Common Sense Media Review
By Sage Moreaux
,
based on child development research. How do we rate?
Magical fable about the transformative power of dreams.
Parents Need to Know
Why Age 13+?
Any Positive Content?
Where to Read
Parent and Kid Reviews
What's the Story?
As THE ALCHEMIST begins, an Andalusian boy named Santiago is content with his life. As a shepherd, he follows his herd through the fields, letting life take him where it will. When he has a reoccurring dream of a worldly treasure, he sets off on a quest to find it. His journey takes him far from the fields of his youth and leads to a discovery very different from what he originally expected to find. His adventure turns into a tale of self-discovery where he learns to listen to his heart, pay attention to the signs he finds as he goes about his life, and to follow his dreams, no matter where they may take him.
Is It Any Good?
Inspirational and thought provoking, this story is a parable about following one's dreams in the guise of an adventure tale. Translated from the original Portuguese, The Alchemist is a best-selling classic for a reason: magic, adventure, love and self-discovery combine to tell the story of a boy who takes a chance and follow his dreams, no matter where they might lead. There is much discussion about God, but the underlying messages transcend individual religious ideologies and speak more to the heart.
The story is a reminder to dream big and not to let fear or obstacles stand in the way of following one's heart. But it's important to note that Santiago was able to follow his dreams because as a young, single man without a family depending on him, he was only responsible for himself. The story also feels dated at times, as only the men are tasked with seeking their "personal legend" while the few women in the book all serve the role of wife or daughter, and their "purpose" is bound to that of the man in their life. If readers can look past that archaic way of thinking, they'll see that the lessons can apply to anyone open to learning them.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about the idea of a personal legend as described in The Alchemist. What do you think the author was trying to teach us in this book? Do you have a personal legend that you are working to achieve? If so, how does this affect your life?
What do you think about Santiago's decision to sell his sheep and commit to following his dream? Does this show courage, or foolishness?
Why do you think the author sent Santiago to the pyramids in search of his treasure instead of to another location?
Book Details
- Author :
- Genre : Adventure
- Topics : Adventures
- Character Strengths : Courage , Curiosity , Perseverance
- Book type : Fiction
- Publisher : HarperOne
- Publication date : January 1, 1993
- Publisher's recommended age(s) : 18 - 18
- Number of pages : 208
- Available on : Paperback, Hardback, Apple Books, Kindle
- Last updated : September 18, 2025
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