When I first picked this up, I was intrigued with the numerous write-ups that were at the back of the book. Judging by the appearance, it seems to be an easy-reading book - big spaces, regular font size, R.L. Stine-thick (To those who are not familiar with R.L. Stine books - these are the kind that everyone was reading when I was still in gradeschool, aside from Sweet Valley of course. These are horror stories, roughly 170 pages in length). What on earth could such a book offer to have become such an international bestseller?? As I read the book, I came to understand the reason for it. Reading the writeups now, I nod my head in agreement.
"This is the type of book that makes you understand more about yourself and about life. It has philosophy, and is spiced with colors, flavors, and subjects, like a fairytale. A lovely book." - Yedi'ot Aharonat (Israel)
I see it as something akin to a "Life's Instruction Book" contained in a simple yet magical story. Craftfully disguised within the tale of Santiago, the gypsy woman, the king, and the alchemist is a guide to our very own story. From the talks of following our Personal Legend to knowing the Soul of the World, the reader is bound to learn a thing or two about dreams, religion, love, hope, among other things. The story may be as trivial as a boy looking for treasure in the Pyramids but it is this same triviality that makes the lessons bound therein stick in our minds. Needless to say, the story concludes with a happy ending for the boy and for the reader. Of course, as the book had it, "and when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to acheive it."
