Paulo Coelho is from Brazil and the book was originally written in Portuguese. It was a simple allegory, published locally, and did not do well. Several years later an English-speaking person visiting Brazil, offered to purchase the rights to the book and translate it into English. He also made suggestions to make the story longer. Gradually the book became famous all over the world.

Even though it is a very simple book, I like The Alchemist because the character works toward his goal and does not give up. Modern-day books with similar themes, such as The Secret by Rhonda Byrne seem to suggest you just have to want your goal bad enough and it will come to you without having to work for it.

RIP Greg Bear

Oh, Harper Lee is a trigger name now.

She spent a lifetime earning an income, winning awards, and being praised for To Kill a Mockingbird. Then before she died she insisted on writing and publishing the sequel.

I am shocked that the new book was even published, and highly disappointed that it continues to be promoted for sale. The new book asserts physical abuse of women is normal and necessary, black people are a violent, ignorant subspecies, and most people need to be manipulated.

I wanted to break the CD I was listening to, but it was a library loan and I didn't want to put any money into the Harper Lee estate. It is hands down the worst book I have ever read. It's too bad they can't retroactively withdraw her Pulitzer Prize.