Howdy!
I really hope you’ve had an amazing past week and new week so far.
On the consistency chronicles on this blog, *dancing*, I’ve decided to jumpstart with my book reviews, just so that I can share the remarkable reads that shouldn’t pass you by this lock down spell! As the famous adage goes; ‘If you want to hide something from an African, put it in writing.’ We’re here however, to invalidate those who say that okay? Don’t let that be what classifies us as Africans. There’s so much insight that is shared in ink on paper, that is never esteemed.
Anywhoww, to cut to the pursuit, I’ll be reviewing Coelho’s The Pilgrimage.

‘Have pity on those who are fearful of taking up a pen, or a paintbrush, or any other tool because they are afraid that someone has already done so better than they could, and who feel themselves to be unworthy to enter the marvelous mansion of art. Have more pity on those that have actually taken up these instruments and have turned the inspiration into paltry.’

****
For those who know Coelho, I’m sure you can identify with how captivating his books always get. There’s not one book of his I’ve read and persisted the same. None. His inscriptions have ways of capturing your mind to make it think beyond the four corners of the world you’re so used to.
Now for those who don’t know him, here’s a quick intro. Coelho is a Brazilian writer that has sold over 140 million books worldwide. Most of his books are autobiographical, re-counting his life experiences and lessons based on his Catholic religion that have however been seen as divisive because of the bend towards mystical things. I’d suggest you read The Alchemist to get a broader perspective into his life and world of writing.
Back to the Pilgrimage.
This book is alienated into eleven parts, each of which is a story of the lessons he acquires on his journey to Santiago. He takes this pilgrimage in search for purpose, his faith, humility and belief. It’s based on his life, and his journey to find purpose that started in 1986, when he decided to take that tread.
At one point in the journey, Coelho says:

‘I began to feel great pain, because now I knew I was only one step from success. This is the moment when one’s strength begins to flag and one loses confidence in oneself. On a few occasions in my life, I had lost at the last minute-swum across an ocean and drowned in the surf of regret. But I was on the road to Santiago and that old experience mustn’t be allowed to repeat itself- I had to win.’

The profundity of this quote goes a long way in portraying the scuffles that Paulo faced along this pilgrimage. He nonetheless, blends it savvily with hands-on ways to counter the doubts that keep roaring in your head telling you that you can’t do it or you’re not enough or worthy of good tidings. The detail with which he describes each chapter and lesson, got me turning each page and absorbing each syllable while reflecting on my life picks and verdicts and re-strategizing for the future.

His story commences with him arriving at the highest and last point of the RAM Traditions and his master is meant to give him a sword, which he eagerly accepts without hesitation. He is bewildered when the sword is taken away from him after so many years of investing in the tradition. His master tells him that he still needs to work on himself before he can receive the gift from the tradition. He is then told to set out on a path of soul searching before he can be given the gift again.

‘The road of the tradition isn’t for the chosen few, but for everyone, and the power that you think you have is worthless because it’s a power shared by all. You should’ve refused the sword, because if you had done so, you would’ve shown that your heart is pure… but you stumbled, and because of your avidity, you will have to seek your sword again.’

You can imagine the expression of Coelho’s face when he had been deprived of the sole object, he had been anticipating all those years of practicing the RAM Tradition. He had to start all over.
This got me reflecting on the number of times we think we have run the race and fought the good fight and deserve a win, only to see it being whisked away and given to someone else. The hopelessness that we are left with at that point, should be the momentum we need to catapult us towards the next goal, to do better and be better. To win.
The pursuit to faith and excellence will require us to fight several battles both within ourselves and those that have been positioned around us. Nevertheless, this needs utter focus, time, commitment and intentionality. His guide, Petrus, keeps reminding Paulo that:

‘When you are moving toward an objective, its very important to pay attention to the road. It’s the road that teaches us the best way to get there, and the road enriches us as we walk its length. That’s the same thing when you make an objective in life, it will turn out to be better or worse depending on the route you choose to reach it and the way you negotiate the route.’

