Have you ever dreamt to living out your wildest dreams and then talked yourself out of it? Are you unsure about taking that leap of faith and beginning your journey to greater self-discovery? If you answered, “yes” to either question, then please read on because The Alchemist is a book you’ll want to sit back and enjoy.

The Alchemist has been a best selling self-development fable for twenty years. Brazilian author Paulo Coelho takes both the reader and the main character Santiago on a mystical journey of self-realization. In this novel of self-discovery, we learn that with faith, belief, and action your dreams just may come true.

This is a well-written novel weaving a fascinating tale of a young Spanish Shepard boy who leaves his country, his lively-hood and family in search of hidden treasure. This story mixes an interesting combination of magic, spiritual wonders, friendship, disappointment and life changing adventures.

The moral of this story: When you stay true to yourself and your destiny in life, the wisdom and power of the universe open up to you and your dreams.

There is mention of God in this book.

Summary:
Told by a gypsy woman and a “king” that his fortune awaits him at the Pyramids of Egypt, Santiago the Shepard boy leaves his home in Spain to seek his life’s treasure. He is told that when a person wants something badly enough and believes it is their destiny to achieve it, the universe conspires to make it so. It is important, the king tells him, that he keep a lookout for and acts upon the “omens” that will show him the way.

Along this exotic journey in a foreign land he is robbed of his money, meets an educated Englishman who shares the dream of learning the secrets of the alchemist, finds the love of his life and ends up being the one chosen to be shown the ways of the wise “alchemist.”

Santiago’s journey for material treasure turns into a life changing spiritual transformation. He learns how to use his courage, inner faith and belief to discover the true treasures in life. Sometimes, your treasure is closer to home than you think.

My Recommendation:
This book is about understanding and listening to your heart and trusting your intuition. It is also about realizing that “things” may not always as they appear. In one way or another we are all Santiago the Shepard boy. The Alchemist is the universal tale of the journey we take in life – those life-changing journeys that test of our faith, belief and determination in our desire to live our true destiny.

If you’re on a journey of self-discovery and inner wisdom, you’ll appreciate this fable because it not only entertains but also teaches the life lesson of never giving up on yourself or your dream of personal greatness. The Alchemist is a great mix of self-discovery and fiction. It’s good reading!

This review is based on the 2008 - 20th anniversary edition. To read more about The Alchemist or purchase it, here is a link to Amazon.com: The Achemist by Paulo Coelho

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