by Author: Paulo Coelho
Genre: Fantasy Fiction, Adventure Fiction, Quest
Overview
As a baffled soul in this wide open world we often tend to remonstrate from our path and run tediously towards money, fame etc. This book enlightens the readers mind with the need to explore, experience and listen to our inner callings. The book journeyed from selling only one copy in its first month to becoming the most translated book in the world. Such a story of persistence enhances the gist of optimism and following your dreams.
It is a story of a shepherd, Santiago, who leaves his flock and his land to pursue his dream. A boy who is on a journey of discovering his destiny and realising his desire of finding a treasure. This story tells us that the happiness, contentment, peace & joy of one’s life lies within the journey towards his goal of life. When a person strives to live his dream, nature helps him out; as written in ‘The Alchemist’.
“When you really want something, the universe always conspires in your favour.”
What is an Alchemist?
From what I understood, an alchemist is like a magician chemist who can turn any metal into gold. But throughout the story and the search for the alchemist, I felt like this was more a metaphor for life in general. If we follow our own, we can perform the same magic – turn our ordinary lives into gold, as long as we believe in the journey and don’t give up on what we believe is our destiny.
Whom would I recommend this book
This book is the perfect companion for a 40-year-old person who couldn’t follow his dream path and is now stuck with office work and even a 20-year-old who has just started to build his career and to anyone looking to change their outlook on life and reach for their dreams.
Some of my favourite lines and what I learnt from it
“I don’t live in either my past or my future. I’m interested only in the present. If you can concentrate always on the present, you’ll be a happy man. Life will be a party for you, a grand festival, because life is the moment we’re living now.
-The idea of investing all your strength and energy in present is obliging for a better future.
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too.”
-When you think and feel positive, everything around you feels better.
“Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.”
-The grass looks always greener on the other side so focusing on self-growth should be your ultimatum.
“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.”
Disclaimer: This review is based on my personal experience and does not substitute any professional advice.
Other book review: The Girl Who Knew Too Much
Perfect !
I always wanted to read this book. Your review has motivated me to move it on the top of my reading list.
Wonderful review!
Hi!
Short and sweet review. Thanks.
Read the book a long time ago. Trying to recollect. But nothing is coming through.
I am not going to say I will read again, because I have so much on my plate. I am learning to do at least something which I say.
But, will read a more comprehensive review on the net, elsewhere
Substance: Living in the moment means living your dream, and working towards it. Regardless, relentless
Hello
Thank you for the honest review. I am glad.