Paulo Coelho

A writer,Who is prominent,who writes slendid on different issues and whom i am inspired,Well i am not mere a one person who reads his novels but all over the world his novels are being read.
I dont know much about other readers,why they are reading his novels rather i can say about my self that he is a good writer as well as nice chap.
His first Novel was "The Pilgrimage " In 1986, Paulo Coelho sets out for The Pilgrimage towards Santiago de Compostela. "In those days –says the author-, my spiritual quest was linked to the idea that there were secrets, mysterious ways, and people capable of understanding and controlling things which would be unavailable to most mortals. I thought that what leads us to grasping the mystery of life, must be difficult and complicated." This journey becomes a truly initiatory experience, and Paulo is transformed for ever as he learns to understand the nature of truth through the simplicity of life: he learns that "the extraordinary is always found in the way of the common people." As a writer, he devotes himself to show, in a plain and fluid style, the richness of our inner reality with the intention of sharing his experiences with all of us. Thus, The Pilgrimage has a very important place in the work, not just because it is the first of his major books, after which came The Alchemist, but because of the complete way in which it expresses the humanity of Paulo's philosophy and the depth of his search.

His another book whose copies sold around the world "The Alchemist in 1988"The book that makes the world dream.When you want something, the whole Universe conspires to help you realize your dream.Santiago, the hero of the novel, already forms part of a select gallery of illustrious characters and leads us through his story to experience a remarkable adventure.“When I wrote The Alchemist, I was trying to understand the reason for the existence of life. Instead of writing a philosophical treatise, I decided to converse with the child inside my soul.To my surprise, this child was living inside millions of people around the world. With this book I wanted to share with my readers the questions which, precisely because they don't have an answer, make life a great adventure”. - Paulo Coelho
Brida in 1990“In Brida, my third novel which I wrote just after The Alchemist, I tell the story of a young woman that dives into sorcery and experiences with different magical traditions. I explore many themes that are dear to me, such as The Great Mother, pagan religions and the perceptions of love.When I wrote this book and published it in Brazil more than 18 years ago, themes such as the feminine face of God were still very foreign to most people. Nevertheless, I noticed, with the passing of time, a shift in perception – people being more open to the intuitive perception of the world and being less seduced by the fixed rules of society. As written on the book, "the noblest thing a human being can experience is acceptance of the mystery.I have the feeling that the world is accepting more and more the mystery and so, dear readers, I present you the story of this young woman today." Paulo CoelhoWould you be willing to sacrifice everything for the man or woman of your life?This is the story of Brida, a beautiful young Irish girl, and her quest for knowledge. On her journey she meets a wise man who teaches her about overcoming her fears, and a woman who teaches her how to dance to the hidden music of the world. They see in her a gift, but must let her make her own voyage of discovery.As Brida seeks her destiny, she struggles to find a balance between her relationships and her desire to transform herself.Brida is a moving tale of love, mystery and courage, of the the spiritual side of eros and the erotic side of spirituality.

O Dom Supremo: The Greatest Gift in 1991
Based on the book "The Greatest Thing in the World", in which the priest Henry Drummond discourses on a section of St. Paul's letter to the Corinthians.
The Valkyries in 1992
Why is it that we destroy the things we love most? This is the question Paulo Coelho faces in this story of his confrontation with his past. 'The Valkyries' is a compelling account of his journey, as Paulo and his wife embark on a forty day quest into the searing heat of the Mojave Desert, where they encounter 'The Valkyries', strange warrior women who travel the desert on motorcycles. This is not only a modern day adventure, it is also an exploration of one man's battle with self doubt and fear, as well as a true story of two people striving to understand one another through adversity. Ultimately, 'The Valkyries' delivers a powerful message about forgiving our past and believing in our future.
Maktub in 1994
Maktub is a collection of stories, parabolas that don't pretend to constitute an apprenticeship but offer a coloured treasure of fragmented wisdom from different cultures. Those short stories, inspired to the writer by vary different sources and folklores, were born from Paulo Coelho's collaboration with the daily Folha de São Paulo. Coelho selected texts published between June 1993 and June 1994, to offer readers around the world this Maktub, which deepens through the prism of a universal mosaic of oral tradition. According to Paulo Coelho himself, "Maktub is not an advice book, but an exchange of experiences", an excellent occasion to reflect and meet oneself again.

