The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho

Why this book is a must-read - reviewed by the KAAI team

"The story of young shepherd Santiago teaches you that life is a journey full of surprises. Along the way, he meets extraordinary people and overcomes countless obstacles. It shows that every experience and encounter can bring you closer to your goal and that you can make your dreams come true if you continue to believe in yourself.

The fundamental question this book raised for me was: do you follow your heart, or do you let yourself be guided by the expectations of others? It also made me realize that sometimes what we are looking for is closer than we think.

This book has so many layers—you can read it every year and always discover a new message."

— Ine Verhaert, Co-founder KAAI

About the book

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is one of those rare novels that speaks to the dreamer in all of us—and it’s a personal favorite of Ine, co-founder of KAAI.

This modern classic follows Santiago, a young shepherd, on his journey to discover his “Personal Legend.” Through deserts, encounters with wise mentors, and moments of self-doubt, he learns that the path to our dreams is as important as the destination. Coelho’s storytelling is simple yet deeply philosophical, making this book a timeless read about purpose, perseverance, and following one’s heart.

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