The knowledge in this book kept me flipping each sheet and delving further into Paulo’s world of self-discovery, battles and recreation. The astounding thing is that he turns out as a Master and guide at the end of his pilgrimage, he appreciates life more and his careers and take more notice of creation and the surroundings.

For all those who have been struggling with authenticating their dreams and finding purpose in what they are doing, walking this pilgrimage with Coelho will help you realize the misplaced link of gratification in your regular routine.
I must warn you however that much as Coelho professes to be a Catholic and to have grown up under the Catholic traditions, his affiliation to the mystical and superficial beliefs is depicted in his writings in this book in particular. Being a Christian like myself, I had to take extra precaution to guard my heart and my beliefs. If you aren’t sturdily grounded in your faith, I wouldn’t recommend this book.
The beauty in living in a global village is the diversity it comes with. We all have something to add or remove from each other but what you choose ultimately is what will resonate.
Yes, that’s pretty much it with the spoilers I can give on the book. Its one of those books that you can fully have a conversation about with someone who has read and experienced the motions along the pilgrimage. I look forward to your two cents about the book once you get around to reading it and those who have, what stood out for you and what take homes did you get?
One last quote from the Pilgrimage that I’d want to share as you go through this week and this quarantine season, just to let you know that your mind and attitude goes a long way in supporting your survival.

‘Time isn’t something that always proceeds at the same pace. It is we who determine how quickly time passes.’

Until next time,
Stay safe.

Comments(114)

  1. …we need to pay attention to the road that we take…great read Danny👏

    1. Yes we do. Thank you for the feedback Hannah.

  2. …we need to pay attention to the road that we take…great read Danny👏

    1. Yes we do. Thank you for the feedback Hannah.

  3. Beautiful Review ❤️. I love all things Coelho. There’s a depth to it that can’t be explained, unless a person reads his work. And you’re right, unless a person is rooted in their knowledge of Christ, it’s hard to read these.
    Also, Beautiful Smile.😊

    1. Yess there is isn’t there?
      Wow. He keeps blowing me away Everytime. Surely. You need to be grounded before you take on this journey with him.
      Thank you so much Mable. Your words and compliment humble me. ❤️

      1. Have you read Adultery? It was the first book of his I read and I was blown away….

        1. Nooo not yet. 😅 I’m going to add it to the cue
          😊💃🏾
          Thanks for the reccomendation.

  4. Beautiful Review ❤️. I love all things Coelho. There’s a depth to it that can’t be explained, unless a person reads his work. And you’re right, unless a person is rooted in their knowledge of Christ, it’s hard to read these.
    Also, Beautiful Smile.😊

    1. Yess there is isn’t there?
      Wow. He keeps blowing me away Everytime. Surely. You need to be grounded before you take on this journey with him.
      Thank you so much Mable. Your words and compliment humble me. ❤️

      1. Have you read Adultery? It was the first book of his I read and I was blown away….

        1. Nooo not yet. 😅 I’m going to add it to the cue
          😊💃🏾
          Thanks for the reccomendation.

  5. Such a beautiful smile ✨🤗

    1. Aww thank you Karen. 🙈

      1. Your welcome Khanani ✨. Keep radiating 😊

        1. Bless your heart. ♥️

  6. Such a beautiful smile ✨🤗

    1. Aww thank you Karen. 🙈

      1. Your welcome Khanani ✨. Keep radiating 😊

        1. Bless your heart. ♥️

  7. I have this book but I’ve never read it 🙈
    But after this I’m definitely going to delve into it.
    I really loved the Alchemist and the winner stands a lone.

    1. Hahah yess please do. 👏🏾 let me know what you think about it after.
      I know. 🙌🏽 The Achemist and winner stands alone are deep too.
      Im thinking about reviewing winner stands alone too 😂.
      Thank you for passing by Fifi. ❤️

  8. I have this book but I’ve never read it 🙈
    But after this I’m definitely going to delve into it.
    I really loved the Alchemist and the winner stands a lone.

