Parker Brown

Dear Mr. Paulo Coelho,

When I read your book The Alchemist, it really made me open my eyes and pay more attention to the people and the world around me. Since the name of the main character is just boy, I could fit myself in his spot. His emotions became mine. When something bad would happen, I felt the pain. Like when he trusted someone with all his money then the man stole it. When something good happened I felt joy. Like when he met Fatima whom he loved.

Your book taught me to follow my dreams like acting or architecture, even when there's hardship. I remember when the desert men beat the boy and stole all of his gold. One of the men told him about a dream that clued the boy in on where the treasure was. I learned that good comes out of hardship and determination.

The Alchemist really made me think about life and all the different paths people take. For example the crystal seller always wanted to go to Mecca but, he never did. He was afraid if he went he would have lived out his dream and then he wouldn't have anything to look forward to in life. I think a lot of people live this way. I hope I don't live that way. I hope when I follow my dreams, I'll make new dreams.

I loved your book and when I finished it, I sat on my bed and thought about all the new ideas bombarding my brain, about omens, life, people, and dreams. I still sit and think about all the things I learned from The Alchemist.  I learned that books can't teach you everything, experience teaches you a lot. Also I look at people differently than I did before. I realize everyone has their own hopes and dreams. I knew that before but now I'm really paying attention to other people and I like to guess what their dreams are. After I read this book, I encouraged my family to read it and they did. My family and I have had good discussions about your book.

Sincerely,
Parker Brown