The Alchemist

This simple fable is a strangely mesmerizing read. I've had it recommended numerous times and seen it highly praised, which always makes me a bit wary, but I think it has some merit to it's popularity.
With all books that claim to share some kind of ‘wisdom', you need to sift through it a bit with your own critical eye, but I do think there are a lot of gems to glean from Paulo Coelho's story.
The simple premise is about a young shepherd who leaves behind everything to follow his dream and about the lessons he learns along the way about finding purpose in your life, about faith and about learning to follow your heart. Of course there are much deeper concepts connected to those, but you'll have to read it to find out about them, but needless to say it will definitely have you thinking about your own life and your own journey and does provide some positive encouragement to follow through on your dreams.
Despite the heavy themes, it's a short, quite easy read and was simple to follow.
I definitely enjoyed it and will take a lot away from it. It's not a handbook on how to make your dreams come true, but rather an encouragement to pursue your dreams despite obstacles and comfort zones that would prevent you from them. Definitely inspiring and insightful.