    1. Hahah yess please do. 👏🏾 let me know what you think about it after.
      I know. 🙌🏽 The Achemist and winner stands alone are deep too.
      Im thinking about reviewing winner stands alone too 😂.
      Thank you for passing by Fifi. ❤️

  9. Beautiful Review ❤️. I love all things Coelho. There’s a depth to it that can’t be explained, unless a person reads his work. And you’re right, unless a person is rooted in their knowledge of Christ, it’s hard to read these.
    Also, Beautiful Smile.😊

  10. Beautiful Review ❤️. I love all things Coelho. There’s a depth to it that can’t be explained, unless a person reads his work. And you’re right, unless a person is rooted in their knowledge of Christ, it’s hard to read these.
    Also, Beautiful Smile.😊

  11. Book reviews!
    Am excited already..
    Oh and keep smiling, Danny. It looks beautiful on you

    1. Awww thank you Sparkle 😊
      And yes yes.. please be excited. 💃🏾

  12. Book reviews!
    Am excited already..
    Oh and keep smiling, Danny. It looks beautiful on you

    1. Awww thank you Sparkle 😊
      And yes yes.. please be excited. 💃🏾

  13. I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t read any Paulo Coelho books🙈but after this, the next chance I have to land on any, I’m taking it. That last quote about time yooooo…meanwhile great read, well done Danny the consistency plug is working. Keep it up

    1. Hahah Dee, I’m going to send you a link where you can get them. He’s an amazing writer. Yes yes, we alone have control over how fast time goes ..
      Thank you thank you. Haha you gave me the mojo honestly.

      1. Can’t wait to check them out…awwww keep the mojo burning sis, we are here for it🥳 you’re welcome 😊

        1. ♥️😊

    2. Me too but will moss df check him out, well done Danni!

      1. Mulungeeee 😩😩😩 you passed by. Thank you ♥️ yes please 😊👏🏾 let me know what you think when you get round to reading his books. ❤️

  14. I’m embarrassed to say I haven’t read any Paulo Coelho books🙈but after this, the next chance I have to land on any, I’m taking it. That last quote about time yooooo…meanwhile great read, well done Danny the consistency plug is working. Keep it up

    1. Hahah Dee, I’m going to send you a link where you can get them. He’s an amazing writer. Yes yes, we alone have control over how fast time goes ..
      Thank you thank you. Haha you gave me the mojo honestly.

      1. Can’t wait to check them out…awwww keep the mojo burning sis, we are here for it🥳 you’re welcome 😊

        1. ♥️😊

    2. Me too but will moss df check him out, well done Danni!

      1. Mulungeeee 😩😩😩 you passed by. Thank you ♥️ yes please 😊👏🏾 let me know what you think when you get round to reading his books. ❤️

    • shameer

    • 5 years ago

    I am from india. I like your reviews. It is encouraging me to read more. Continue

    1. Ohh thanks alot Shameer. I definately will. And please do get plugged into reading. 😊 It’s an amazing world between those pages ♥️

    • shameer

    • 5 years ago

    I am from india. I like your reviews. It is encouraging me to read more. Continue

    1. Ohh thanks alot Shameer. I definately will. And please do get plugged into reading. 😊 It’s an amazing world between those pages ♥️

  15. Will have to read this. Thanks for sharing!

    1. Yessss. Let me know if you like it. 😊 Thanks Phina. ❤️

  16. Will have to read this. Thanks for sharing!

    1. Yessss. Let me know if you like it. 😊 Thanks Phina. ❤️

  17. I have read it during my college days, so refreshing to read the quotes again. Beautifully reviewed also lady 🙂

    1. Ahhh amazing. Yes yes. I feel like we all need to read this book every year to just keep our spirits in check.. thank you so much Sona. 😊

