By The River Piedra I sat Down And Wept

My thoughts after reading,

By The River Piedra I sat Down And Wept by Paulo Coelho

While the title and subject matter may seem a bit heavy. This book was beautifully written without leaving your heart too much in the pit of your stomach, and at the same time not losing its humanity.

The story is written in first person. The two main characters were childhood friends, and find themselves reconnecting after several years. They fall in love, only to find themselves facing a difficult decision. Do you give up your true love, so they can follow their life’s calling?

While book does mention religion, it does not overwhelm the reader, but plays the role of another character in this love story. 

The story also takes place within a week. Although while you are reading, it seems longer. Not in a bad way, but in the way where you know even one day could change your life’s journey.

What first drew me to this book was not the title, or subject matter, it was the author.

When Coelho was a teenager, his father had him committed twice to a mental institution. His parents had him committed because they felt his love of writing, and not wanting to give it up was a sign of mental illness, and were uncertain of how to handle the situation.

This story contains emotions we have all felt, and deals with conversations we have had with ourselves. If you have ever experienced love lost and found. Forgiveness. Finding yourself standing in the way of your dreams. Finally letting go, then this book might interest you.