I don’t like self-help books. But on strong recommendation from my wife and others, I gave a chance to myself and read the book. I liked the story and kept reading until I finished it. Few of my friends did not like the book but I would recommend them to read it just like a story and it would be a good read.

The novel tells the story of a of Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who has a dream and has the courage to follow it. He listens to ”the signs” and ventures on a journey of exploration and discovery in search of a hidden treasure somewhere near the pyramids in Egypt. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom points Santiago in the direction of his quest. And finally does a self-discovery and is enlightened. It is a reawakening for him. A renaissance.

When he decides to go, his father’s only advice is

"Travel the world until you see that our castle is the greatest, and our women the most beautiful."

In his journey, Santiago sees the greatness of the world, and meets all kinds of exciting people like kings and alchemists. However, by the end of the novel, he discovers that “treasure lies where your heart belongs”, and that the treasure was the journey itself, the discoveries he made, and the wisdom he acquired.

The language was simply beautiful and expressions were impressive. The whole book was moving like a movie in mind. I have listened lot of good things about Paulo and his books and with that, I had made the impression that I won’t be able to read any of his books. But this book proved me wrong. I could read it. Most importantly, I came to know that a the famous dialogue from Om Shanti Om is taken from this book :
"When you really want something to happen, the whole universe conspires so that your wish comes true"

The story is not new and we have read it many a times in many other sources. It was one of the stories from Panchtantra or Arabian Nights. But if you have forgotten them, then go and read it. ( )

I found this to be a little bit boring. There were definitely action scenes in it, but nothing too exciting in my opinion. I know my boyfriend loved it, but I just didn't. ( )

This book popped up in my feed because a friend had the misfortune of reading it. That sent me down the rabbit hole of reading reviews. After selling a gazillion copies of this back in my bookseller days, I myself tried to read it at least twice and could not find the words to review it. That's good 'cause I would never have captured the experience as well as my fellow good readers.

But now I've decided that everyone should read this. If you think it is brilliant, well, you have a gazillion people agreeing with you. And if you recognize it for what it actually is, you can appreciate the critical reviews all the better. ( )

I was quite disappointed with this book. I found that the translation left a lot to be desired, and that it read a bit like a thinly veiled self-help book. ( )

Listening to Jeremy Irons read = delightful.

I've seen quotes from this short story sprinkled in many places, so it felt like a title ready and waiting for me. Engaging allegory. ( )