I used to defend the popular book everyone loves, now I think it's overrated

For like 5 years I was all in on 'The Alchemist' by Paulo Coelho. I'd tell everyone it was deep and life-changing. Then last month my book club picked it again and I reread it in 2 days. Honestly it felt like a bunch of fortune cookie quotes strung together with no real plot. The main character just wanders around and things magically work out. I couldn't believe I used to think that was profound. Has anyone else gone back to a book they loved and totally changed their mind about it?

2 comments

2 Comments

joel_martinez9d ago

Here is my take. Revisit the book you loved but you gotta read it like it is the first time. No nostalgia goggles. I did this with 'Catcher in the Rye'. First time I felt seen. Second time Holden just sounded like a brat. The Alchemist is all vibes, no substance. If you want something similar that actually has a plot, try 'Siddhartha' by Hesse. It's short. It sticks the landing.

elliot_patel9d ago

Honestly I used to think The Alchemist was some kind of masterpiece too. Reading this actually makes me want to go back and see if it holds up or if it really is just a bunch of feel-good phrases. Tbh I think you might be onto something there.