This entry was posted on Thursday, March 19th, 2009 at 3:56 pm and is filed under Book Reviews - See what we're reading. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
The Alchemist by Paul Coelho
Paul Coelho once said that following your dream is like learning a foreign language; you will make mistakes but you will get there in the end. The Alchemist explores this theme…
Everyone loves a story that sweeps them away to another time and place, following the life of someone else, following their dreams, living adventures and learning life’s lessons. Isn’t it so much easier to hear of others’ trials and tribulations in the pursuit of their dreams than it is for us to follow our own? Why are we so drawn to these stories? It’s because the hero that lies inside of these characters is kin to the hero inside each and every one of us!
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”
The book takes us along as Santiago pursues his Personal Legend - that’s his Purpose in Life - which we all have. Along this journey Santiago (and the reader) learns many lessons about life, your spiritual connection, following intuition and how to truly be happy. Here are some of the treasure trove of nuggets you’ll find in this book:
○ We have to be prepared for change
○ Understand your purpose in life
○ Take chances despite your fear
○ It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary
○ You’re never too old to follow your dreams
○ There’s nothing to hold you back except yourself
○ You must always know what you want
○ Every blessing ignored becomes a curse
○ You cannot go back - all you can do is find the best possible way to move forward
○ You’ve got to find your treasure so that everything you’ve learned along the way can make sense
○ The closer you get to your dream, the more you are tested for persistence and courage with obstacles
○ Life is generous to those who pursue their purpose in life
○ Love transforms and improves the soul of the world
This is such a gem of a book, one I’m sure I’ll be reading many times over the years. Pick up your own copy and you’ll find your own messages and treasure-filled nuggets of wisdom and insight. Your message may be different than mine, but one thing I know for sure; there is a message in this book for you and with open mind and heart, you will find some answers within the pages of this timeless masterpiece.


