This is like The Little Prince for adults, a lesson of life and about seeking what's really important. Religious people would appreciate this more, and I suspect they are the audience that have raised this to the status of a classic. The text is very "biblical": it's full of metaphores and the dialogue is all deep thoughts on the meaning of life and such. God is all, and the whole Universe follows God's plan. It just made me wonder, why Coelho emphasizes the role of individual human fates in this context...

First I thought that alchemy would be a great metaphore of a futile, endless quest, so I was a bit disappointed when it turned out that it actually works in this book.

It's a good book, very coherent and easy to read. There is a sense of grandeur, somewhat similar to the old testament. But, for me personally, it wasn't a life changer. It's perhaps too easy to take as "bullshit". ( )

Paulo Coelho certainly wrote a thought provoking book. The story of Santiago and is search of his Personal Legend. I think that I understand the significance of much of the story but then there is so much that has escaped me. Maybe I need to read it again and again...... ( )

Wow... this book completely blew me away.

Although a very quick read, do not judge 'The Alchemist' by its volume. This is a book that will inevitably touch your soul, in that it takes you on a spiritual adventure, encouraging you to think about the many journeys you have been on, and the journeys you are taking and where they might go.

It's a beautifully written story which takes us on a journey of one small boy, and his self-belief in finding a treasure and fulfilling his destiny that causes him to leave everything he had behind, and become enriched in ways that he never would have expected. Although he encounters difficulties along the way, the reader is encouraged to think about the ideologies of love, culture, religion and spirituality, in all their vibrance and different forms. We are taught as a reader to think about the opportunities available to us in our own lives, that we might enrich ourselves by embracing the colourful world in which we live, by not being afraid to step outside of our comfort zones and try new things.

Everybody I know who has read this book has said that it has touched them in ways that they wouldn't have imagined, and I similarly adhere. A fantastic piece of literature, which I would highly recommend, particularly as a travel read. ( )

The Alchemist is a simple fable that alludes to the fact that all of us have a purpose and a dream in life. It is a simple book, but nonetheless inspiring. It is a story about a young boy named Santiago who has reoccurring dreams about a treasure, when he goes to see a gypsy about the meaning of his dream she tells him to follow his dream and not to pay her now for her services but to pay her one tenth of his treasure once he finds it. Santiago left home to become a shepherd to follow his dreams of travel. He is hesitant to leave his flock, but begins to follow omens. Through his travels he overcomes many obstacles and meets many people who guide him in his journey. He meets to love of his life Fatima. Santiago tells her that he will need to continue on his journey but rest assured that he will come back to her. Through the story Santiago is led by many spiritual guides, and leaves the readers inspired. All of us have a purpose in life, and we need to listen to the omens around us. Our heart will lead us, where it will need to go.

I did enjoy the novel. However, near the end I did want it to end. This book was given to me from a coworker and I’m glad I read it. I do recommend the novel, especially for someone who is struggling to make life decisions. It’s a spiritual and inspiring book that I’m happy to add to my “read in 2009 list.” ( )

Young sheppard's travel to discover the meaing of life. ( )