The Alchemist: A Modern Classic of Magic and Mysticism. A Great Christmas Gift

The extraordinary international bestseller.

“It’s a brilliant, magical, life-changing book that continues to blow my mind with its lessons."—Neil Patrick Harris, actor

“Translated into 80 languages, the allegory teaches us about dreams, destiny, and the reason we are all here.”—Oprah Daily

Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom, and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.

This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and soul-stirring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried near the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself a king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles in his path. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within.

Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.

BUY THE BOOK

Published Apr 15, 2014

208 pages

Average rating: 7.65

1,842 RATINGS

|

Community Reviews

sweetlemoneade
Aug 27, 2025
10/10 stars
Everyone needs to read this book
sweetlemoneade
Aug 15, 2025
10/10 stars
Wonderful. So sweet and beautiful.
Nikkilopez
Aug 11, 2025
10/10 stars
I didnt want to read this book because it didn't interest me but my 17 year old son insisted I did because he said its been his favorite book. I also heard others speak highly of it but just never picked it up... let me just say I wish I would have read it the first time it was introduced to me because it 100% has been my favorite book I've ever read! Please give it a chance and if you like to read along with a narrator Paulo Coelho reads the book with such passion it mad me enjoy it even more!
Oree
Jun 25, 2025
10/10 stars
This book wasn't what I expected. I've wanted to read it for so long and I'm glad I finally read it at this point in my life.
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!

See why thousands of readers are using Bookclubs to stay connected.