Life: A Journey to be Relished - Personal Statement Example

Once self-initiated, I voraciously took to reading as a cherished hobby and vocation. It was not long that I graduated to the status of a self-professed literary critic. Out of the tons of books that I have consumed until now, a few of them left an everlasting influence on me. I sincerely feel that Paulo Coelho's 'The Alchemist' does deserve a place in that exalted list.Luckily, the good thing about 'The Alchemist' is that not only is it imbued with a deep and moving message, but is also written in easily understandable and colloquial English.

While reading this book, I can literally feel the writer talking to me. This book deals with one of the most exploited topics in the world of literature i.e. 'life as a journey', in a really interesting and engrossing manner. 'The Alchemist' incites its readers to strongly believe in and listen to their heart's voice. It immaculately presents life as a magical and eventful journey, in which everyone has the onus to fulfill one's destiny. This particular book glorifies the sense of adventure inherent in human existence.

I unwaveringly believe that reading it must have been an unforgettably inspirational experience for a majority of the people. Coelho's art lies in weaving a complex and intricate tale of adventure with a master like directness and simplicity. It is not a surprise that this book has been translated into 42 languages and has over 20 million copies sold worldwide. Another book that delivers a similar-sounding message, but in an altogether different way is, Richard Bach's 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull'.

This particular book differs from 'The Alchemist' in the sense that it presents life as some sort of a dry and metaphysical, Darwinian struggle and seems to eulogize perfectionism at the cost of simple and readily feasible joys of ordinary life. Though both of these celebrated works of literature stress on the sanctity of one's purpose in life, the spirit of 'Jonathan Livingston Seagull' conclusively comes out as starkly rebellious and lonesome.