I actually stumbled upon this book as I was drifting down the cobblestone streets of Sienna, Italy. I wandered into a little bookshop and, through nothing that could be called coincidence, my eyes fell upon its title. The next thing I knew I was sitting on a little brick wall in the middle of the town's square, surrounded by people speaking Italian, enjoying gelatos, and happily strolling down the flowered alleys, reading a book that must have been written just for me.
The book is a collection of thoughts, reflections and short stories from Coelho's own life. Coelho is an incredible, world renowned Brazilian author who has traveled everywhere on the earth. His life is incredible--he's lived so many places, experienced so many things, spoken in front of so many different audiences, connected with so many different people, and yet he still sees the simple majesty, priceless lessons, and tiniest miracles wherever he goes. I love it because all of these short messages are real, true experiences and reading them helps me to see life in a different, brighter light. His writing is beautiful, poetic, understandable, relate-able, and enjoyable. It's full of incredible life wisdom, and yet it's so simple. If I had could transform my personality into a book, this would be it.
One quote out of my countless favorites: "While separating the wheat from the chaff, and not allowing ourselves to be discouraged by the enormous number of charlatans in the world, I think we should ask ourselves again: what are we capable of? And then, quite calmly, go off in search of our own immense potential."
If you're looking for a short, easy read that will bring you happiness, further open your eyes to the beauty of the world, and help you be a better person, this is my formal recommendation.
