The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

         I'm sorry dear reader but I cannot bring myself to summarizing this book. This is due to my fear of spoiling the book as it is a must read for anyone and everyone. I don't care if you're "not a reader," or you only read Twilight, or whatever your excuse may be; you must read this book!!!!! Every sentence makes you think and there are so many amazing quotes within its pages that can be applied to daily life. If this book were a religion I would convert to it as the author's view on how the world works is truly beautiful.

         What I will tell you is that the story begins in Spain with a shepherd names Santiago. He has a reoccurring dream and in hopes to understand the dream goes to see a gypsy. After meeting the gypsy and learning very little about his dream he happens upon an old king. The king tells him that his dream is important in reaching his personal legend. The rest of the book entails Santiago’s journey of achieving his personal legend. Throughout his journey he is robbed, he works at a crystal shop, and he meets a girl, Fatima, an Englishman and an Alchemist. Which of these people and which of these experiences are of most value to Santiago you will have to find out. With a unique twist to keep everything exciting this book is truly one of my favorites.

         The structure of the book is unique in itself. There are no chapters only dotted breaks between paragraphs of text. This makes the story seem to never pause keeping the reader interested. The breaks indicate pauses in events within the same day or indicate a day has passed. This makes the whole story flow together naturally as daily life does. An entire year working at a crystal shop is split between just a few breaks. Just as in real life, time passes so quickly and the author depicts this natural passage perfectly. The narrator can't believe that an entire year has passed in a new place, a feeling that many can relate to. The author’s ability to create this feeling is a major reason why the book is engaging from beginning to end.

         In a last attempt to prove to you why this book is so amazing and thought provoking I give you one of my favorite quotes. "When each day is the same as the next, it's because people fail to recognize the good things that happen in their lives every day that the sun rises." Call me a hippy but any book full of quotes like this is bound to become a favorite of mine. What makes this book so great is it doesn't just tell you a story. It gives you a story and leaves you with new insight into the world. Once the story is over there is still so much that can be thought about. It’s not just a book you read and then leave this book stays with you for years to come.

         The Alchemist is also an international bestseller so if my blog wasn’t enough to make you want to read it then just look at the facts. People have been reading and loving The Alchemist for years so give in to peer pressure and read it yourself!