Book Recommendations

Hi guys,

The excerpt that I brought to class today was from a book called The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. It is a great book to read over the break or during the summer because it's a pretty short novel and because although the vocabulary is very simple, the meaning behind the author's words is quite profound. It's an adventure story and a love story, all while commenting on important things like the meaning of life. Here is a summary of the book:

Paulo Coelho's enchanting novel has inspired millions of delighted readers around the world. This story, dazzling in its simplicity and wisdom, is about an Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago who ventures from his homeland in Spain to North Africa in search of a treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a beautiful, young gypsy woman, a man who calls himself a king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is or if Santiago can surmount the obstacles along the way through the desert. But what starts out as a boyish adventure to discover exotic places and worldly wealth turns into a quest for the treasures only found within. Lush, evocative, and deeply humane, Santiago's story is an eternal testament to following our dreams and listening to our hearts.

Click here to listen to an excerpt.

If you want to find out more about the book or the author, you can go to Paolo Coelho's website at: http://www.paulocoelho.com.br/engl/ . Also, I saw used copies of the book on Amazon.com for only $2.99!

What about you?
Do you have a book or story you'd like to recommend? If you have a book you'd like to recommend to us, blog it here in the comments!
-Leah :)