  18. I have read it during my college days, so refreshing to read the quotes again. Beautifully reviewed also lady 🙂

    1. Ahhh amazing. Yes yes. I feel like we all need to read this book every year to just keep our spirits in check.. thank you so much Sona. 😊

  19. This is an amazing review and I’m now wondering why I have never heard of him. I’m going to look for his work and devour 😊

    1. Thank you Kris 😊❤️❤️ yes yes sure. I’m going to share a link with you where you can get all his amazing reads. 😊

      1. Yeeii thank you girl

  20. This is an amazing review and I’m now wondering why I have never heard of him. I’m going to look for his work and devour 😊

    1. Thank you Kris 😊❤️❤️ yes yes sure. I’m going to share a link with you where you can get all his amazing reads. 😊

      1. Yeeii thank you girl

  21. Sounds a life adventure. Definitely tracing it!!💃 Amazing overview. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing

  22. Sounds a life adventure. Definitely tracing it!!💃 Amazing overview. Can’t wait to read it. Thanks for sharing

  23. I’m sooooo soooo Proud of you hunnie 🤗🤗, really am … this is really Beautiful !

    1. Awww thanks Essie ♥️🤧. Thank you for reading too. 😊

  24. I’m sooooo soooo Proud of you hunnie 🤗🤗, really am … this is really Beautiful !

    1. Awww thanks Essie ♥️🤧. Thank you for reading too. 😊

  25. Sounds a life adventure.. definitely tracing it. Amazing review, thanks for sharing 💃.

    1. Yess it is.. Pursuit of purpose. 😊
      Thank you for reading Olivia. ♥️

  26. Sounds a life adventure.. definitely tracing it. Amazing review, thanks for sharing 💃.

    1. Yess it is.. Pursuit of purpose. 😊
      Thank you for reading Olivia. ♥️

    • Leo

    • 5 years ago

    Hi,
    I came across your book review on Paulo Coelho’s Facebook page and being South African, I was very pleased to access your blog post. I’m actually currently reading The Pilgrimage and after having the book gather dust for about 2,5 years (I’m slow distracted reader). I really love his journey and the spiritual exercises he performs in order to realise his dreams. These quotes from the book have really inspired me: “Wherever your treasure is, there also would your heart be.” …..and,
    “We must never stop dreaming. Dreams provide nourishment for the soul, just as a meal does for the body. Many times in our lives we see our dreams shattered and our desires frustrated, but we have to continue dreaming. If we don’t, our soul dies, and agape cannot reach it”.
    God bless!

    1. Oh my Leo! I’m so amazed that you came across this blog. Truly in awe. I’m glad you finally got round to it. 🙌🏽 Yes the dreams are what keep us going.
      Petrus’ analysis of agape and Eros love still keeps ringing in my mind.
      Yesss, I love the speed and seed exercise the most. Hahah whenever I have the guts I’ll get round to doing them.
      Thank you so much for the feedback.
      I’ll be glad to share more with you on other Coelho reads. I plan on doing a review of the Winner Stands Alone and Brida.
      Stay tuned. 😊

    • Leo

    • 5 years ago

    Hi,
    I came across your book review on Paulo Coelho’s Facebook page and being South African, I was very pleased to access your blog post. I’m actually currently reading The Pilgrimage and after having the book gather dust for about 2,5 years (I’m slow distracted reader). I really love his journey and the spiritual exercises he performs in order to realise his dreams. These quotes from the book have really inspired me: “Wherever your treasure is, there also would your heart be.” …..and,
    “We must never stop dreaming. Dreams provide nourishment for the soul, just as a meal does for the body. Many times in our lives we see our dreams shattered and our desires frustrated, but we have to continue dreaming. If we don’t, our soul dies, and agape cannot reach it”.
    God bless!