By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept in 1994
In all stories of love there is always something that moves us closer to eternity and the essence of life because the stories of love hold within all the secrets in the world. But what happens when shyness prevents an adolescent love affair from developing? And what happens when, 11 years later, destiny brings the lovers together again? In the meantime, life has taught her to be strong and to hide her feelings. As for him, he is now a handsome spiritual teacher – with a reputation for performing miracles – who has turned to religion as a refuge from his inner conflicts.Together they take a journey that is initially fraught with difficulty as blame and resentment resurface after years of being hidden. But by the River Piedra, in a small village in the French Pyrenees, they find a way to discuss many of life's big questions and re-evaluate their won special relationship.By The River Piedra is a wonderful novel, with a poetic and transcendent narrative, that reflects all the mysteries of love and life.

The Fifth Mountain in 1996
"There are inevitable moments of misfortune which interrupt our lives. However, they happen for a reason." Sometimes the world seems to have conspired against us, and so we ask ourselves, "Why does this have to happen to me?" Confronted by the inevitable, some of us become discouraged; others, however, grow stronger and increase their understanding.The story of the prophet Elijah is an invaluable lesson of hope for the contemporary man. To what point can we predict our own destiny? This is the question that hangs in the air over The Fifth Mountain, and every one of us has tried to grasp it.Evoking all the drama and intrigue of the colourful, chaotic world of the Middle East, Paulo Coelho turns the trials of Elijah into an intensely moving and inspiring story – one that powerfully brings out the universal themes of how faith and love can ultimately triumph over.

Love Letters from a Prophet in 1997
Our perception of life is influenced with the tradition and standards which are considered correct. The big challenge is to discover our authentic self, by asking questions and searching for answers. The work of Kahlil Gibran has helped many of the ones who are searching for these questions and enjoying the adventure of personal discovery. But where the kindness of soul of Kahlil Gibran is revealed is in his letters to Mary Haskell, a great love of his life.Aiming to uncover the man who stands behind The Prophet, Paulo Coelho, the author of The Alchemist, has compiled a part of this intimate correspondence. In it, Gibran reveals an internal world of pain and laughter which served as the force for the inspiration of his beautiful work.

The Manual of the Warrior of the Light in 1997
The Manual of the Warrior of Light, presents a collection of philosophical thoughts and stories that will delight seekers everywhere. A warrior of the light does not spend his days trying to play the role that others have chosen for him. A warrior of the light does not waste his time listening to provocations; he has a destiny to fulfil. A warrior of the light knows his own faults, but he also knows his own qualities. A warrior of the light always does his best and expects the best of others. A warrior knows that the farthest-flung star in the Universe reveals itself in the things around him. The Manual of the Warrior of the Light is an invitation to each of us to live our dream, to embrace the uncertainty of life, and to rise to meet our own unique destiny. In his inimitable style, Paulo Coelho helps us to discover the warrior of the light within each of us. With inspiring short passages, we are invited to embark upon the way of the warrior: the one who appreciates the miracle of being alive, the one who accepts failure and the one whose quest leads him to become the person he wants to be.

Veonika Decides to Die in 1998
Veronika seems to have everything she could wish for. She goes to popular night spots, she meets and dates attractive young men and yet she's not happy. Something is lacking in her life. That's why, in the morning of 11th November 1997, Veronika Decides to Die. After taking an overdose, Veronika is told she has only a few days to live.This story follows Veronika through these intense days as to her surprise, she finds herself drawn into the enclosed world of the local hospital she is staying in. In this heightened state she discovers things she has never really allowed herself to feel before: hatred, fear, curiosity, love - even sexual awakening. Her experiences lead her gradually to realise that every second of her existence is a choice between living and dying. Paulo Coelho's new book is about those who do not fit into patterns considered normal by society. It is about madness and the need to find an alternative way of living for people who frequently have to face other people's prejudices because they think in a different way.

The Devil and Miss Prym in 2000
A community devoured by greed, cowardice and fear. A man persecuted by the ghosts of his painful past. A young woman searching for happiness. In one eventful week, each of them will face questions of life, death and power, and each of them will have to choose their own path. Will they choose good or evil? The remote village of Viscos is the setting for this extraordinary struggle. A stranger arrives, carrying with him a backpack containing a notebook and eleven gold bars. He comes searching for the answer to a question that torments him: are human beings, in essence, good or evil? In welcoming the mysterious foreigner, the whole village becomes an accomplice to his sophisticated plot, which will forever mark their lives. In this stunning new novel, Paulo Coelho dramatizes the struggle within every soul between light and darkness, and its relevance to our everyday struggles: to dare to follow our dreams, to have the courage to be different and to master the fear that prevents us from truly living. The Devil and Miss Prym is a story charged with emotion, in which the integrity of being human meets a terrifying test.

