The Alchemist

When I think of books about alchemy, I usually think something along the lines of "dark and mysterious, lots of bubbling potions, creepy old men, even older dusty books, and lots and lots of lead and gold." When I think of inspirational novels, i think something along the lines of "horrible tragedy, horrible hardships, blood, sweat, tears, and then a happy ending." When I think of the two together, I think of an alchemist who has gone through terrible hardships and become even more creepy and mysterious than he was in order to overcome. Which is pretty much the storyline of "The Alchemist". However, it does inspire you, even if it is through long speeches about Souls of God and the World and the Wind and the Sun and the Hand Who Wrote It All. It provides insight that, (and this is going to sound horribly cliche,) if you believe in something and you're not totally blind to the world around you, you can achieve your goals.

CLICHE SWEEPING VIOLIN INSPIRATIONAL MUSIC COMMENCE!