THE ALCHEMIST

by Paulo Coelho
 
For me The Alchemist is the perfect example of that category of books—super famous, oft-quoted but that I only pretend to have read. Embarrassing confession: I actually read a passage from The Alchemist at my brother and sister-in-law’s wedding without having read the book.  But now I have and I need hide my ignorance no longer!
 
And, surprise, it is a wonderful book.  It reads almost like a parable or folk tale, with characters denoted by their professions, and magic an accepted part of the world.  The story follows a shepherd who dreams of wealth and treasure and with the encouragement of a few magical mentors, sets off to find it. 
 
Coelho's prose is beautiful and he has plenty of exciting story developments. But, I believe it is how Coehlo writes about the shepherd's quest that accounts for the book's lasting popularity.  He describes the shepherd as looking for his "Personal Legend," and the shepherd learns that everyone has one but is in varying stages of pursuing it or forgetting about it.  For someone searching for meaning or passion in her life, this book would speak to and inspire that drive in many ways.
 
I can’t say I came away particularly inspired myself, but then, I’m not exactly in the ‘young man leave everything behind to find your purpose’ phase of life. (Lily)