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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813
EAN num: 9785955000831
ISBN number: 0061124265
Label: Harper Perennial
Manufacturer: Harper Perennial
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 240
Printing Date: June 01, 2006
Publishing house: Harper Perennial
Release Date: May 23, 2006
Sale Popularity Level: 8819
Studio: Harper Perennial
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Amazon.com:
When Paulo Coelho (The Alchemist) was a young man, his parents had him committed to mental hospitals three times because he wanted to be an artist--an unacceptable profession in Brazil at the time. During his numerous forced incarcerations he vowed to write some day about his experiences and the injustices of involuntary commitment. In this fable-like novel, Coelho makes good on his promise, with the creation of a fictional character named Veronika who decides to kill herself when faced with all that is wrong with the world and how powerless she feels to change anything. Although she survives her initial suicide attempt, she is committed to a mental hospital where she begins to wrestle with the meaning of mental illness and whether forced drugging should be inflicted on patients who don't fit into the narrow definition of 'normal.' The strength and tragedy of Veronika's fictional story was instrumental in passing new government regulations in Brazil that have made it more difficult to have a person involuntarily committed. Like any great storyteller, Coelho has used the realm of fiction to magically infiltrate and alter the realm of reality. --Gail Hudson
Product Description:
Twenty-four-year-old Veronika seems to have everything -- youth and beauty, boyfriends and a loving family, a fulfilling job. But something is missing in her life. So, one cold November morning, she takes a handful of sleeping pills expecting never to wake up. But she does -- at a mental hospital where she is told that she has only days to live.
Inspired by events in Coelho's own life, Veronika Decides to Die questions the meaning of madness and celebrates individuals who do not fit into patterns society considers to be normal. Bold and illuminating, it is a dazzling portrait of a young woman at the crossroads of despair and liberation, and a poetic, exuberant appreciation of each day as a renewed opportunity.
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Rated by buyers 
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Veronika is a young woman in her 20's that decides life has nothing left to offer her, and comites suicide, only she was not succesful, but instead she wakes up in a mental hospital. She is told that her heart was damaged though, and she has about a week to live. During this time she meets other people comited to this hospital, who do make a contribution to her life, she learns to live like this is the last day of her life, and discovers she now desires to live, so this is what unfolds here. Amazing story who leads to self discovery and to find new meaning to our lives as well as promting us to pursuing dreams that we think are out of our reach, after all what have we got to lose, is better to try reaching our dreams even if they seem improbable than not trying at all.
Living life like an adventure may get us out of our comfort zone, but what is that compared to living a dull life only so that we feel safe!
This book also talks about going deep inside of us, facing all of our feelings, whether we like them or not, not being afraid to have a good look at ourselves, bringing Light to all that we are, otherwise, whatever we are not willing to face can come back to destroy us.
Great book, another Coelho's book that you cannot stop reading until you get to the end!!!
Rated by buyers -
Yes indeed! I finished this cover to cover at the bookstore while waiting to pick up my friend from the hospital (who btw is a new father congrats!)
First and foremost as a reader: understand that this book has been translated from Portuguese. Coelho is a Brazilian and of course their native language isn't english, so for all the elitist reviews here saying this is not a real piece of literature then I feel sorry for you. I'm sorry because you can't let your guard down and enjoy books for what they are.
For me, I absolutely love books that provoke strong emotions, deep thought, and introspection. This book hit me closer than any other because I've had issues regarding mental health so you better believe that the whole spectrum of emotions was felt.
I know I don't fall in love with every book I read; if I don't like it then I'll just say, "I didn't like it." Appreciate the work and thought thats been put through and move on!
Rated by buyers 
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A good friend suggested that I read this novel during a difficult time in my life. I was hesitant at first, however, after reading the very first chapter i was hooked. Many reviewers have said that this novel is about redemption, and it truly is. Life stops for no one. And just when you think life is over, that's when you get the will to live.
Rated by buyers -
I truly enjoy reading Paulo Coelho's books. I've read almost all of them and love reading them over again. this book, like all his other books, makes me think and ponder about myself, my life and my own dreams. I love his books because I always find myself in his characters. This book made me think of importance of living in the present and cherish every moment we have. If you are into philosophy of life and like to ponder and think about what its meaning , I think you shoud give his books a try.
Rated by buyers -
This is my absolute favorite book of all time! I would recommend that everyone read it.
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