The Death of Ivan Ilyich Review

The Death of Ivan Ilyich Leo Tolstoy 

Sad and daunting at times, but relieving and sincere as well. A case study in life. 

Siddhartha Review

Siddhartha Herman Hesse 

Appears simple and is told quite simply and quickly, however, the story becomes very profound, hopeful, sad and insightful.
As a self-help journey book, it is superior to the Alchemist in every way. The story is paced better, the wisdom is not given out like candy but rather develop with their characters, through failures, and insights and the characters and ethos of the book remain memorable.

A Clash of Kings (Book)

A Clash of Kings George R.R. Martin

I really got into this one. The first half is a bit slow but that is expected as the last book ended on a climax but the second half was really exciting. This story keeps getting darker. Really liked the Theon chapters and grew to like Aryas, Brans and Catelyns chapters more than the last book.  I felt like there were too many Tyrion Chapters. Favourite Chapters are Dany at the House of the Undying, Tyrion and Kings landing Riot, Theon's last few. 

The Alchemist Review/Summary

The Alchemist Paulo Coelho

A simple story packed with specks of self-help advice. At times the story is captivating, the first ten pages are very promising from a story perspective and lure you in with the imagery and symbolism but this gimmick grows tiresome and at times story (which relies heavily on fables) is not as stimulating or novel. The book is largely allegorical and tries to sell wisdom, not a captivating story. Some of the wisdom sticks and the main message is "follow your dreams" but this is interpolated in different ways through different fables. Much of the advice is beneficial to people feeling unsure or stuck in life.

According to Coelho and my personal interpolations, everyone has their own Personal legend 

- Like Sartre said, people get caught in "bad faith" and forget what they are, assuming a role, baker, waiter etc forgetting their own personal legend.

- The personal Legend seems to be a healthy ego (healthy cherished Inner Child, Parent, Magician and Warrior or whatever) who understands what the individual needs. We must follow this path and allow others in our lives that can help us undergo this Personal Legend.

- Try to avoid envisioning your Legend (don't live in dreamland) instead enter the flow and do what you think is right. Avoid thinking too much.