The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Summary

This is a simple story written in the style of a fable that is filled with life lessons. Santiago is an Andalusian boy who leaves his life as a shepherd in search of his Personal Legend, which he learns is a hidden treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. He leaves his home in Spain and his quest leads him to the markets of Tangier and then across the Egyptian desert. He perseveres even though there are many obstacles, including self doubts. Along the way he meets an Egyptian woman, a self proclaimed King, and an alchemist who all offer him direction. This story uses ancient mysticism and fantasy to urge people to follow their dreams. The treasure ends up being the discoveries and knowledge he has gained along the way (and a woman thrown in for good measure).

Discussion

-Surprisingly, there was a lot to discuss in one of the simplest stories that we have read. The primary theme that ran through our discussion was that the lessons learned were within the journey itself and that those lessons could never have been learned without having gone through the journey.

-This book encourages us to consider what our own dreams are (our personal legend) and what we have to do to pursue them and how the universe might conspire with us to achieve those goals. Although this may not be the best novel you have ever read, it will have you pondering whether or not you will be fulfilled in five or even the next fifty years. Our own personal legend is to achieve our dreams.

-It was noted that in our own experiences, when we felt as one with nature or took a moment to take in the beauty of nature, it was also accompanied with a sense of spirituality.

-Other themes in this story are to always listen to our hearts as that is where our treasure lies, we won’t be happy until we achieve our dreams, and if someone truly loves you, they will wait for you until you do find your treasure