Maktub
An Inspirational Companion to The Alchemist
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4.2 • 9 Ratings
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- $2.99
Publisher Description
Uncover timeless wisdom and unlock your spiritual journey with an insightful and inspiring collection of short stories and fables by Paulo Coelho—international bestselling and prize-winning author of The Alchemist
A thought-provoking companion to the landmark literary classic The Alchemist comes Maktub (meaning "it is written"), a stunning collection that invites readers to reflect, rediscover, and find inspiration in life's quiet moments. Perfect for seekers of personal growth, divine faith, healing, and transformation, this national bestseller—from profoundly beloved and bestselling author Paulo Coelho—comes a variety of parables and stories pulled from Coelho's celebrated daily columns. As he explains, “Maktub is not a book of advice—but an exchange of experiences.”
Each story—brief yet mighty—delivers lessons rooted in universal truths, weaving together spirituality, humanity, and self-reflection. Drawn from Coelho's experiences with spiritual leaders, friends, and cultural teachings, these stories are crafted to resonate with readers from all walks of life. Some highlights include:
A Talking Snake: A story about understanding deception and finding clarity in the chaos.The Fifth Mountain: Reflecting on perseverance, dedication, and the beauty of small victories in long journeys.A Zen Master and the Disciples: A meditation on balancing responsibility with enlightenment and the dangers of ignoring life’s practicalities.The Buddha in Conversation: Practical insights on the value of choice and action in shaping one’s destiny.A Mysterious Hermit: A tale that explores the quiet strength in solitude and contemplation....and many more that challenge, inspire, and illuminate.
Whether you're revisiting The Alchemist or newly discovering Coelho's work, Maktub is an invaluable resource for those in search of inner peace and practical guidance, offering daily doses of wisdom for everyday life, accompanied by elegant black-and-white line art—making this both a thoughtful gift and a visual and intellectual feast.
Discover the beauty of life’s mysteries and the wisdom of the ages with Maktub.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Novelist Coelho (The Pilgrimage) gathers an eclectic array of the parables, musings, and ephemera he published from 1993 to 1994 in a daily column for the Brazilian newspaper Folha de São Paulo. Inspired by Pablo Picasso ("God is an artist.... He was never trying to follow a style; he was simply doing whatever he felt like doing") and St. Francis of Assisi (the spiritual journey "is, above all, a challenge... anyone who uses it to escape from his problems will never get very far"), Coelho meditates on creative and spiritual quests; the power of a disciplined mind (negative thoughts "can't harm you as long as you don't allow yourself to be seduced by them"); and how unconditional love for others "transforms the Universe around us." The parables for which the author is best known are carefully wrought even if they convey standard messages, as in a story about a servant who misinterprets his master's instruction to "entrust everything to God" by failing to tie up their horses, which later run away (the takeaway being that God can appear in unlikely places, including within humans). These brief nuggets of wisdom are conveyed in evocative prose ("God acts as the echo of our actions") and enrich the themes of faith, destiny, and spirituality running through Coelho's most famous works. The author's many fans will find much to appreciate.
