By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho

I've recently finished reading this novel By the River Piedra I Sat Down and Wept by Paulo Coelho.

It was a nice lovey dovey sort. and of course a lot of stuff to ponder upon.

Specially the following few paras which I've been reading again and again... pondering and thinking about them.

1
...have paid a conciderable price for the little I have gained. ...been forced to deny myself many things I've wanted, to abandon so many roads that were open to me. ... sacrificed my dreams in the name of a larger dream -- a peaceful soul. ...didn't want to give up that peace.

2
The gods throw the dice, and they don't ask whether we want to be in the game or not. They don't care if when you go, you leave behind a lover, a home, a career, or a dream. The gods don't care whether you have it all, whether it seems that your every desire can be met through hard work and persistance. The gods don't want to know about your plans and your hopes. Somewhere they're throwing the dice -- and you are chosen. From then on, winning or losing is only a question of luck.

3
...been in love before. It's like a narcotic. At first it brings the euphoria of complete surrender. The next day, you want more. You're not addicted yet, but you like the sensation, and you think you can still control things. you think about the person you love for two minutes, and forget them for three hours.

But then you get used to that person, and you begin to be completely dependent on them. Now you think about him for three hours and forget him for two minutes. If he's not there, you feel like an addict who can't get a fix. And just as addicts steal and humiliate themselves to get what they need, you're willing to do anything for love.