The Alchemist

[Jemmind]

Anyone read this? One VERY inspirational book! It reads more like a short story (a very LONG short story) than a novel to me. But it's got a great message about following one's dreams. I think *many* people on my Christmas list this year will be getting a copy!

[journeymom]

I looked it up on Amazon. Sounds interesting! I love a good inspirational short story-fable.

[femalephish]

This book changed my life. And my sister gave it to me as a Christmas gift - so definitely spread the joy!

[Bell]

I did! And I recommend!! It's really good!:

[Pinoikoi]

It is on one of our curriculum guides with an asterisk (which means some questionable material).. because of the questionable material, I have not taught/read it yet..

Anyone clue me in on what that might be? sexuality maybe?

[Jemmind]

Originally Posted by alaskanteach

It is on one of our curriculum guides with an asterisk (which means some questionable material).. because of the questionable material, I have not taught/read it yet..

Anyone clue me in on what that might be? sexuality maybe?

I don't think there was any sexuality in there at all that I remember. Maybe religion, is that questionable for curriculums?

[Pinoikoi]

Originally Posted by Jemmind

I don't think there was any sexuality in there at all that I remember. Maybe religion, is that questionable for curriculums?

good question..

I have had parents upset about the mythological creatures in the Odyssey (more than once).. I haven't personally taught the book Golden Compass, but there were parents upset about the non-religious stuff in there (not phrased very well, but basically maybe even anti-religion?)..

I have been on curriculum boards, and generally religious tones are permissible, but religious doctrine stuff isn't, and it can sometimes be a fine line..

And then when you look at banned books, it becomes even more confusing.. To Kill a Mockingbird, and Huck Finn have all been banned in some part of the country and yet I have taught them..

As I stated, I haven't read the Alchemist, so not sure what the issue with the book was, I just remember our dept chair saying DO NOT teach THIS book without reading through it in its entirety first, and she certainly doesn't stress that with every text (although certainly we all should..), so there MUST have been some issues with it in our district, so I figured it must be sexuality.. drug references maybe?

[terrordactyl]

theres not sex or drugs that i remember in the book

btw i love this book

[marieangela]

I read it a while back and really enjoyed it. I think I may have it and would be up for reading it again...

[ja mama]

This book is wonderful, and so are many other of Paulo Coelho's books. They are simple and easy to read but so motivating. I especially liked The Devil and Ms. Primm and Veronika decides to die, and Eleven Minutes. The Alchemist and the Devil... are suitable (in my opinion) for my nine year old boy. He could grasp the message. In the Alchemist there is a mention of a kiss and longing, but nothing sexual. It is a very spiritual book. Basic belief stuff.