I read three books by Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist, By the River Piedra I sat Down and Wept and Veronika Decided to Die.

After reading several books by the same author you kind of know his style, the way they think, express, writes … they kind of establish a foundation of reference so you would compare with other authors or within their books.

For me, I believe I kind of got Paulo by the time I read a third novel of his.

His writings are mostly philosophical and raise questions and pay answers in a way I have never thought of. Though I disagree with the spiritual part which relates to believing in the existence of GOD, but I am always open to hear other opinions on that matter and whatever they say never affects my beliefs. On the contrary make me thankful that I have mine. I love the way he explores human ideas, challenges and questions them, provide another perspective … sometimes takes you so far … in the mad zone …

The last novel, Veronika Decided to Die, what amazed me is the concept. The fact that she decided to let go because her life has fallen into a pattern, though perfect it may seem to others, and she believed that nothing new will come along and it will be downhill from this point on, so she decides to take matters in her own hands. She wasn’t mad, sick or anything she was sane and aware of everything.

I didn’t expect the ending, I laughed. But if it were to continue, to extend the novel to see how all the characters lives will continue, I say it will be portrayed in a different way than what the author would have liked us to believe.

I must say that by far, this is the best novel I read by the author.