Book Review: The Alchemist by Paul Coelho

This is one of those books i almost never read. I wanted to give it back without reading it as I thought that I just didn't have time really to fit it into my busy life schedule. But I am sure glad that my friend insisted that I give it one more try and gave it back to me the same day. It still sat on my shelf for a week or two longer while I finished up a different book, and then finally one night I gave it one more shot... 

Paperback

Published: October 2009

Publisher: HarperCollins

180 pages

* What it's about *

Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognising opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.

* My thoughts *

This book spoke straight to my soul and will easily be a book I read again and again. Often when I am on my travels I wonder why I am doing what I am doing and maybe I should just go home to my comfort zone and family. I crave the comfort of love and what I know but then I think about all the things I have seen, places I have been and things I have discovered about myself and the world. I am living my dreams. Even though now I find myself torn between going back to my home country for love or continuing on my traveller path in search of my own treasure. 

Many people say that many books can inspire you, but this one really does make you want to go after your dreams. It paints a beautiful picture of life and our destinies. Sometimes it is not about what is at the destination but it is about what you gain from the journey. 

A quick and easy read that is life changing. 

* Rating * 

* If Tomorrow Starts Without Me *

If tomorrow starts without me, and I'm not there to see,

If the sun should rise and find your eyes all filled with tears for me;

I wish so much you wouldn't cry the way you did today,

while thinking of the many things we didn't get to say.

I know how much you care for me, and how much I care for you,

and each time that you think of me I know you'll miss me too;

But when tomorrow starts without me, please try to understand,

that an angel came and called my name and took me by the hand,

and said my place was ready in heaven far above,

and that I'd have to leave behind all those I dearly love.

But as I turned to walk away, a tear fell from my eye,

for all life, I'd always thought I didn't want to die.

I had so much to live for and so much yet to do.

it seemed almost impossible that I was leaving you.

I thought of all the love we shared and all the fun we had.

If I could relive yesterday, I thought, just for a while,

I'd say goodbye and hug you and maybe see you smile.

But then I fully realised that this could never be,

for emptiness and memories would take the place of me.

And when I thought of worldly things that I'd miss come tomorrow.

I thought of you, and when I did, my heart was filled with sorrow.

But when I walked through Heaven's gates, I felt so much at home.

When God looked down and smiled at me, from His great golden throne,

He said, "This is eternity and all I've promised you,

Today your life on earth is past but here it's starts anew.

I promise no tomorrow, but today will always last.

and since each day's the same, there's no longing for the past.

But you have been so faithful, so trusting, so true.

Though there were times you did some things you knew you shouldn't do.

And you have been forgiven and now at last you're free.

So won't you come and take my hand and share my life with me?"

So if tomorrow starts without me, don't think we're far apart,

for every time you think of me, please know I'm in your heart.

Written by David M Romano in 1993

***

Book Review: Proof of Heaven by Eben Alexander M.D

I found this book in a small shop in Chiang Mai. I was lost and heartbroken after just receiving the news that I had lost someone very close to my heart. And like most people I needed to know that their soul was okay and at peace. 

Paperback

Published: October 2012

Publisher: Simon Schuster

196 pages

* What it's about *

Thousands of people have had near-death experiences, but scientists have argued that they are impossible. Dr. Eben Alexander was one of those scientists. A highly trained neurosurgeon, Alexander knew that NDEs feel real, but are simply fantasies produced by brains under extreme stress.

Then, Dr. Alexander’s own brain was attacked by a rare illness. The part of the brain that controls thought and emotion—and in essence makes us human—shut down completely. For seven days he lay in a coma. Then, as his doctors considered stopping treatment, Alexander’s eyes popped open. He had come back.

Alexander’s recovery is a medical miracle. But the real miracle of his story lies elsewhere. While his body lay in coma, Alexander journeyed beyond this world and encountered an angelic being who guided him into the deepest realms of super-physical existence. There he met, and spoke with, the Divine source of the universe itself.

Alexander’s story is not a fantasy. Before he underwent his journey, he could not reconcile his knowledge of neuroscience with any belief in heaven, God, or the soul. Today Alexander is a doctor who believes that true health can be achieved only when we realize that God and the soul are real and that death is not the end of personal existence but only a transition.


This story would be remarkable no matter who it happened to. That it happened to Dr. Alexander makes it revolutionary. No scientist or person of faith will be able to ignore it. Reading it will change your life. 

* My thoughts *

I picked up this book because I needed answers and comfort. I received both and so much more. His life story is fascinating and miracle. The way the story unfolds keeps you intrigued and wanting to read more. At the end of the book I got the message but in a way that is hard to put into words. A wonderful read that helps open your mind and comforts the soul. 

We all have a story that needs to be told and is able to help others. 

* Rating *