The Alchemist, 25th Anniversary

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.

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.

These book club questions come from Harper One's A Teacher's Guide to The Alchemist.

Book club questions for The Alchemist, 25th Anniversary by Paulo Coelho

Use these discussion questions to guide your next book club meeting.

What is the significance of Santiago becoming a shepherd rather than a priest, as his parents had hoped? Why has he made this choice? What does being a shepherd allow him to do?

King Mechizedek tells the boy that when we are children, “everything is clear and everything is possible,” but as time passes mysterious forces convince us to abandon our dreams (p. 21). Do you think this is true? What are the “mysterious forces” that threaten to hold us back as we grow older?

The King also tells the boy that when you really desire something “all the universe conspires to help you find it.” (pg. 22) And he explains the principle of “favorability,” or beginner’s luck. From whom does Santiago receive help on his journey? Have you ever benefited from beginner’s luck?

After he has been robbed of all his money in Tangier, how does Santiago choose to regard his situation? Did this surprise you? What allows him to understand his loss in this way?

When Santiago meets the alchemist, he wants to give up his journey to find his treasure and remain at the pyramids. He has become a respected counselor at the oasis, he has fallen deeply in love with Fatima, and he wants nothing more than to stay where he is. How does the alchemist convince him to go on?

The alchemist says that for the boy to find his treasure he must listen to his heart. Why does the alchemist feel that the heart is more important, or more trustworthy, than the mind? How and why is the heart able to understand things the mind can’t grasp?

When Santiago and the alchemist are captured by one of the warring tribes, Santiago must turn himself into the wind to save his life. He asks the desert, the wind, and the sun to help him, but none know how to turn a man into the wind. Where does the boy find the answer? What is the larger significance of this answer?

If you could ask Paulo Coelho one question, what would it be? How do you think he would answer?

The Alchemist, 25th Anniversary Book Club Questions PDF

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