The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Synopsis: Santiago is a simple shepherd boy who gave up his families intentions for him to study at the monastery and took on the life of a shepherd, traveling among the vast country side of ancient Spain. When Santiago begins to have a recurring dream about the Egyptian pyramids, he decides to leave his flock behind in pursuit of what he believes to be his Personal Legend, his great search for a great treasure. Along his way Santiago encounters many dangers: love, loss, decisions and disaster.

Review: This is in my top 5 books that I have ever read. Every time I read it I feel like I have understood a new life lesson, and feel like I gain serious insights into my own life. The author has a gift to write in such a way that he seems to be telling a story, but in reality he is really sharing what he believes are the meanings of life. The story is told very well, if a little differently because of translations from Portuguese, and I love the simplicity of the book's style.