The Alchemist
9 journalers for this copy...
Decided to get this book after watching an info-ed program about Singaporeans working overseas, engaging in life very different from what we are used to. The series took the host to locate these fellow Singaporeans in the most faraway places as far as Kenya, and as unknown as Gorakphur. In the course of the journeys, the programme offered viewers some extraordinary insights into the lives of these countrymen who have chosen to live, work and even made their careers in these far flung places.
And in Switzerland there's also a Singaporean working there, and while chatting he said he has read The Alchemist many times, cos the author is his boss. When asked what motivated him to do what he is doing, helping people to accomplish their dreams, he said "it's a calling."
The programme gives ample coverage of the people and places the host vists, including the history, culture and unique characteristics of the places. Some of these places visited are Argentina, Brazil, Botswana, Finland, Chendu & Shangri-la (Both in China) and Ulan Baator (Mongolia).
I bought this book in Bankgkok.
And in Switzerland there's also a Singaporean working there, and while chatting he said he has read The Alchemist many times, cos the author is his boss. When asked what motivated him to do what he is doing, helping people to accomplish their dreams, he said "it's a calling."
The programme gives ample coverage of the people and places the host vists, including the history, culture and unique characteristics of the places. Some of these places visited are Argentina, Brazil, Botswana, Finland, Chendu & Shangri-la (Both in China) and Ulan Baator (Mongolia).
I bought this book in Bankgkok.
This is my 2nd book by the author after Veronica Decides to Die, find it to be very philosophical. I think basically it's trying to tell us to follow our heart and live life to the fullest. Life is a process not a destination. During our life, we see and experience a lot of things happening around us and we learn from all these experiences. The journey may not be smooth-sailing, but if there's anything that we desire to do, then either we listen to our heart and fulfill it or regret when we grow old in not having taken any steps at all. And the treasure we are looking for may be very near to us instead of having to search far and wide for it. I agree with all of the above.
As for how transforming metal into gold will lead one to achieve the soul of the world and other philosophical talks etc... really challenge my limited mind to fathom the depths.
The funny thing is when the story came to the part when the alchemist appeared before the shepherd boy, "Suddenly he heard a thundering sound, and he was thrown to the ground by a wind such as he had never known. Before him was an enormouns white horse, rearing over him with a frightening scream... Astride the animal was a horseman dressed completely in black..." what came to my mind was a scene from The Lord of the Rings when the hobbits were hiding from the dark rider...haha. Except that this black rider is riding a white horse.
As for how transforming metal into gold will lead one to achieve the soul of the world and other philosophical talks etc... really challenge my limited mind to fathom the depths.
The funny thing is when the story came to the part when the alchemist appeared before the shepherd boy, "Suddenly he heard a thundering sound, and he was thrown to the ground by a wind such as he had never known. Before him was an enormouns white horse, rearing over him with a frightening scream... Astride the animal was a horseman dressed completely in black..." what came to my mind was a scene from The Lord of the Rings when the hobbits were hiding from the dark rider...haha. Except that this black rider is riding a white horse.
I'm offering this as a ray. Hope this book will travel far and wide in search of its own destiny.
Usual Guidelines apply
Make a journal when receive the book
Read within a month
Journal again when done
PM'd the next person in line for addy
Send book on...
Participants so far:
This little book is starting on its journey.
1. Yayajanuary (Indonesia)
2. teenie-k (Canada)
3. Darkpunkangel (Canada)
4. Tori58 (USA)
5. DitteL (Denmark)
6. justmesam (Netherlands)
7. hakkalina (Hungary)
8. BecksterCa (USA)
RAY ends. Last reader may decide where and how book travels.
Book on its way to Yayajanuary. Happy reading. Hope this little book will travel far and wide, and touch people's hearts.
Paulo Coelho..I love youuuu ^__^The book seems a light reading book, but inside Paulo gave me as the reader a lot to think of. Mostly Paulo taught me to never stop dreaming big, not to be afraid to pursue my dream and always listen to my heart and believe with what Allah decides for me :)
Journal Entry 6 by yayajanuary at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Saturday, July 26, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (7/28/2008 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The book is on the way to Canada (teenie.k)
The book is on the way to Canada (teenie.k)
I picked up this book-ray book from the post office today.
I can't wait to read it!!!
Thanks bearyfriend and yayajanuary!
I can't wait to read it!!!
Thanks bearyfriend and yayajanuary!
I loved this book. Paulo Coelho has the most enchanting style. Inspiring without being preachy, this book helps put life back into perspective!
As an aside, I have enjoyed looking at the postcards enclosed, and therefore have added two from my fair city! Both have literary/bookish themes too!
This book will be sent on to darkpunkangel today.
As an aside, I have enjoyed looking at the postcards enclosed, and therefore have added two from my fair city! Both have literary/bookish themes too!
This book will be sent on to darkpunkangel today.
