The Alchemist | Paulo Coelho

"It's not the treasure at the end of the journey that matters the most, it's the lessons you learn a long the way"

I've seen this book everywhere and read plenty of reviews on it, so when i found it at half price books for just a dollar i had to buy it! I would of paid full price but i knew one day i would find it on clearance, and i did. Frugal me lol I let my husband read the introduction and even he liked it which says a lot because no matter how hard i try i cannot get him to read. The first words that came out of his mouth was "It sounds like the secret" I guess it kind of does in a way... but better in my opinion.

Follow the signs, and follow your heart and you will find your dreams. The Alchemist is a story of a Shepard boy from Andalusian Spain named Santiago. After having reoccurring dreams of the Egyptian Pyramids, he sets out on a journey across the desert in search of buried treasure. Along the way he meets a few people who will all have a role in helping him achieve his dream. A Gypsy woman, a King, a Crystal man, a English man, and the Alchemist.

Santiago's journey was not an easy one, he faced obstacles all along the way including almost giving up completely. Thanks to the people around him he was given the extra push he needed to continue on. When you work hard and give it your best, you will be rewarded. He found love where he least expected it, learned to follow his heart when he needed it and found self fulfillment and happiness.

"Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there"

I thoroughly enjoyed this novel. The message was simple but powerful all the same. To follow your heart and your dreams, and to never give up when it gets tough but most importantly to trust in God to show the way. There comes a point when we either decide to keep going or just to accept what is easiest for us to achieve, Dream big but accept little basically. This story was about dreaming big and even when you want to quit to remember that we were never promised a paved road to self fulfillment and happiness. It was very touching and inspiring.

I think this is suitable for anyone, no matter the age. We can all learn a lesson from this novel. Read it you will enjoy it, it may even help you along the way.