The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is an inspiring novel about a young man in search of his fortune. It reached into my soul and touched the place inside me which is always searching.

The journey echoes that of so many of us seekers in the world. We search through many kingdoms for our treasure. And while it may be where we least expect it, the real prize is in the journey itself.

In The Alchemist we follow the trail blazed by the boy Santiago. Although as we are told his name in the beginning of the book, as we follow his adventures he is referred to simply as the boy. That simple technique helps us stay in touch with the sweetness and innocnce of the main character despite the many unsettling circumstances he finds himself in. Somehow we remain convinced that the boy would stay true to his heart and his purpose even when he seems to be going astray.

Early in the book the boy is told by a man claiming to be the King of Salem that, "To realize one's Personal Legend is a person's only real obligation." The King also offers the following," And when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

The book then leads the boy through his Personal Legend. The boy learns much, ages and matures until he must face the final challenge on his Personal Legend.

Along the way he has the option of consulting fortune telling coins, given to him by the King, but chooses instead to watch the signs and learn the "Language of the World" and in fact the language of his own heart.

In the end the boy understands that he must look within, "It was his heart that would tell him where his treasure was hidden."

Told simply and elegantly The Alchemist is an easy read with layers of depth within. I recommend it to anyone who enjoyes a well-told parable.