Enlightening and worth reading in any phase of life.
 
Blurb: “Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired a devoted following around the world. This story, dazzling in its powerful simplicity and soul-stirring wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who travels from his homeland in Spain to the Egyptian desert in search of a treasure buried near the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a Gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles in his path. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a discovery of the treasure found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, the story of Santiago is an eternal testament to the transforming power of our dreams and the importance of listening to our hearts.”
 
I am sure that many people have heard or read this book. At first glance, it seems like something easy to read. I loved the simplicity and yet the depth of the messages it contains. It’s the kind of book that works on many levels. Jakob goes on an adventure. He meets different people that are an essential part of his journey, especially the Alchemist. The more he gets to know himself better, the more he understands the world around him. Jakob is searching for his treasure, and his pilgrimage is his Personal Legend. Did he find it? Yes. Was it at the end of his journey? No. Why? Because his true treasure was in himself all along, but he was yet to realize this.
 
Looking deeper, this is much more than a great read. Filled with a positive essence that goes deep into spirituality, it reveals something that many of us may have forgotten: we must live our life on our terms to be happy. It is an individual journey.
 
No matter what anyone says, we know what makes us happy and that the power for a fulfilled life comes from within us. I found it to be one of the most influential books I have read, and for me, it holds the same place as “The Little Prince.” I would most definitely recommend this book to anyone looking for answers and explanations throughout their life journey.
 
Quotes:
 
“It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting, he thought, as he looked again at the position of the sun, and hurried his pace.”
 
“People learn, early in their lives, what is their reason for being,” said the old man, with a certain bitterness. “Maybe that’s why they give up on it so early, too. But that's the way it is.”
 
“In alchemy, it’s called the Soul of the World. When you want something with all your heart, that’s when you are closest to the Soul of the World. It’s always a positive force.”
 
“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself.”
 
My rating: 5/5.
 
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I have read this book so many times already and the more I read it the more I love it. Each time it surprises me with its never-losing charm. It tells the story of a little boy who leaves the safety of his own tiny planet where he has a fragile rose to take care of. He travels the universe and finds, learns and sees things of adult behavior through a series of interesting encounters. No matter of age, it makes the reader reflect upon many things. It is also sweet seeing the point of view of a little boy with such a pure heart.

I love the simplicity and yet the complexity that it creates in one's mind. I believe we would all be a bit happier if we would remember, at least from time to time. We should never forget how was it when we were kids before our opinions were inevitably influenced by the norms of the society.

Type of reader: I think this novella is suitable for everyone, children, teenagers, adults. I recommend it to be read many times in life.

My favorite quotes from this book:

“All grown-ups were once children... but only few of them remember it.”
“It is the time you have wasted for your rose that makes your rose so important.”
“Grown-ups never understand anything by themselves, and it is tiresome for children to be always and forever explaining things to them.”

My rating: 5/5.

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This is a motivational self-help book, but the first one I read for anyone creative. As with any self-help books, some advice is given directly, some are written between the lines. As with any other book, the way I've got it doesn't have to be the same with yours. And that is perfectly fine. It is called Big Magic and it really can be if you are in the mood in seeing things as simple as they can be. Presented in a very realistic way, I believe this describes perfectly what creative life means and how we should or not be afraid, quit or continue, have passion or just curiosity, but what I think it’s the most important of all: Do what we love without any expectations. This will keep us safe and we will be able to continue creating. Every artist is unique. Every form of art is magnificent. If you found yours and you enjoy it do it with perseverance, fearless and discipline. Sometimes luck plays a big role. The moment you let your work out of your hands don’t hold it to your heart too much if some people won’t like it, don't bother if financially it will not bring what you would expect. A real artist should know how to go above all that. I know it is hard, but it can be possible. Enjoy your creativity and have no expectations.

Reader type: Anyone that deals or plan to actively practice any form of creativity. Especially if you are a writer or plan to become one, this book will definitely be helpful. Being an author myself, a big part of this book felt as it was written for me :-)

My favorite quotes from this book:
“You can measure your worth by your dedication to your path, not by your successes or failures.”

“But to yell at your creativity, saying, “You must earn money for me!” is sort of like yelling at a cat; it has no idea what you’re talking about, and all you’re doing is scaring it away, because you’re making really loud noises and your face looks weird when you do that.”

“Nobody needs debt less than an artist. So try not to fall into that trap. And if you have already fallen into that trap, try to claw your way out of it by any means necessary, as soon as you can. Free yourself so that you can live and create more freely, as you were designed by nature to do.”

My rating: 4/5.
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