Posted by : Unknown Saturday, July 4, 2009


Book # 5 for the year is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. It's only around 180 pages long, which is a very light read if ever you're a voracious and fast reader [which is not like me]

It's a story about a boy named Santiago, a Spaniard who tends sheep for a living. He knew he wanted to see the world, and he chose to become a shepherd because he has the freedom to go wherever he wanted to go to whilst he was tending his sheep and selling the wool to other cities.

One day, he dreamt that he had to go over to the Pyramids in Egypt, and there, he will find his treasure. Puzzled, he came across an old man, who turned out to be a king, who helped to guide him in trying to realize his personal legend.

What follows was an adventure to the deserts of Africa, self-discovery, and understanding the language and soul of the world.

It is quite an inspirational tale with many quotable quotes.
"Making a decision is only the beginning of things. When you make a decision, it carries you to places you never dreamed of when you first made the decision"

"It's the possibility of making a dream come true that makes life interesting"

My favourite was "When you want something, all the universe conspires to help you get it"

It is a very good book, albeit short, but it definitely opened my eyes to something -- that we are here to enjoy our lives, try to live out our own personal legends, and well, live & appreciate other creatures: big or small, living or animate.

5 Responses so far.

  1. i thought this one was quite an insightful book, but the ending was rather too fantastic :d

  2. Mariel says:

    Hi Ruby! I've also read this book and I loved it. Coelho has so many wise words to say. Btw, I noticed that you're also a bookworm like me. :)

  3. Unknown says:

    @Mariel -- Yes! I became a huge fan of Coelho after reading this. Will probably include the other Coelho books in my TBR. :D The TBR just keeps piling up, its absurd! Many thanks for visiting my blog! :D

    @grumpyurbanslacker -- Agree. But well, we've just got to believe in our dreams, right? :D

  4. Mariel says:

    You're welcome. Actually, I have a lot of TBR too. :D

  5. Esme says:

    This is one of my favorite books

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