Here at Dreaming Upwards, we love to read. Reading can be a great escape (see our post on rom coms to read in college and early 20s), a fantastic education (our post on classics to read), or an excellent way to reflect. In the past, we’ve focused more on the entertainment and culture aspects of literature. Today, we’re going to look at a book you should read in your 20s, a classic by Paulo Coelho: The Alchemist.
An Intro to the Author
Many of you have probably read The Alchemist before, or at least the Sparknotes. It’s a popular text in many high schools. Paulo Coelho is a Brazilian author who is most known for The Alchemist, but he has written several other books since. One of these is Warrior of the Light, billed as a spiritual companion to The Alchemist. Coelho’s stories usually focus on travel, journeys for meaning, and finding one’s place in the world. Additionally, he has many stories that are more memoir-style, recounting his adventures as a young man.
The Alchemist: A Summary
If you didn’t read The Alchemist in high school, you missed out. It’s a fairly simple read at a surface level. A shepherd boy has a dream, which he soon finds out is his calling. After meeting some unique individuals, he sells everything and embarks on his journey. Along the way, he meets people who help (or hinder) his path to his life meaning. While the plot is not overly complicated, it holds multitudes and depth, especially for a “coming of age” era.
Why You Should Read This Book
College and your 20s are a time when everything is changing–and quickly. It feels like you can’t really settle on a good foothold, and sometimes you just want an anchor. Or, even better, you want a reminder that everything will turn out well. This book is the perfect solution.
The Alchemist focuses on achieving your dreams, and its main message is that the journey is part of the process. The power is in your hands, and you need to trust yourself. There will be obstacles, and you may have setbacks, but in the end, you will achieve your destiny. Optimism is inherently a key part of the story.
To a degree, it’s a common message, and one that’s easy to second-guess during these difficult times. What this book does well, however, is that it keeps it simple. While there are certainly philosophical layers to the book, it is written relatively simply, and it remains light. It feels very much like a children’s tale, though it is meant for people of all ages. Especially when you’re bogged down by heavy texts to read for school, this book is a welcomed alternative.
Finding Your Place in the World
College is all about finding your place in the world. Think about it. From making new friends to figuring out what you want to do with your life, you’re constantly making decisions around what brings your life meaning. It’s easy to feel like the pressure is constantly on!
Once again, that’s where The Alchemist helps. It offers a heartwarming reassurance that you will find your place and thrive. There’s a reason why it’s one of students’ favorite books!
Recognizing Opportunity and Listening to Your Gut
A major lesson that Santiago, the shepherd boy, learns in The Alchemist is that he needs to seize opportunity when it arises. This is very true in your college journey as well. You’ll face many tough decisions, and you’ll also find yourself with opportunities that might not return. From choosing to end a difficult relationship to pursuing a gap year to seeking out continued education via community college classes or online platforms, you need to listen to yourself as you consider what might help get you closer to your goals.
A Final Word
While college might not offer much time for leisure reading, The Alchemist is one (short) book that you should fit in. Although it is enjoyable on a surface level, it also holds so many deeper messages that resonate with this time in life. And just look at how gorgeous the cover is for both The Alchemist and Warrior of the Light!
Have you read it? What did you think?
