The Alchemist
The Alchemist: A Journey of Dreams and Destiny Some books are meant to entertain, some to inform, and some to inspire us in ways we never forget. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho belongs to the last category. First published in 1988 in Portuguese, the novel has since been translated into more than 80 languages, making it one of the most translated books in history. Its global popularity proves one thing: the desire to dream, to search, and to find meaning is universal. The Story of Santiago At the heart of The Alchemist is Santiago, a young Andalusian shepherd. Though he lives a simple life tending his flock, Santiago has a recurring dream about finding treasure near the Egyptian pyramids. Many would dismiss such a dream as foolish, but Santiago dares to believe in it. Encouraged by a mysterious king named Melchizedek, he sets out on a journey that takes him across seas and deserts. Along the way, he encounters a crystal merchant who teaches him about persistence, an Englishma...