The Alchemist

Author: Paulo Coelho
Year Published: 1993
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN#: 0061122416
Pages: 197
Media Type: Book
Classification: Fiction
Subject: Fables

Reader's Annotation:
Timeless and entertaining, exotic yet simple, this fable breaks down the steps in the journey we all take to find the most meaningful riches in our lives. Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams about finding a treasure in the pyramids of Egypt, shows how along the way we learn to trust our hearts, read seemingly inconspicuous signs, and understand that as we look to fulfill a dream, it looks to find us just the same...if we let it.
In this book it is stated again and again that each of us has our own Personal Legend, a quest; "When you pursue your personal legend the universe will conspire with you to make it happen." You will follow Santiago on his adventure and during the process be challenged to think about your goals and dreams and what you would have to do to pursue them.

Plot Summary:
The Alchemist is the story of a young shepherd named Santiago who is able to find a treasure beyond his wildest dreams. Along the way, he learns to listen to his heart and, more importantly, realizes that his dreams, or his Personal Legend, are not just his but part of the Soul of the Universe. When Santiago meets Melchizedek, a strange wise man who claims he is a king from a far-off land, he decides to seek his treasure. Santiago sells his sheep and embarks to Africa to pursue his dream.

Santiago continues on to the Pyramids. Once there, Santiago is attacked by robbers. Asked what he is doing there, Santiago replies that he had a dream of a treasure buried at the base of the Pyramids. One of the robbers laughs at him, and says that he has had the exact same dream, except that in his the treasure was buried in Spain. Santiago realizes that the treasure was back in Spain the entire time. The story then jumps forward in time and finds Santiago digging a hole at the base of the tree where he had had his first dream. Sure enough, he finds a trunk full of gold–enough for him and Fatima to live happily for a long time.
Reading Level: 6
Interest Level: 9+
Author Website:http://www.paulocoelho.com.br/