- in the name of Allah -
Read "the alchemist" by Paulo Coehlo in the wee hours of this morning. initially, I couldnt help but imagine what life would be or have been like if dreams were our guide in life. would that exclude the element of deen? Im not sure. anyhow, the thought occurs to me that I should have read this book about 4-5 years ago. It might have meant something back then. now, its only a reminder that one persons reality doesnt always equal anothers. in any case, its a good enough read to be read by anyone.
6 comments:
salaam...I'm currently The Zahir by him, but haven't checked out The Alchemist. Although I've heard that its worth the read....so far though, The Zahir is keeping me interested. I'll let ya know if you should read it when i'm done!
~ws~
assalamualaikum
I read The Alchemist a year or two ago and although it was a interesting and thought-provoking read, it didn't do for me what it did for ALL of my friends. Felt like a loser to be honest, because "only spiritual people can get from it what's intended" apparently. Charming :| I find vague reading a tad difficult and the story even harder to remember.
Nice to see Madiha here too, lol. Small world. I'll add The Zahir to my list.
I'd reccommend HOLES, by Louis Sachar to both of you. Beautiful story.
wasalaam.
wasalaam,
to Madiha- Ive heard that Paulo Coelho's books tend to mostly run along a similar theme. in 'the Alchemist', theres a kid searching for his "Personal Legend", what his destiny is supposed to be if he only tries to overcome the obstacles and stay committed to his dream. whats the plot like in 'the Zahir', anything similar?
to Khadijah- lol, I can empathize 100% on the "not feeling what Im supposed to" front. I know that for alot of people the book might have been a life changer, but it prob didnt have that effect this time around bec life/reality seems to have a 'cynicizing' effect more apparent in some than others. maybe as we age, we can simply dream less than we used to. Ive read in psych books thats the case, but its a truly sad thing if it holds true.
ma'asalaam
salaam,
haha the plot to The Zahir is anything but the one in The Alchemist. Its about the narrator who has a war-correspondent wife, Esther, who disappears. He realizes that her disappearance is a sort of message, a challenge to him to rethink his emotions and make them worthy of hers. She becomes the 'Zahir' or a blinding obsession.
Although the plot is a good one, i dont find the writing as captivating and actually got pretty bored and starting reading one of my murder myteries :p lol
LOL..good to see u here too Khadiijah...u stalking me? lol j/k, but i must agree with you, I don't find books of "personal enlightenment" very enlightening. A little while back I read a similar genre book, the name escapes me, about a historian searching for treasure and finding a "personal legend." I was unimpressed to say the least.
wasalaam :)
I loved the alchemist, but the ending was kufrtastic!
Kufrtastic, lol an interesting term indeed.
Damit, caught stalking. The shame :$ lol no, you're safe from me Madiha. Thanks for the reccomendation, but you've gone and put me off now!lol.
I'm glad I'm not alone in my "lack of spirituality", or appreciation of "enlightening" books. I like good old moral storie, like the ones you got in the olden golden days,lol. Kidding, I do like a solid story though and these modern books just dont seem to get it right.If you come across anything, do let me know!:D
wassalam
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