3/50. The Alchemist.

I read this book on recommendation from a friend. I was at work (I work in a bookstore) and I said to Jessica, "Recommend something for me to read." She told me to read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. And so I did.

The Alchemist is a fantastic book, and though Coelho is preachy at times and not at all interested in hiding his overall message from the reader, that message makes sense. Pursue your dreams. Fulfill your life's destiny. Don't let life's distractions keep you from your true purpose.

Now, I'm not so sure I know my "true purpose" so to speak, but I do have dreams. And I have already admitted that I don't always work to pursue those dreams. But The Alchemist is rather inspirational.

The story itself centers around a young shepherd, who dreams of discovering a treasure. The treasure itself is a mystery, but he sets off on a journey to find it. Along the way he meets people who purposefully and inadvertently help him make progress toward his goal. It is a well-written story, and if you don't intend on taking it as gospel truth, well worth the hype that has surrounded it.

So if you haven't, read the book. And if you have, I'd be interested in knowing your thoughts.