The book is straight forward and seems to leave nothing out. I was quite shocked to read about the methods used by Coehlo's parents to reshape him in to a better or more improved teen.
Whatever the parents motives, Paulo Coehlo went through some hair raising experiences. In order not to give spoilers I will not tell more. His parents gave authorities permission to use alternative ways to make him more mentally healthy.
Like most young people Paulo Coehlo searched for his identity. I really identified with this period, the Hippie movement. I am sure whole books are written about this period.
As I read, I began to believe Paulo Coehlo is the type of person who gives all of himself in whatever endeavor he finds himself. He does nothing in halves. So, he experimented with drugs, cannibis, marijuanua, cocaine. This is the part of the book where I felt really uncomfortable. How in the world would this man find his middle of the road self or his less dangerous self? Would he always wonder about life? Would he never find what would and could make him happy?
All of his experiences whether you see them as bad or good are what make this unauthorized biography interesting. Although during Coehlo's venture in to politics, I did become bored. I dragged myself through this part of book praying it would end sooner rather than later.
I think it's important to read this book if you like Coehlo's books or have read his books with dislike. This book will help you understand or at least know the person behind the books.