    1. Oh my Leo! I’m so amazed that you came across this blog. Truly in awe. I’m glad you finally got round to it. 🙌🏽 Yes the dreams are what keep us going.
      Petrus’ analysis of agape and Eros love still keeps ringing in my mind.
      Yesss, I love the speed and seed exercise the most. Hahah whenever I have the guts I’ll get round to doing them.
      Thank you so much for the feedback.
      I’ll be glad to share more with you on other Coelho reads. I plan on doing a review of the Winner Stands Alone and Brida.
      Stay tuned. 😊

    • Catherine mirembe

    • 5 years ago

    Atimes its the path we choose to take in life that determines the side of the dice we fall.
    The review has given me an insight of what the pilgrimage encompasses although I haven’t read the book yet but I’m looking forward to!
    This is amazing read khanani
    I’m thankful

    1. Cathyy💃🏾💃🏾
      Yes yes the path we choose most definitely. 😊
      Please please. You can get it on z library website. It has all his books on there.
      Let me know what you think when you get round to reading it. 😊

    • Catherine mirembe

    • 5 years ago

    Atimes its the path we choose to take in life that determines the side of the dice we fall.
    The review has given me an insight of what the pilgrimage encompasses although I haven’t read the book yet but I’m looking forward to!
    This is amazing read khanani
    I’m thankful

    1. Cathyy💃🏾💃🏾
      Yes yes the path we choose most definitely. 😊
      Please please. You can get it on z library website. It has all his books on there.
      Let me know what you think when you get round to reading it. 😊

    • Sophieorenge

    • 5 years ago

    Hey girl! Good review there.
    Truly, Dreams are the nourishment to our soul..
    And the last quote about time, hits different during this lockdown😂. Thanks for sharing .
    Please share the link to his books if you have.

    1. Thank you Sophie girl💃🏾 for reading and passing by. ❤️
      Yes yes dreams are!! Haha time is only as fast as we let it.
      Time in the exam room won’t be the same as time reading a textbook 😅
      It’s all in the mind.
      Sure thing
      You can get them on here👇🏾
      https://b-ok.cc/s/Paulo%20Coelho

    • Sophieorenge

    • 5 years ago

    Hey girl! Good review there.
    Truly, Dreams are the nourishment to our soul..
    And the last quote about time, hits different during this lockdown😂. Thanks for sharing .
    Please share the link to his books if you have.

    1. Thank you Sophie girl💃🏾 for reading and passing by. ❤️
      Yes yes dreams are!! Haha time is only as fast as we let it.
      Time in the exam room won’t be the same as time reading a textbook 😅
      It’s all in the mind.
      Sure thing
      You can get them on here👇🏾
      https://b-ok.cc/s/Paulo%20Coelho

    • Mpologoma Gava Kasule

    • 5 years ago

    Setting goals for the future gives us directions in the present.

    1. Yes it does Gava. Thank you for passing by 😊♥️

    • Mpologoma Gava Kasule

    • 5 years ago

    Setting goals for the future gives us directions in the present.

    1. Yes it does Gava. Thank you for passing by 😊♥️

    • Catherine mirembe

    • 5 years ago

    Keep going gal I’m in love with the book already…
    Proud of you Daniella…this was an amazing review.

    1. Thank you for making time to give me feedback and read Cathy. 😊
      I will. Stay tuned..
      I’ll be reviewing more of his amazing books. 😊

    • Catherine mirembe

    • 5 years ago

    Keep going gal I’m in love with the book already…
    Proud of you Daniella…this was an amazing review.

    1. Thank you for making time to give me feedback and read Cathy. 😊
      I will. Stay tuned..
      I’ll be reviewing more of his amazing books. 😊

  27. First off curdles to you for being really deep with this review. I am a Paulo Coelho fan and I love everything he writes. I have read this book but it never really stayed with me as much as all his other writings like The Alchemist, Eleven minutes,the winner stands alone and the warrior of the light. However after reading this revieew, I am convinced to go back to the book and appreciate from a new angle. Thank you for that 😊

    1. Thank you Kween😊 haha it was my first review and I was Abit anxious about how it would turn out. 😅
      I’m glad you like it.
      Ahhhh please go back 🙌🏽💃🏾 let me know after re reading. 😊
      Yes yes. I’m yet to read 11 minutes and the warrior of light. But Paulo is something else.

