One of my goals this 2019 is really getting back into reading. I've kept telling myself to read more books every year, but I always stop in the middle of the first quarter of the year and then, I just leave my book pile to grow bigger. 

But this year, I really wanted to make it a mission to read more books and actually make it happen. One of the ways I have decided to do is to write notes and do a book review. I plan on reading at least two books monthly, one is a fiction and another one is how-to's or inspirational books. I will focus on making reviews on the latter.

For my very first book review this year, I'll be doing the Alchemist.

I feel like this is a good piece to start since this book is very close to my heart. The Alchemist is the very book that made me fall in love with reading. I've also read this only once before, about 13-14 years ago. I don't remember a lot of details, so picking this book again feels like the first time.

Oh, on the other note, this is also why I love Paulo Coelho so much, because of the Alchemist. This is the very reason why every time he releases a book, I always make sure to buy myself a copy. 

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I would like to start my reviews on some of the beautiful quotes of the book.

"We have to be prepared for change."

"It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting."

"It's the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary."

"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

"I am an adventurer, looking for treasure."

"Every blessing ignored becomes a curse."

"People need not fear the unknown if they are capable of achieving what they need and want."

"It's only those who are persistent, and willing to study things deeply, who achieve the Master Work."

"If you can concentrate always in the present, you'll be a very happy man."

"The closer he got to the realization of his dream, the more difficult things became."

"...he learned the most important part of the language that all the world spoke - the language that everyone on earth was capable of understanding in their heart. It was love."

"When you are in love, things make even more sense."

"The secret is here in the present. If you pay attention to the present, you can improve upon it. And, if you improve on the present, what comes later will also be better. Forget about the future, and live each day according to the teachings, confident that God loves his children. Each day, in itself, brings with it an eternity."

"Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure."

"Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second's encounter with God and with eternity."

"When you possess great treasures within you, and try to tell others of them, seldom are you believed."

"There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure."

"...when we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better, too."

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Book reflection:

I really do think the Alchemist is such a good representation of what chasing your dreams means. It will discuss giving up the comfortable life that you've been used to, encountering trials and obstacles in your journey, meeting people that will aid or hinder you from going after your purpose, and reminding you what truly is your life's treasure.

There were so many instances I found myself feeling like Santiago, going after my dreams, but only to give it up for a while. Then, later on, realizing what is my treasure in this life.

I also love how it kept reminding me to remain grounded and be present. Not to focus much on what the future may bring, but to make the most out of the present situation. How can I make myself better right now? How can I make my future self be grateful for my current self? 

Another thing that I can really take away from the book is that once we know our mission is in this world, the universe will conspire into achieving it. It might mean having detours or going through life's difficulties. One way or another, it will still be one step direction to reaching our dreams. 

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This ends my first book review for now! 

I'm excited for the next few months on the books that I'll be reading and be doing book reviews. How about you, are you doing any book challenges for this year? Did you like the books you've read so far? Do you have any suggestions? I'd love to hear them!