Journal Entry 9 by teenie-k at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Monday, August 25, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (8/25/2008 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
This book is off to visit darkpunkangel in Montreal, Quebec Canada!
This book is off to visit darkpunkangel in Montreal, Quebec Canada!
Arrived safely here today, thanks teenie-k for sending this bearyfriend for starting this ray. I already started this and its pretty good so far.
I found this to be ok reading, but I enjoyed The Devil and Miss Prym better.
I PMed the next person in line and will send it on when I get there address.
I PMed the next person in line and will send it on when I get there address.
Journal Entry 12 by darkpunkangel at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada on Monday, September 8, 2008
Released 15 yrs ago (9/8/2008 UTC) at Bookring/Bookray, -- By post or by hand/ in person -- Canada
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Sent today to Tori58, thanks bearyfriend for hosting this ray.
Sent today to Tori58, thanks bearyfriend for hosting this ray.
Received today and am anxious to begin reading! :-)
I thought it was okay, but not as meaninful as many people seem to find it to be. The philosophical ideas he puts forth seem a bit like obvious truths. And I guess I don't think about human destiny in terms of "treasure" and "wanting something badly enough" so these metaphors didn't really work very well for me. I did very much like the parts about the "Language of the World" though.
I thought it was okay, but not as meaninful as many people seem to find it to be. The philosophical ideas he puts forth seem a bit like obvious truths. And I guess I don't think about human destiny in terms of "treasure" and "wanting something badly enough" so these metaphors didn't really work very well for me. I did very much like the parts about the "Language of the World" though.
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
Mailed to DitteL. Thanks bearyfriend for hosting a ring and to darkpunkangel for sending it on to me!
Mailed to DitteL. Thanks bearyfriend for hosting a ring and to darkpunkangel for sending it on to me!
The book had arrived when I got home last night. I'll start reading it as soon as I've finished my current read which shouldn't take long.
I think this is a reazlly good book. These are my favourite quotes:
- "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure"
- "... when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too."
I love the way that Coelho manages to tell the story on two different levels:
-as a story in itself with a story line that reminded me a lot of fairytales with the hero having to travel the world and overcoming dangers before he can marry his princess.
- and as a philosophical text telling us never to give up and that being alive means to strive to fulfill ones dreams.
Thank you bearyfriend for sharing this book and thank you, Tori58, for sending it to me.
I've already contacted the next person on the list, but are still waiting for their address. Hopefully, I'll get it soon in order for the book to continue on its travel.
- "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure"
- "... when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too."
I love the way that Coelho manages to tell the story on two different levels:
-as a story in itself with a story line that reminded me a lot of fairytales with the hero having to travel the world and overcoming dangers before he can marry his princess.
- and as a philosophical text telling us never to give up and that being alive means to strive to fulfill ones dreams.
Thank you bearyfriend for sharing this book and thank you, Tori58, for sending it to me.
I've already contacted the next person on the list, but are still waiting for their address. Hopefully, I'll get it soon in order for the book to continue on its travel.
Released 15 yrs ago (10/17/2008 UTC) at Frederiksberg, København Amt Denmark
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The book will be posted to the next perosn on the list tomorrow.
Enjoy!
The book will be posted to the next perosn on the list tomorrow.
Enjoy!
Received today
The book arrived to me today. Thanks justmesam, I hope you are well now!
I have already got the next reader's address.
Update: 2009.02.26.
My progress was broken when one of my friends borrowed this book from me. :-) Getting back the book I continue my reading, and I guess that sending will take place on the second week of March.
Update:2009.03.02
Thanks your patient. I've finished the book.
It was a nice, simple reading. I enjoyed this tale very much. I found some valuable thoughts in it, which reflect to my present situation. I am wondering what kind of other messages can have in the book that I skated over ...
Like DitteL I also wrote down this message to myself... "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve the fear of failure."
another pearl is: "...usually the threat of death makes people a lot more aware of their lives.."
I have already got the next reader's address.
Update: 2009.02.26.
My progress was broken when one of my friends borrowed this book from me. :-) Getting back the book I continue my reading, and I guess that sending will take place on the second week of March.
Update:2009.03.02
Thanks your patient. I've finished the book.
It was a nice, simple reading. I enjoyed this tale very much. I found some valuable thoughts in it, which reflect to my present situation. I am wondering what kind of other messages can have in the book that I skated over ...
Like DitteL I also wrote down this message to myself... "There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve the fear of failure."
another pearl is: "...usually the threat of death makes people a lot more aware of their lives.."
CONTROLLED RELEASE NOTES:
The book countinues its journey in order to spread its message.
Goes by airmail.
Update 2009.03.15.
The postcards were sent after the book.
The book countinues its journey in order to spread its message.
Goes by airmail.
Update 2009.03.15.
The postcards were sent after the book.
I just received this book and am looking forward to reading!
Just finished reading the book and I see that I'm the last in line.
HMMM....what next?
HMMM....what next?
