jerry Lawler? That was a joke right?

So ...

Was Paulo Coelho’s 1988 fantasy / magical realism parable of truths found in nature and subtle messages from God told straight or was there a wink and a nod told with some fun?

Now … think about it for a second. The whole “lost gold” theme and the discussions with the alchemist about a supposed elixir of life and “follow your heart” rhetoric. Was Coelho telling this straight or pulling our leg?

I have to say that I doubt it, but I did laugh a few times and the over the top syrupy delivery made me wonder, and maybe I liked it better considering this twinkle of a third possibility.

I will say that this could go either way. I can absolutely see where someone could find hidden treasure and deeply meaningful messages in the short novel. And I can see someone rolling their eyes and sticking their finger down their throat in a gag gesture.

I’ll cast a Cheshire cat smirk and like for another reason.

Follow Your Dreams: A Fairy Tale?

The boy wanted to be a shepherd. He was unable to leave his destiny alone. Instead, he chose his fate, and changed it.

Now he gets to travel the world, searching for treasure (literally and figuratively).

Like every treasure hunt, there is adventure and danger! And stories and personal growth. And memories and the benefit of the experience.

Egged on by the mystical: The old gypsy woman. The God-like elder. The crystal glass mentor. The naive English man. The caravan guide and the alchemist!

The boy has his own mind and experiences, but it doesn’t prevent him from being open to advice.

His open mind keeps him focused and motivated, and kept alive whenever his life is in danger.

Lots of spiritual energy and religious morality, but it doesn’t stop the wars or violence. Or murder. Maybe even encourage it. A bit.

Still a story about a journey is always captivating and capable of giving good advice. The Alchemist is no different…

So, it gets five stars.

A spanish shepherd boy santiago has these recurring dreams about a treasure hidden at the foot of the egyptian pyramids. He leaves Spain to find it and journeys to the markets of Tangiers and across the Egyptian desert, guided along the way by a camel driver, an alchemist and other spiritual guides. and he discovers a far greater treasure (greater than any earthly gold): wisdom, self knowledge and enlightenment.

Though the Alchemist is not about Santiago at all. It's an inspirational fable; it's about our own self discovery; it's about awakening your passions; it's about following your heart; embracing life as a journey and finding the courage to chase your dreams.

It felt more like a really hackneyed self-help book to me. I don't know if it makes great literature. What is great literature?

It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.
The Alchemist ~~  Paulo Coelho



I preface my review by saying I am amazed how wildly passionate people are in their feelings toward this novel ~~ regardless of whether they love or hate  The Alchemist. I’m one of those people who love it. But, I understand why people are so passionate in their dislike of this work.  Paul Coelho looks to inspire passion in people with The Alchemist. And he succeeds in doing so ~~ especially in those who are so passionate in their dislike of this book.



The Alchemist is a novel that combines an atmosphere of medieval mysticism with the voice of the desert -- dreams, symbols, signs, and adventure follow Santiago and the reader like echoes of ancient wise voices. With this symbolic novel Coelho states that we should not avoid our destinies, and urges people to follow their dreams, because to find our "Personal Myth" and our mission on Earth is the way to find God, meaning happiness, fulfillment, and the ultimate purpose of creation.



The novel tells the tale of Santiago, a boy who has a dream and the courage to follow it. After listening to "the signs" the boy ventures in his personal, journey of exploration and self-discovery, searching for a hidden treasure located near the pyramids in Egypt. In his journey, Santiago sees the greatness of the world, and meets all kinds of exciting people like kings and alchemists. However, by the end of the novel, he discovers that "treasure lies where your heart belongs", and that the treasure was the journey itself, the discoveries he made, and the wisdom he acquired.



As the alchemist himself says when he appears to Santiago in the form of an old king "when you really want something to happen, the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true". This is the core of the novel's theme. Isn't it true that all of us want to believe the old king when he says that the greatest lie in the world is that at some point we lose the ability to control our lives, and become the pawns of fate.



Coelho also suggests that those who do not have the courage to follow their “Personal Myth", are doomed to a life of emptiness, misery, and unfulfillment. Fear, fear of failure seems to be the greatest obstacle to happiness. The old crystal-seller tragically confesses: “I am afraid that great disappointment awaits me, and so I prefer to dream". This is where Coelho really captures the drama of man, who sacrifices fulfillment to conformity, who knows he can achieve greatness but denies doing so, and ends up living an empty shell of a life.



The Alchemist is a novel that will not appeal to everybody. Not everyone will identify with Santiago. We all have dreams, and are praying for somebody to tell us they can come true. The novel skillfully combines words of wisdom, philosophy, and simplicity of meaning and language, and this is what makes it so enchanting.

