DIONISIO, KYLA MARIE

11 ARCHDIOCESE OF CAPIZ

THE ALCHEMIST (BOOK REVIEW)

“When you want something the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”
A remarkable quote from a remarkable book—The Alchemist. Paulo Coehlo is a
Brazilian author who wrote The Alchemist at the age of 38. It was originally
written in Portuguese, but became an international best seller after being
translated for over 70 languages, selling over 65 million copies worldwide.

I am a big fan of books but it was only until a few days ago have I heard this
book, and I wonder why. The Alchemist revolves around a man named Santiago
and his adventure to find his treasure. The main theme that I can see in this story
is dreams and how you deal with them. I admit that I was bored and tempted
to put the book down on its first few dozen of pages, for I was a young adult
reader seeking for heartbreaks and not treasures. I decided to continue reading
and I did not regret my choice. It was written beautifully as if the author was
stating what he has experienced. The book was only translated, yet it did not fail
to deliver its messages straight to its readers. Though I reckon minimal parts
could’ve been substantial if it was delivered in the same language it was
originally written.

It is a book that changed my views in life. This is a book for the mature and those
who wants to be one. In this life-changing book I have gained life values,
mantras that I’ll surely be bringing with me as I grow.

Following your dreams has a price and so does not following it. Its only in the
matter of what weighs more. If you seek for an adventure, a dream, a treasure,
then this book is for you. It is a book for the idealists, the dreamers, the
adventurers, and the people who don’t give up. “It's the possibility of having a
dream come true that makes life interesting.”