The Alchemist

by Paulo Coelho

Recommended in 20 interviews and reading lists

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Who recommends it

1. The Most Life Changing BooksReading list

   Paulo Coelho’s novel, The Alchemist, tells the story of a young shepherd named Santiago who dreams of travelling the world in search of treasures. After a series of mystical experiences, he is convinced that his destiny lies in Egypt and sets off on a journey to find it. Along the way, he meets a gipsy woman, a king…

2. Frances Trussell: A Love Affair With ReadingInterview
3. Cy WakemanInterview

   The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Like the book, one of my major life philosophies is to “say yes to what’s next.” It would be a great reminder of how sceptical we are of new things, but in the end, we learn through our experiences to trust our heart to guide us through life.

4. Simon DrewInterview

   I would have to say The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho, and I associate this book with my wife, Jennifer. When we were first dating I was reading this book, and one quote from this book became the official quote of our relationship because of how closely aligned with how we felt about each other. I actually read the quote…

5. Jamie McDonaldInterview

   The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – I think it is an enjoyable story that can bring everyone a heightened self-awareness.

6. Best Books For Aspiring ComediansReading list

   This is one of my favourite books of all time. The reason why I feel like this is a book that all aspiring comedians should read is that at its heart it is the story of someone who never gives up hope. The main character in the book finds himself on a journey and he gets derailed many times from the plan he originally…

7. Chelsea DinsmoreInterview

   Yes, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho will forever remind me of my late husband Scott Dinsmore. He read it every year, built a business around its idea and we built a life around it. After he passed away, I began re-reading it every year as well and interestingly enough the book’s journey ends with the character…

8. Gina BrillonInterview

   The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho – I read it later on in life and I loved it. The story is inspiring and beautiful and shows hope in-spite of seemingly impossible odds.

9. Daniel PriestleyInterview

   Depends on how young but I often encourage teens to read The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho.

10. John PerkinsInterview

    This Changes Everything by Naomi Klein, The Magus by John Fowles, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, Grendel by John Gardner, Beowulf by Seamus Heaney, In the Company of the Courtesan by Sarah Dunant, The Power and the Glory by Graham Greene, The Dangerous Summer by Ernest Hemingway, The Crystal Cave by Mary Stewart, The…

11. Maxine HelfmanInterview
12. Pete EvansInterview

    The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho touched me deeply as a youngster and I love the journey that we are all on.

13. Jon LevyInterview
14. Niki NakayamaInterview

    I would give myself The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho because when I think about my life and all the things I’ve experienced, I’m often amazed by the many things that turned out for the better because I listened to my heart.

15. Bari TesslerInterview

    I’m reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, to my dear son who just turned 8. I’ve read this book a few different times, over the years. My son is fascinated by the story, and it’s sparking wonderful discussions between us.

16. Francesco GolaInterview

    When I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, I started believing that every achievement in life is possible. It’s a story that teaches you how to pursue your dreams.

17. David García GonzálezInterview

    The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. This book is a beautiful tale about learning to listen to your heart, read the omens strewn along life’s path and, above all, follow your dreams. Santiago, a young shepherd living in the hills of Andalucia, feels that there is more to life than his humble home and his flock. One day he…

18. Stuart RalphInterview

    I would say probably The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho, just because I’ve had so many conversations with people about it, and they all come to mind when I think about that book.

19. Dr. Jill Bolte TaylorInterview
20. Anjanette FennellInterview

    That’s a tough one as I think so many books have influenced me at different times! I think I’d share Paulo Coehlo’s The Alchemist — a book that a friend of mine shared with me when I was just about that age. It hit me with the right message at the right time.

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