A Must Read
Having an ex-English teacher for a wife sometimes results in reading assignments–for me. When I left home for my Ruegg brother fishing trip in February, Debi handed me my Kindle, “I uploaded The Alchemist for you, a “must read.” I had actually planned on reading Fishing Key West and the Lower Keys by David Conway. “A life-changer,” she insisted and a quick read. I hoped to have time for both.
I must admit, English was my least favorite subject in school and reading books and writing book reports was a big reason for the dislike. However, I started reading The Alchemist, by Paulo Coelho at take-off and finished it before my brothers arrived in Ft. Lauderdale. Don’t worry, I won’t write a full book report here, but I must say there is much to glean from this story.
Let’s not miss the irony of how I preach “Trust the Process,” and the process of my life has brought me from a book-report-hating kid to an adult who enjoys reading and sharing what I learn with others.
The book is the tale of a young Andalusian boy, Santiago, who is being groomed for the priesthood. He admits to his father that he would rather travel and see the world than live as a priest. With his father’s blessing, he becomes a shepherd–a means for travel. His physical journey is enriched by dreams, omens, and provides contact with wise people who guide him toward his destiny or personal legend. He listens intently, learns quickly, and matures into a young man who learns to search within and listen to own his heart to find treasure.
A few of my favorite quotations:
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
“The secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
“Don’t give in to your fears. If you do, you won’t be able to talk to your heart.” ― Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
I share but a morsel of the messages within this tiny book, a treasure in itself. And yes, a “must read.”
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