Eleven Minutes in 2003
"Once upon a time, there was a prostitute called Maria…" Like a fairy-tale for adults, this is the beginning of the novel that shook the world. “Eleven Minutes does not intend to be a manual or a treatise on men and women faced by the still unknown world of sexual relationships. It is an analysis of my own journey, without wanting, at any time, to judge what I experienced.I wrote this book in order to discover whether I had had the courage to learn everything life had taught me in this respect.” - Paulo Coelho

The Zahir in 2005
It begins with a glimpse or a passing thought. It ends in obsession .One day a renowned author discovers that his wife, a war correspondent, has disappeared, leaving no trace. Though time brings more success and new love, he remains mystified – and increasingly fascinated – by her absence. Was she kidnapped, blackmailed, or simply bored with their marriage? The unrest she causes is as strong as the attraction she exerts.His search for her – and for the truth of his own life – takes him from France to Spain, Croatia and, eventually, the bleakly beautiful landscape of Central Asia. More than that, it takes him from the safety of his world to a totally unknown path, searching for a new understanding of the nature of love and the power of destiny. With The Zahir, Paulo Coelho demonstrates not just his powerful and captivating storytelling, but also his extraordinary insight into what it is to be a human being in a world full of possibility.

Like the Flowing River in 2006
Rather like a cross-section of Paulo Coelho’s literary work, Like the Flowing River is a compilation of tales, opinions and ideas drawn from articles published in various newspapers between 1998 and 2005.“The pages in this book describe moments I have lived, stories I was told, and thoughts I’ve had at every stage of the river of my life” - Paulo Coelho

The Witch of Portobello in 2006
Who is this mysterious woman called Athena? The orphan abandoned by her gypsy mother in Transylvania. The child taken to Beirut by her adoptive parents. The clerk working in a large bank in London. The successful real estate agent in Dubai. The priestess of Portobello Road.
“I wanted to explore the feminine side of divinity, I wanted to plunge into the heart of the Great Mother. I felt the need to question why society had tried to lock away the feminine side of God. But why explore the feminine side of God? People sometimes ask me if I believe in witches, to which I always answer: I do. Unfortunately the word “witch” still has many bad connotations. To me, a witch is a woman who is capable of letting her intuition guide her actions, one who communes with her environment, who isn’t afraid of facing challenges. I wanted to talk about the prejudice that modern witches face in modern society” - Paulo Coelho

The Magician, Fernando Morais in 2008
The incredible story of Paulo Coelho, the boy who was born dead, flirted with suicide, suffered at mental asylums, dove into drugs, tried several varieties of sex, met the devil, was arrested during the dictatorship, helped revolutionize Brazilian rock, rediscovered his faith and became one of the most-widely read writers in the world. Paulo Coelho de Souza was born in the rainy wee hours of August 24th in..."Fernando Morais, the author that helped establish the biography as a literary gender in Brazil centers his investigative verve on the Brazilian personage that has become the great myth of Brazil's recent history: Paulo Coelho -a universal writer that reached the astronomical mark of 100 million sold books and the achievement of being the most translated living author in the whole planet. The Magician is the eletrifying path of the popstar that is requested by princes, sheikhs, queens and presidents. A story that not even the most creative screenwriters would be able to dream of.

The Winner Stands Alone in 2008
He never breaks a promise.Igor Malev has one thing on his mind - his ex-wife Ewa. He's handsome, rich, and effortlessly personable - but she left him for a successful fashion designer, a sting he's never recovered from.So he travels to the glamorous Cannes International Film Festival where they'll be appearing, intent on winning back her love. But Igor is a man of rare intensity and cold intelligence - and this is to be no ordinary reconciliation. For Igor made a promise to destroy whole worlds to get to his beloved. Now, the conflict between an individual evil force and society emerges as the novel unfolds, and as morality is derailed.And he always keeps his word.A profound meditation on personal power and innocent dreams that are manipulated or undone by success, The Winner Stands Alone is set in the exciting worlds of fashion and cinema.Meet the players and posers behind the scenes at Cannes - the "Superclass" of producers, actors, designers and supermodels, as well as the aspiring starlets, has-been stars, and jaded hangers-on. Adroitly interweaving the characters' connected stories, Paulo Coelho uses his twelfth novel to paint an engrossing picture of a world overrun by glamour and excess, and shows us the possibly dire consequences of our obsession with fame.