Mua cuốn này vì nhiều lý do. Thứ nhất vì nghe đồn là cuốn sách bán chạy nhất mọi thời đại chỉ sau Kinh Thánh. Thứ 2 vì liếc thấy dịch giả là bác Lê Chu Cầu, 1 trong 2 bác mình thấy khá kết (bác còn lại là Trần Tiễn Cao Đăng). Thật ra bác Cầu dịch tiếng Đức rất xuất sắc (điển hình như "Mùi hương" đọc rất phê :3), cuốn này bác ấy cũng dịch từ tiếng Đức, mình ko thích việc dịch từ thứ tiếng khác, ko phải tiếng của bản gốc lắm (bản gốc tiếng Bồ) nhưng thôi cũng đành chịu :|

Lý do thứ nữa cũng là cuối cùng vì thấy bảo cuốn này phù hợp với những người vẫn còn đang phân vân về định hướng cuộc đời. Còn gì phù hợp với 1 thằng đang sắp sửa bước vào độ tuổi đc coi là đen tối nhất cuộc đời thằng đàn ông : bồ cũ sắp đi lấy chồng, sự nghiệp chưa có chi, bọn sv nó chê mình già ko cho mình chơi cùng nữa, nhận ra những điều trước giờ nghĩ vậy mà hóa ra ko phải vậy... :(

Nói về nội dung thì mình có phần hơi ngại những câu chuyện nhiều màu sắc tín ngưỡng, đức tin...vì mình gần như ko quan tâm cũng như ko có nhiều kiến thức về tôn giáo các thể loại. Gần nhất là va phải Life of Pi, phần đầu lê lết mãi mới qua may mà những phần sau hành trình lênh đênh trên biển hấp dẫn quá ko đã bỏ dở giữa chừng :s

Quay lại vs "Nhà giả kim" mình thấy nó hơi giáo điều thậm chí sáo rỗng ở nhiều đoạn. Đôi khi có cảm giác giá trị của nó không xứng tầm với danh tiếng mà nó được (hoặc phải) mang. Thêm nữa câu chuyện có vẻ hơi dễ đoán, thiếu cao trào kịch tính, hơi mang nhiều màu sắc cổ tích (phản ánh giấc mơ và những thế lực thần bí giúp ta theo đuổi giấc mơ).

"Nhà giả kim" chưa đạt được tới tầm "đáng đọc" hoặc "để đời" đối với bản thân mình. Ai bảo mình nông cạn chưa "thấm" được những triết lý thì mình cũng đành chịu :3
Lưỡng lự giữa 2 sao và 3 sao :| thôi cho 2 sao - mức trung tính cho những cuốn mình ko bỏ dở giữa chừng nhưng thấy chưa đủ hay, chưa đủ xuất sắc :|

Bài học rút ra : sách bán chạy tức là và chỉ đồng nghia với việc...bán đc nhiều, thế thôi.

(Throwback Review)"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

Many people simply love this book, while many others think that it is overrated. I truly, madly, and deeply love this book. I still remember a younger version of me reading this book while sitting perplexed at the crossroads of my life. The above lines from it had given me immense energy to face the setbacks and move forward in my life with the required enthusiasm. This book will always remain close to my heart. This is a must-read one if you are looking for a simple book that will inspire you and change your life.

~~~ T h e ~ A l c h e m i s t ~~ الـخـيـــميائـــي ~~~

Half-full Cauldron of Clever Story قدر به قصة محكية ببراعة
2 Measures of Legends of Wisdom مقدار من أساطير حكيمة
1 Bundle of Self-Help Motivations حزمة من دوافع تنمية ذاتية
1 Measure of Spiritual Experiences مقدار من التجارب الروحية
Some Drops of Love ~~~ قطرات من الحـــــب
A Bunch of Magic ~~~ حفنة من الســـحر
½ Cub of Philosophy ~~~ مقدار من الفلسفة
¼ Scoop of Thriller ~~~ ربع مغرفه من الأثارة
Mix it all together in the Cauldron..

أخلطهم جميعا في القدر
With Drops of an Oasis' Springs Water مع ماء من ينابيع واحة صحراوية
And Bunch of Golden Desert's Sands و حفنة من رمال الصحراء الذهبية
Let it all Stir by The Desert's Winds دع الخليط يقلبه رياح الصحراء
ِAnd Heat up by the Heat of the Sun rays ويسخنه حرارة أشعة الشمس

ِAnd Then you'll got the Treasure... وستحصل عندها علي الكنز
A Gold,even the Philosopher's Stone ذهــب، بل حجر الفيلسوف
A Great Charming Story, A brilliant literature قصة ساحرة، أدب لامع

The Alchemist --------- الـخيميــائـي
By the Master --------- للاستــاذ
Paulo Coelho --------- باولو كويللو

محمد العربي
في 24 اكتوبر 2013

قراءه من 25 اغسطس 2012
الي 2 سبتمبر 2012

©The Cauldron picture from http://www.pottermore.com