The book that inspired me

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one of the most compelling tales I have read. It has a simple message: pursue your dreams and don't give up. It's so easy to give up on your only ambition in life because complacency sets in and you are scared of moving out of your comfort zones.

The one crucial learning of this book is that most people are unable to carry on the journey of fulfilling their dreams to the end because of the constant fear of failure.

The protagonist in the novel, Santiago travels from a comfortable lifestyle as a shepherd to the Arabian Desert where he weathers hardships to meet the great "alchemist". One of the strongest messages that he comes across is to be steadfast, focused and never lose sight of the bigger picture...only then can we fulfil our dreams.

This tale is inspiring, imaginative and captivating. Santiago grows throughout the story and in the end, although he is tested severely, he perseveres and attains his treasure by following his dream.

We limit ourselves "" even as the universe conspires to aid us in all directions. The desert is a place of death, thirst, illusions "" and perhaps the best place to overcome your fears.

Pramod Rao, Managing Director, Zicom Electronic Security Systems

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The Alchemist: A Fable About Following Your Dream

Author: Paulo Coelho
Pages: 224
Publisher: Harper Collins
ISBN: 006019250X