Last spring I read "Illusions," by Richard Bach. When I read the reviews online, one guy Mentioned he thought "The Alchemist" was superior to the story of "Illusions." I finally got around to "Alchemist" and I must say I was quite disappointed. First off, yes I realize it's Considered a fable, but the writing style is far too simplistic. I do not know if it's the translation, but it reads like a book of elementary schooler would read for a report. Annoying points: there are page after page of Adolescent terms like "Masterwork" and "Personal Legend" and "Language of the Universe", repetitious redundancies of quotes, just in case you have not been paying attention, and very little of masking points. Coelho must not trust the reader to pick things up Because He screams them at you. But, that's just the writing style. As for the writing, there is a clear spiritual basis to the story, Which is welcome, but the incessant talk of fate was a complete turn-off. I therefore felt There was an air of superiority to it. Santiago would pass people who Seemed happy in Their Lives, and he would feel sorry for them Because theywere not on a trek. In the case of the crystal shop owner, yes, hey what pathetic for not pursuing his dream of going to Mecca. But to look at another shop owner and judge he hasnt Pursued His Dream, When Perhaps his dream which to settle with his family, which distracting. On to love .... to, he meets a woman midway through the story and if in love Before They speak? Oooookay. And this woman he supposedly loves, and with Whom He Could settle with and be rich, he leaves to discover a treasure. Why is his dream did of a material / monetary nature? I had a tiny problemo with That One. So, before this Becomes a lecture. I give it 3 stars for some of the dialogue Santiago has with The Alchemist, and for its basic idea: pursue your dream, as it will haunt you if you do not. HOWEVER, this is hardly a fantastic book .... it just speaks to the masses, where others may require one to think more.
