Book Review: The Alchemist

When my friends and I have talked about our favorite books, I’ve heard Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist mentioned many times. It seemed like everyone had read it and thought it was brilliant. When I found a copy in the Little Free Library by my local Starbucks, it seemed like a good omen.

Immediately, I met an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago. He had a dream that he couldn’t forget about finding a treasure near the Pyramids of Egypt. After a gypsy woman and an older man urged him to pursue his vision, he ventured off to Egypt.

After finishing the book, I understand why it’s so popular. Everyone can find something to appreciate about Santiago’s story. I learned a bit more about the importance of listening to signs, or “the omens” as Coelho calls them. Reality can be distracting and disheartening, taking you off the right path. But Coelho reminds us to look for and honor the omens, because they will help guide your way.

Part of the book’s magic is not knowing too much about it, so I’m going to stop here. Instead, I’ll let the text speak for itself and share some of my favorite quotes:

 

 

 

 

 

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