By Paulo Coelho

Three-Word Summary: Boy finds treasure

Rating: 5/5

Written in 1988, The Alchemist has since become an instant classic.

Originally penned in Portuguese, the book has now been translated into 56 different languages, the most of any work in history.

This is appropriate, considering that the content of the book involves finding the Universal Language and understanding the ways of the world.

Even translated into English, the book retains its powerful message. This is likely because of the simplicity and elegance of its writing.

Essentially, the narrative is about a young man who travels on a journey from Spain to see the pyramids of Egypt. Along the way, he meets many characters, including a wise Alchemist who teaches him how to speak the Universal Language.

The short book is appropriate for children, but the message is profound enough to be interesting for readers of all ages. It reminded me of two novels with similar characteristics: The Little Prince and Siddartha.

These three books are all short, simple, originally written in a different language and involve a young man going on a journey to make an amazing discovery.

There is no great action scenes in The Alchemist. Some of the plot may feel unfulfilled or confusing. But there is no question that this is a classic that will be read for generations to come.