  28. First off curdles to you for being really deep with this review. I am a Paulo Coelho fan and I love everything he writes. I have read this book but it never really stayed with me as much as all his other writings like The Alchemist, Eleven minutes,the winner stands alone and the warrior of the light. However after reading this revieew, I am convinced to go back to the book and appreciate from a new angle. Thank you for that 😊

    1. Thank you Kween😊 haha it was my first review and I was Abit anxious about how it would turn out. 😅
      I’m glad you like it.
      Ahhhh please go back 🙌🏽💃🏾 let me know after re reading. 😊
      Yes yes. I’m yet to read 11 minutes and the warrior of light. But Paulo is something else.

  29. Thank you very much for your review. I posted on Twitter and Facebook

    1. Thank you more for sharing my review. You’re an amazing author that the world needs to read.
      I’ll be sharing more reviews on your books here for your readers and viewers. 😊
      God bless you.

  30. Thank you very much for your review. I posted on Twitter and Facebook

    1. Thank you more for sharing my review. You’re an amazing author that the world needs to read.
      I’ll be sharing more reviews on your books here for your readers and viewers. 😊
      God bless you.

  31. Excuse me ma’m,
    Can I please get your autograph?
    I am so proud of you authoring this great review!

    1. 😂😂 sissy. We were brainstorming this the night before. Remember?
      I have you to thank for the hype really. 😘
      Thank you sissy. 😊

  32. Excuse me ma’m,
    Can I please get your autograph?
    I am so proud of you authoring this great review!

    1. 😂😂 sissy. We were brainstorming this the night before. Remember?
      I have you to thank for the hype really. 😘
      Thank you sissy. 😊

    • richard agaba

    • 5 years ago

    Amazing review Daniella! You took me on a beautiful journey 😍.. Super proud of you girl!!

    1. Awww thank you Richie. 👏🏾👏🏾 I’m glad it did.
      Thank you for reading. 😊

    • richard agaba

    • 5 years ago

    Amazing review Daniella! You took me on a beautiful journey 😍.. Super proud of you girl!!

    1. Awww thank you Richie. 👏🏾👏🏾 I’m glad it did.
      Thank you for reading. 😊

    • Suzan Mutoni

    • 5 years ago

    Khanani this is Awesome!! Your commentries are super insightful.

    1. Thank you Susan. 😊

    • Suzan Mutoni

    • 5 years ago

    Khanani this is Awesome!! Your commentries are super insightful.

    1. Thank you Susan. 😊

    • josephine nabbosa

    • 5 years ago

    I loved this book.Especially the part where he has to conquer his fears during his encounter with the dog possessed by legion.It encourages us to face our fears head on. And the time he actually See’s the day of his death. Paulo then begins to focus on what really matters in life .This is because sometimes people live life in fear and never try to do or say what really matters to them.
    Thanks dearest Danny for your review it has deep insight.😊😍👌

    1. Josephine! Great to hear from you and your perspective on the book. Yes yes. His bravery is astounding.. that’s the fearlessness we need to live by everyday.
      And you’re welcome.

    • josephine nabbosa

    • 5 years ago

    I loved this book.Especially the part where he has to conquer his fears during his encounter with the dog possessed by legion.It encourages us to face our fears head on. And the time he actually See’s the day of his death. Paulo then begins to focus on what really matters in life .This is because sometimes people live life in fear and never try to do or say what really matters to them.
    Thanks dearest Danny for your review it has deep insight.😊😍👌

    1. Josephine! Great to hear from you and your perspective on the book. Yes yes. His bravery is astounding.. that’s the fearlessness we need to live by everyday.
      And you’re welcome.

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