Manuscript Found in Accra

I had this book on my Kindle for a while. I think I started reading it a few years ago, read a page or two, and then I got bored and put it down. It's not a novel, and if you are expecting a novel, you will be disappointed.When I started reading it again a couple of weeks ago, I had recently finished reading Kahlil Gibran's The Prophet, and this time Manuscript Found in Accra made much more sense. I've read several books by Paolo Coelho, some of them I love, some of them I don't like at all, and I do think fame goes to some people's heads and ruins their perspective. But I believe this book does not come from Paolo Coelho's ego, but from insights inspired by meditations and from a connection to the Universe.I read it at a time when I was going through a hard time at work, and the book put my problems in perspective. In my opinion, this is Paolo Coelho's best book.

MANUSCRIPT FOUND IN ACCRABY PAULO COELHOFirst Vintage International Edition, December 2013I was introduced to the book “ALCHEMIST” by Paulo Coelho by a good friend of mine and I got hooked to the author and his books. I have become a great admirer of him and got hold of all his books to read and digest. Last month, I got his latest three books from Amazon, namely: “Manuscript Found in Accra”, The ALEPH, and Adultery. I just finished reading “Manuscript Found in Accra”Paulo Coelho, Nobel Laureate of Literature, lives in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. His books have been translated into 74 languages and sold in 170 countries: more than 140 million copies sold. There is nothing more one can say of him with such a track record.He led a chequered life, was on drugs and lived like a “hippie. He did all sorts of things: had a hand in journalism, song writing and acting before settling down to a career of serious writing.He is what I would call a “spiritual philosopher” or a motivational guru” with a positive attitude to life. Philosophy and spirituality merge and the end result his work is one of beauty with an underlying message to boost morale and achievement. His works often encourages “chasing one’s dream” never to waiver but to prod on until one attains his dream.The fable of the “Manuscript found in Accra” is set in Jerusalem sometime in July 1099. The Crusaders are at the gates of Jerusalem and the city is expected to fall soon. The community made up of Christians, Jews and Moslems who have lived peacefully now face the destruction of their social fabric.In the midst of a forlorn backdrop of uncertainty and gloom, the people gather to listen to the wisdom of a Greek Copt who appears from nowhere to answer questions the people have on a variety of subjects. The questions reflect both a sense of anxiety and foreboding, like those on defeat, solitude, fear and anxiety to an elated spirit of hope and cheer like those on beauty, love, sex, elegance and luck. The Copt’s answers on various topics are couched in poetic prose and delivered in such manner that they become inspirational and life-changing: some examples of which are as follows:On Solitude: “In solitude, they will learn that saying no does not always show a lack of generosity, and saying yes is not always a virtue.”On Change: “We are afraid to change because we think that, after so much effort and sacrifice, we know our present world.”On Beauty: “Instead of accepting ourselves as we are, we try to imitate what we see around us. We deny our own beauty because others can’t or won’t recognize it.”On Sex: “If two bodies merely join together, that is not sex, it is merely pleasure. Sex goes far beyond pleasure.”On Fate: “There is no point in saying: ‘Fate was unfair to me.’ While others are following their dreams, here I am just doing my job and earning my living.”On Anxiety: “Therefore, although anxiety is part of life, never let it control you. If it comes too close, say ‘I’m not worried about tomorrow, because God is there already, waiting for me.”On Loyalty: “Loyalty is a pearl among grains of sand, and only those who really understand its meaning can see it.”Enemy: “The enemy is not the person standing before you, sword in hand. It is the person standing next to you with a dagger concealed behind his back.”Death: “The truly wise do not grieve over the living or the dead. Therefore, accept the battle that awaits you tomorrow because we are made of Eternal Spirit, which often places us in such situations that we need to confront.”The book is made up entirely of quotable quotes and they also reflect the author’s exposure to the teachings of many religions. For example, the one on death above reminds one of the dialogues between Krishna and Arjun at the battle field of Kurukshetra in the Bhagavad Gita.“Manuscript Found in Accra” is a book that encourages and earnestly exhorts to positive action at a time of grief or disappointment. It is worth a read.

Like The Prophet, Thus Spoke Zarasustra, and other books based more on ideas than on story, this book is bound to be a classic read for years by people in search of a deeper understanding and purpose in life and meaning. I was very impressed with this book and enjoyed it a lot. Paulo Coehlo has been one of my favorite authors for awhile, but, some of his books are hit and miss. This book is a hit right out of the park. You will not finish this book looking at the world the same way when you started it. My favorite line is, "Live Every Day like It's Your First."I have often rejected the school of thought to live each day like it's your last. I knew too many drug addicts, too many alcoholics, who did exactly that. Live Every Day Like It's Your First says to me that you should look at every day with the glory and beauty and amazement that exist out in the world. Imagine waking up to the person that you love and looking at them like you did the very first time you realized you were in love with this person. Imagine it's the first time your eyes locked. Imagine it's the first time after your first kiss. If you looked at that person like that every day, how much better a relationship would you have.This book is amazing. It's got a lot of great information and a lot of great thoughts. Take a moment and enjoy them.

This book is a philosophical fiction which doesn't narrate a particular story. It's more like a collection of fables and readers can learn something valuable from each chapter.The author talks about many complexities and emotions of human existence like defeat, solitude, identity, the meaning of beauty, love and fate, relationships, courage, family, work, miracles, loyalty, enemies and ultimately hope.

No matter where I am in life, this book speaks to me. It has lit a light for my feet along difficult aspects of my journey. Reminded me of what I already know when Ive felt lost. And is insightfully accomplished in the spirit of acceptance and giving. The subjects addressed are all part of the human experience at some point in life. It offers correction without condemnation. Inspiration to those who inspire and already possess great wisdom. Anyone could be edified from reading it.The short chapters lend themselves to quick, thought provoking insights to absorb amidst a busy life. And in truth, it is often those most busy with responsibilities who possess the least free time for reflection...who need it the most.As for those wishing there was more here in the form of a story... I would posit this; Consider the author may have wrote it this way intentionally to place more emphasis on the message. Nothing wrong with a story...just not sure it was the main purpose of this work. In fact, knowing what a great storyteller he is, I consider the perceived 'lack of story' as intended to emphasize part of the message the author wished to convey. It depends on what one is looking for when reaching for a book. It works for me.Coelho translates hidden spiritual mysteries into plain writing. It's his gift to the world. And I'm grateful for it.

Very easy to read because the words just flow off the page. The community will be at war tomorrow so what life lessons can they learn today. There is advice for people from all walks of life. You will recognise yourself, your neighbour, your boss, and with an application of the advice given in this simple book, you can only benefit from its wisdom. Meaningful and profound.

Great author, excellent books, though this wasn’t my favourite. ‘The Alchemist’ is still one of his best, and ‘Veronkia decides to Die’ also.

I enjoy Paulo Cohelo’s books this’s one is interesting as in my view it’s philosophical and psychological- not what i expected but I enjoyed it

I do like Coelho's work. Most of the times I really cherish his pages, not this time, though. It's most probably me, of course, but I felt it slow, too "biblical" in its style and stories, too far from my place in life.As a result I got bored and didn't get to the end. Sorry for that, I'll might give it another chance in the future, but there is so much more to read!cheers!

Much of the same in other books. Different setting same advice. Nothing new.It is good to read it but not a must.