The Alchemist -
Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is a tale about a young shepherd boy who follows his dream of finding riches beyond imagining. It follows his journey and travails - from the parents who wants the best for their child (being a shepherd of course), wondering whether 'rug salesman' is really such a bad profession, to the 'guide' robbing him of his belongings, to finding love in the desert and the many temptations that tempt him with 'good enough' (All things preventing him from reaching for his dream, but still a necessary part of the journey).

Finally he finds the Alchemist in the desert. The Alchemist teaches him that he already has the wisdom to be wealthy, but if he really want to follow his dream, he should learn to listen to the wind (his intuition/nature/gut/god) and realise that he is already part of something greater- and being part of something greater, he can demand great things of life, and if you demand great things of life with the intense belief that it is just of you to ask, life can naught but give it to you.

The Alchemist is a really good book and the author, Paulo Coelho, does a magnificent job of spinning the story and weaving you into the tapestry. You can't help but to start thinking of your own dreams and how they may (or may not) have fallen by the wayside as you encountered some of the obstacles that the young shepherd boy has to overcome. The shepherd's journey grips you and helplessly pulls you along - and you start to think again about your own dreams and how it has fallen by the wayside.

At the end, the book leaves you with a sense of wonder and a new appreciation for the dreams you had when you were younger. You dare ask whether now is the time to continue pursuing those and you start to ask how can I let the magic of my dreams happen.

All in all, the Alchemist is an easy reading parable about the pursuit of our dreams and the challenges we are faced with along the journey. The author gives insight and inspiration to us , the reader, to take up the journey and dare to chase after our dreams again. Definitely worth the read. Follow your dreams!

Get The Alchemist at Amazon.com