Coelho, P. (1998) The alchemist. New York: Harper Collins. ISBN: 0062502182
Plot Summary: Santiago is a Shepard boy who lives a simple life in his homeland of Spain. He decides to travel from Spain to the desert in Egypt. He does this because of a dream he has. He dreams of a treasure that is buried in the pyramids. During his travels, he meets several people that change the course of his journey. In hopes of accomplishing his personal legend, he experiences bumps in the road when he is tricked by a thief in Tangier into giving him money and possessions. Feeling nothing but frustration and anger, he questions the purpose of his journey. After losing hope and inspiration, he meets a crystal merchant who gives him the opportunity to work and save enough money to continue on his journey. He then moves forward with his travels through Egypt with a caravan. The treasures he finds turn out to be the treasure he least expected.
Critical Evaluation: The Alchemist is one of those books that could be read over and over again and readers learn something new about Santiago and about themselves each time. The writer has a way of writing words that truly inspire. Santiago character is hopeful and determined to find out what lies at the end of his journey. The story is timeless. After reading this book, I was inspired to take my own journey. For teens who need a little push, Santiago's story will give readers a boost to get up and follow their dreams.
Information about the Author: Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1947. He has written over two dozen books for adults. He is a prolific writer and a traveler himself.
Annotation: Santiago goes on a journey to follow his dreams and discovers a lot about himself on the way.
Plot Summary: Santiago is a Shepard boy who lives a simple life in his homeland of Spain. He decides to travel from Spain to the desert in Egypt. He does this because of a dream he has. He dreams of a treasure that is buried in the pyramids. During his travels, he meets several people that change the course of his journey. In hopes of accomplishing his personal legend, he experiences bumps in the road when he is tricked by a thief in Tangier into giving him money and possessions. Feeling nothing but frustration and anger, he questions the purpose of his journey. After losing hope and inspiration, he meets a crystal merchant who gives him the opportunity to work and save enough money to continue on his journey. He then moves forward with his travels through Egypt with a caravan. The treasures he finds turn out to be the treasure he least expected.
Critical Evaluation: The Alchemist is one of those books that could be read over and over again and readers learn something new about Santiago and about themselves each time. The writer has a way of writing words that truly inspire. Santiago character is hopeful and determined to find out what lies at the end of his journey. The story is timeless. After reading this book, I was inspired to take my own journey. For teens who need a little push, Santiago's story will give readers a boost to get up and follow their dreams.
Information about the Author: Paulo Coelho was born in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil in 1947. He has written over two dozen books for adults. He is a prolific writer and a traveler himself.
Annotation: Santiago goes on a journey to follow his dreams and discovers a lot about himself on the way.
Genre: Adventure, travel, spirituality
Curriculum Ties: Spiritual studies
Booktalking Ideas: Ask students about their dreams and how far they would go to achieve them. Describe how Santiago has a dream that sends him on an incredible journey.
Reading Level/Interest Age: 9th-12th grade
Challenge Issues: none
Reason for Inclusion:The Alchemist is a classic that teens would enjoy. It is inspiring and a must-read for both teens and adults.
Curriculum Ties: Spiritual studies
Booktalking Ideas: Ask students about their dreams and how far they would go to achieve them. Describe how Santiago has a dream that sends him on an incredible journey.
Reading Level/Interest Age: 9th-12th grade
Challenge Issues: none
Reason for Inclusion:The Alchemist is a classic that teens would enjoy. It is inspiring and a must-read for both teens and adults.
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