Book Review: The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho

My Rating: ***** (5 out of 5 stars)

Why Did I Read?

This book has been on my list of books to read for a while.  I recently heard it being compared to a great book that I just finished reading a few months ago, Life’s Golden Ticket.  I decided that was the sign I needed that it was time to read The Alchemist.

Summary (from Goodreads)

Paulo Coelho’s enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and inspiring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.

What Did I Think/Recommendation

This book is a fairly easy read, although it took me longer than I had expected to get through it.  I didn’t consider this book to be life-changing for me personally, but I did find it to be filled with much wisdom!  A few of the things this book teaches:

• Each of us has our own destiny, or “personal legend”
• Once you recognize that destiny and always follow your heart to pursue it, the universe will help you to achieve it.
• The boy in the story travels a great distance in search of his treasure, but in the end, he finds it in the place where he started from.  Oftentimes, the things we are looking for are right there close to us right from the beginning.  We just need to stop and notice them more often, and take time to appreciate them.
• Pay attention to your dreams…they are the language of God
• Focus on the present moment, and you will be happy
• We can learn so much from nature and the constant signs all around us…we just need to pay attention and let them lead us.

These are all good reminders that we can all use from time to time.

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy self-help books or those looking to find their purpose in life, and I would read this book again.

Favorite Quotes

To realize one’s destiny is a person’s only obligation…and, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

 

Dreams are the language of God. (p.12)

 

Because I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man.