“The Alchemist” is written by Paulo Coelho. This book was a very enjoyable read. It is the tale of Santiago, a shepherd boy who wants to travel so he convinces his parents that he wants to become a shepherd. As he travels with his sheep he becomes very connected to nature. As he becomes connected to nature he is able to learn the universal language that allows him to communicate with all people.
He is able to see parts of his country as he moves his flock. He eventually has an experience that leads him on a journey to the pyramids. It is the story of how he learns to listen to his heart and learns to trust his heart. While on his journey, he meets people who teach him some of life’s lessons. He meets a man who is searching for a man who is an alchemist. He travels with him until they meet the alchemist. During his travels, he reads many books but he learns that what he needs to know is already in his heart.
This story encourages us to follow our hearts. We often look outside ourselves for guidance perhaps in the form of books, or teachers or other people. We may not learn to listen to our hearts. It is possible that the work that brings us passion can be lost as we are directed by knowledgeable adults to look for a career that will make a lot of money. We may bow to what our parents want us to do for a living or even some belief we have in our head that keeps us from pursuing our dream. We may let responsibility guide our life,or our shoulds or our musts but especially our fears.
This story is an enjoyable read and one that reminds us to listen to our heart.