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

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.

really did not enjoy this at all, so sorry

this was everything i needed to hear

I forgot how much I love this book. It's a beautiful story with so many inspirational messages. It's about faith, love, and becoming one with everything.

A short, unique story that is hard to describe or even categorize. The prose is lovely and descriptive without being too granular. The motifs are optimistic. It is spiritual without being preachy. Though it may be a bit on the abstract side for some readers, it is a good read with a beautiful message.