Books of Paulo Coelho

[mikal]

I was wondering what's your opinion on him and his way of writing? You read a lot, as I see..
Is he writing for masses or there is something more?

Some people say that he's new Herman Hesse, but I wouldn't say that. I just don't like him.

 

[Vegard Pompey]

I've only read The Alchemist, it was pretty great though.

 

[Sugarpop]

I've read Zahir and The Alchemist. They seem rather hollow, pseudo-religious and only moderately entertaining.

 

[ChristopherL]

I've read Zahir and The Alchemist. They seem rather hollow, pseudo-religious and only moderately entertaining.

This.

I did not read the alchemist but Zahir was boring and pointless.
Perhaps I am missing something but I doubt it.

 

[Citizen X]

I heard somewhere that literate people in Brazil dislike Paulo Coelho's books.

And I can see why.

The man writes fictionalized self-help books that publishers pass as literature, so as to avoid having him (Coelho) in the cover art, smiling at the camera while displaying shiny titles in LARGE FONTS with titles such as "PURSUIT OF INNER HAPPINESS" or "THE PHILOSOPHER'S MANUAL FOR SELF GROWTH"

 

[Adamastor]

I heard somewhere that literate people in Brazil dislike Paulo Coelho's books.

That is true. So true that I have yet to read some of his books.

 

[snowqueen]

I''m with Citizen X except not so polite. Coelho's books are a pile of self-important, shallow, simplistic crap. Whoever the personality with the lowest T might be - the books were written for them.

 

[eru]

I heard somewhere that literate people in Brazil dislike Paulo Coelho's books.

That is so true. And we can't understand the sucess he does in other countries. As a fellow INTP, I highly recommend avoid his books.
It's a bunch of self-help-pseudo-literature.

Some people say that he's new Herman Hesse

New Herman Hesse?! That is sooo offensive.

[Off-topic]: Did anyone realized how INTP is Harry Haller, from Steppenwolf?

 

[snowqueen]

Welcome eru

you are instantly respected by me for both your views on Coelho and Hesse.

Unfortunately I have just proved myself a complete idiot on another thread so that's not worth as much as you might have imagined

 

[itarilde]

I read The Alchemist when our teacher at school told us to do so (I was about 12-13) and it was somehow entertaining, but not really worth my time.

As an adult, I read more of his books (my ENFJ sister had a Coelho-period, fortunately she grew up). They are extremely naive and I have no idea why do people buy such crap.

 

[Traianus]

I've read The Alchemist and Zahir also and pretty much agree with the sentiment of the rest of the posters here. Not a fan.