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Sisterhood Stories

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The Alchemist, 25th Anniversary: A Fable About Following Your Dream

Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, of recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, to follow our dreams.

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Published Sep 26, 2006

208 pages

Average rating: 7.65

1,655 RATINGS

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Community Reviews

LTC
Nov 20, 2024
Book #51: Abby's selection, this meeting was originally scheduled to be discussed on 7/21/17, hosted Abby & Ro but had to be cancelled. It was then to be held at a Turkish restaurant in Astoria, Queens (hosted by Abby & Ro) but it never took place. It finally took place via Zoom on 3/19/21!
huggyjc
Jun 03, 2024
10/10 stars
Hope everyone enjoyed this read and found inspiration to go after your 'Personal Legend'! Can't wait to meet up and discuss.
KikiStoneCreek
Jun 03, 2023
4/10 stars
Not my style of book.
pimpmamag
May 29, 2025
7/10 stars
The Alchemist is a beautifully simple and widely beloved fable that explores the importance of pursuing one’s dreams, listening to your heart, and trusting the journey life takes you on. Paulo Coelho tells the story of Santiago, a young shepherd who leaves behind the comfort of his world to chase a vision of treasure—only to discover that the real treasure lies in self-discovery. While I deeply appreciate the message at the heart of this book—the idea of a “Personal Legend” and that the universe conspires to help you achieve your purpose—I found the fable-style storytelling difficult to connect with. The characters felt more symbolic than human, and the narrative often told the reader what to feel or believe rather than letting those lessons unfold naturally through the story. I value the themes of courage, fear, and transformation, but I personally prefer novels with more emotional depth, character complexity, and grounded storytelling. The Alchemist didn’t fully resonate with me on that level, even though I admire what it stands for. Overall, I would recommend this book to readers who enjoy parables, spiritual allegories, or philosophical reflection. It’s a quick read with universal appeal—but for those who gravitate toward realism and richly developed characters, it may feel more like a life lesson than an immersive story.
samiwinslow
Apr 05, 2025
really did not enjoy this at all, so sorry

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