Helpful Score: 6
I really enjoy Paulo Coelho. Before this book, I had read The Alchemist. Since I loved The Alchemist, I had high expectations for Veronika Decides to Die. It definitely met and surpassed my expectations. It was an easy read but had so many interesting perspectives about life and what is "normal." I enjoyed it.
Helpful Score: 5
A modern day Catcher in the Rye with a female perspective. I wish this would have been required reading in high school!
Helpful Score: 3
I really liked this book. This was the first book by Paulo Coelho I read and it won't be the last! In alot of ways I could relate to Veronika and I was pleased the way the story ended.
Helpful Score: 2
This short book has the flavor of a morality tale that explores the definition of insanity in modern society. The suicide attempt of a young woman and the subsequent influence of her story and her presence in a psychiatric hospital directed by a doctor with enigmatic methods of treatment slowly unfold to reveal surprising layers of meaning. While the ultimate message can be construed as hopeful, there is a great deal to provoke thought, which is what I always enjoy about Paul Coelho's stories.
Helpful Score: 2
The overall message of the book is a good one - girl tries to commit suicide and gets a second chance at life. The premise is that we are all living the lives that we choose, and we can always choose to live differently - However, I found the writing style to be drawn out in some parts of the book, especially when the Doctor was trying to convey a message. Parts of the book were "dry." I don't know how else to describe it.
Helpful Score: 2
Good read. Interesting discussions about life and what it means to live. The discussions by the doctor about the meaning of 'crazy' was very interesting and thought-provoking. (Hint: it's all about perception!) A good, quick read.
Helpful Score: 2
I read this entire book in a day. I couldnt put it down. Great read!
Helpful Score: 1
GOOD INSIGHT INTO MENTAL ILLNESS AND HOW THE WILL TO SURVIVE CAN CHANGE AN LIFE
Helpful Score: 1
This book touches the problem of the grey reality. Who of us do not sometimes feel like you could die without any important reason like Veronica? After reading this book, a person reflects on his or her life, trying to fix it and add color. Read it with bated breath -not for a great story, but the truth, leaning out from between the pages of a book. Veronica after attempting suicide goes to a psychiatric hospital where people who live there show her that it is worth to live ... that you can control your life- if only that you want . Veronica decides that again she would like to taste the world and at the asylum finds her true love... Beautiful book, which may be about any of us ...
Helpful Score: 1
If you like Paul Coelho's writing, you'll like this. It's kind of artsy and it details a girl's journey while she finds herself.
An interesting premise to write a book with an finally uplifting message. Some might like more plot to go with the message though.
I thought it was a little slow to start off but it had a strong finish. It makes you think about life and reality.
This was an interesting book as it made the reader look at what was really insanity. I agree with Mari when she stated that the outside world was the same as inside: the people built up walls for themselves and formed groups to explain their existance. Some of the patients found the inside world to be freeing, as Veronika did, because they were able to act as they truely wanted since they were "insane." It was an interesting and enjoyable read.
Well written, good story.
An interesting take on madness and one's own meaning of life. A quick, thought-provoking read.
It was very good and an easy read.
wierd. Not interesting
