On one level, this is the story of search for treasure in a far away land. The young hero must work his way through various “physical road blocks and mental thought blocks “to finally achieve success “.This trip however ,is really an inner voyage of discovery, with hero eventually ending up where he started. He is not the same mentally and spiritually however. There are many changes in how he now thinks about the world. Indeed, although the term gold and coins are described as the treasure, he eventually discovers, the real treasure is his “discovery of himself”. To discover himself, he must risk everything, including his life. The ultimate reward is not a classic “treasure” but the opening of his “soul” and this process is aided and abetted by none other than God, disguised appropriately as an alchemist. This story is in many ways the typical passage of adolescence into adulthood . If life is a dream, as I believe, this is a well told story, regarding plot and both inner and outer landscape descriptions. Dr. James M. Bell, MD

To book was great the embossed cover on the paperback is nice and so is the jagged cut paper the book is a great story in my personal opinion it pulls a game of thrones on you towards the end but still a great inspiring read!

This book will keep you intrigued from beginning, middle, to the end. I found myself going back some pages to be sure that I knew what was going on. It was like mentally watching a movie. Great read, great lessons. I learned a lot of strength, courage, and never giving up through this book.

The book's narrative has a straightforward feel and is truly for younger readers. A good quick summer read. It has a religious vibe without being denominational.

Everyone has talked about this book, from Madonna, Pharrell, and Oprah, to my mother. "Life-changing" is what I heard. As a reader, I couldn't resist. It's a book and I love books. From the start I could see that this would be a book I could sink my teeth into. I started out strong, but I kept getting distracted by...everything. The phone, the television, kids, my husband, you name it. Days went by and I hadn't gotten past the third chapter of this very short book that I wanted so desperately to read. Then it hit me! Download the audiobook. I began listening to The Alchemist during my long car rides throughout the city. I feasted on Santiago's journey for two days until the very end. What did I learn? Was it as life-changing as I'd expected it to be? For starters, the book was narrated by Jeremy Irons who did an amazing job! They could not have picked a better person. His voice enriched the life of Santiago. The take away—it didn't change me, per se. I'm not ready to get off the path I'm already on. However, it did reinvigorate my belief in dreams. Hell, I've been a dreamer my whole life. And what do all dreamers know? It's hard, so hard to stay on the path to your dreams until you realize them. Just like Santiago, I have been knocked around by life. I have thought many times, Why write? Why not just continue working as an occupational therapist until retirement? Wouldn't that make life easier? Santiago also considered ditching his plans to seek his treasure to live out his life as a shepherd or work at a crystal shop until some ripe old age. How long is too long to stay on the path to your dreams? I began writing at the age of six. I would have my mom or one of my grandparents cut paper in half for me, and then staple the pages together. Then I would write stories about ants, bugs, and animal adventures in my first grade penmanship. When I turned nine, my mother bought me a thesaurus, a dictionary, and a typewriter. Not dolls or games. What nine year-old gets a typewriter for her birthday? Best gift, ever! In middle school I made up wild and ridiculously fun stories with me as the lead. It was a way of escaping my reality during those tough years. In high school, I began writing scripts. I loved script writing so much, I sent scripts in to NBC at the age of sixteen! When I turned 18 I gave up on my dreams to be "an adult". I listened to voices that were not my own. After college, I concentrated on marriage and kids. I was happy, but something was missing. In 2004, my passion came back to me. I started having the best dreams and I began writing them down. In 2005, I completed my first book! Did it become a bestseller? Nope. By 2007, I was taking a screenwriting class. I was like a teenager again. I took to it with renewed zeal. Without fear I sought representation for my scripts. Sent them to Disney. Did I make a movie? Sell a script? Nope. Fast-forward to 2017, now thirteen years on this path to achieve my dreams! And I have! Well, parts of it. I have indie-published four books, and a fifth one is on the way. I have a growing fan base! Wonderful ladies write to me or post on my social media pages that they love my series and my writing!! It feels amazing to read, and I always try to respond. Did I ever quit? Nope. Why, in the middle of this review did I share my own story with you? Because, I am Santiago. We all are. We are all born with talents and dreams! Every child has a desire and dream of what they want to be. Most of us give dreams up to become "adults". But why? Why can't we be that person? After all, childhood is the most raw, honest, innocent, unbiased time of our life! Who better to pick our destinies then our child selves? "Little D.W." chose my career—a writer. It has been a source of happiness, escape, creativity, passion, and love for me. I still have one foot in the rat race. Imagine how crazy I look right now, running in both directions! But I am Santiago, my treasure is so close that I can smell it, feel it, taste it! I am ready to jump out of the rat race with feet and run at full speed toward my dream. I am Santiago. You are Santiago! Do yourself a favor and pick up this book, it's short and sweet, yet packed with power. You may be a dreamer now or may have been a dreamer once upon a time. Whichever it is, if you are still in the rat race running toward nowhere, I recommend this book to get you back on track. Your treasure, whatever it is for you, is out there waiting for you to go after it!

Different than I imagined but equally good. Wise words and good advices if you know how to read them. Fully recommended.

Just finished Paulo Coelho's  much celebrated "The Alchemist,"  an unforgettable journey into the heart of self-discovery, chasing your dreams, and the pursuit of one's true destiny. The story follows an Andalusian shepherd boy who embarks on a quest to find a treasure hidden in the Egyptian pyramids. Along the way, he encounters a series of mystical characters who impart wisdom that is profound and practical. Through these encounters, our protagonist learns the vital importance of following one's dreams, listening to one's heart, and recognizing the signs that life lays out for us. The story’s simplicity illuminates universal themes of faith, love, and perseverance. What makes  "The Alchemist" so special is its ability to inspire readers to reflect on their own lives and dreams. It’s a book that encourages introspection and challenges readers to consider whether they are truly following their hearts or if they have settled for less out of fear or complacency. "The Alchemist" is a timeless treasure that will uplift and inspire. Check it out!!