The Alchemist By Paulo Coelho Book Review

Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist is a global bestseller, spiritual journey, and self-help guide all rolled into one poetic fable—but what does it really teach us about life, purpose, and maybe not ignoring our weird little heart voices?

In this Top 5 countdown, I break down the biggest takeaways from The Alchemist in my signature style—funny, insightful, and 0% desert sand.

Whether you’re a fan of the book, a seeker of purpose, or just someone who needs a little encouragement (and a laugh), this one’s for you.

✨ Want to chase your dreams without quitting your day job (yet)? Hit play.

🎙️ Top 5 Takeaways from The Alchemist (Or: What I Learned from a Shepherd Who Chased His Dreams and Didn’t Even Need LinkedIn)

5. Trust the journey—even if it’s a little weird.

Look, the hero of this book, Santiago, starts off herding sheep and ends up following omens, reading desert winds, and chatting with alchemists. Moral of the story? Your path might look more like a maze designed by a toddler with a crayon, but trust it anyway. That dead-end might be your detour to greatness. Or at least to a better coffee machine at work.

4. Listen to your heart—even if it sounds like it needs therapy. Santiago keeps checking in with his heart, which is kind of adorable. And while most of us ignore our hearts until they start palpitating after a third espresso, Coelho reminds us that our inner voice knows what’s up. Yes, even if it sounds dramatic or starts humming Taylor Swift songs.

3. Fear is the biggest liar in the room. According to this book, fear will stop you faster than a Monday morning all-staff meeting. Santiago’s biggest obstacle isn’t bandits or sandstorms—it’s that nagging voice that says “What if you fail?” Coelho's answer? What if you don’t? And then you’re just stuck in your comfort zone with your metaphoric sheep and no Wi-Fi.

2. The universe is basically your hype person. Coelho says, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” I mean, what a nice thought! The universe, conspiring for you. It’s like having a cosmic personal assistant, minus the Outlook calendar invites.

1. Your treasure might be closer than you think. Here’s the twist (spoiler alert—although this book’s been out since 1988, so I feel like the spoiler statute of limitations has passed): after all that adventuring, the treasure was back where Santiago started. Which is kind of beautiful.

Sometimes what we’re looking for isn’t on another continent—it’s just buried under a pile of laundry and self-doubt.

⭐ Final Thought: The Alchemist is a fable wrapped in a fortune cookie, dipped in a little woo-woo—but honestly? It works. It’s a reminder that your dreams matter, your heart knows the way, and the journey is the point. Also, if a desert crystal merchant offers you life advice? Take it. You could do worse.

Judy Croon is Canada’s Keynote Humorist, Tedx motivational speaker, comedian and stand-up coach at Second City. She has worked with many celebrities including; John Cleese, Jon Stewart, and Joan Rivers.

Her specials have appeared on NBC, CBS, CTV and The Comedy Network. She is a co-author of ‘From the Stage to the Page: Life Lessons from Four Funny Ladies!”

Judy draws from her standup performance and coaching experience to entertain, inform and inspire in her dynamic keynote entitled, ‘Relieving Work Related Stress with Humour’.

Judy is the creator/host of ‘Laughlines’ and ‘Stand Up For The Girls’ which have both helped raise over $650,000 for breast cancer research.

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