Aleph Paperback – International Edition, 1 Mar. 2012

I bought so many already, giving them to my friends, as the story is remarkable. I recommend it. I read it 3times already.

Aleph was the first ever book I’ve read by Coelho. I was intrigued from the start. I was aware initially of the vast success Coelho has had and is notably deemed a spiritual master so it came as a surprise to read of the frustration and longing he still feels in his life in the very first chapter. It starts out very mysteriously as J. advises him to reclaim his kingdom. And so he sets off on his latest book tour and decides to merge his tour with his wish to travel the trans-siberian railway. He meets Hilal and the two have a unique connection. Hilal is tempestuous and a gifted Violinist. She is half his age and the dynamics of their relationship deepens from stranger to ambiguous love. I liked Coelho’s way with words near the end on how he feels for Hilal. It is perfection. This book is ideal for readers who are open or merely curious to the many beliefs and practices within the vast spectrum of spirituality. Here the plot dips into past life flashbacks as well as how Coelho falls into his past life via the enigmatic ring of light exercise. The characters meet a Shaman and for someone as spiritually open like myself reading his story satisfied my curiosity for things outside of the physical realm. Coelho definitely leaves the reader wanting to discover more about the story and their own life.

I've read this book twice to date, the first time, it did not seem too relevant and I couldn't quite associate myself with it like I did with The Alchemist. Recently, it was mentioned again by a friend, and I decided to read it again. It really proves there's a right time for everything, and the second time around, I could associate my life with it a bit more fully and take lessons from it. Thank you, Paulo Coelho.

Again another amazing read from Mr Coelho. Aleph took me on a journey that opened my mind to love, spirituality and taught me many more lessons about the way to open myself up to the universe and experience life as it should be. Paulo Coelho's novels are a must read for everyone searching for anything, your mind and soul are refreshed.

After reading The Alchemist which was superb... brilliant in fact ....and then reading a paragraph to this one that was included in The Alchemist... I felt complled to read Aleph it was great at the beginning but then it tends to drift off for me maybe I'm not quite ready for this story who knows...I will keep reading but I feel I must go back to get the 'Just' of it...it seems as though I have missed something in it....anyone else with this... or is it just me?...I love his style of writing ....

As with all Paulo’s books it’s hard to put them down. The way it is written makes you feel that you yourself are with him and the others on their different journeys

There are some lines in this book that have stayed with me for years. Absolutely magical and transformative.

This book left me with mixed feelings. The story had me awake most nights and I found it difficult to read more than a chapter a time. I am now on a quest to read more from this author. If you are spiritual this book maybe of interest to you if not you may find it a bit too deep and unbelievable. Given four stars as I like the way the author incorporates texts from his previous books and takes you to another world.