The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

The Alchemist is a story written by Paulo Coelho that can be viewed as a kind of intellectual novel; it tells about Santiago – the young shepherd from Andalusia – who goes in search of treasure hidden around the Egyptian pyramids. While on his journey, Santiago encounters a gypsy woman, a King named Melchizedek, and an Englishman who all are able to impart several valuable lessons to him about the nature of life and the search for one’s destiny.

Since Santiago follows his heart and dreams, he ultimately learns that the gain is not the money but the journey that brings growth, knowledge, and fulfillment. In the end, the novel also stresses the values of hope and individualism and tributes the idea that everything and everyone in the universe is related.