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| "To realize one's destiny is a person's only obligation." |
"The Alchemist" is a story about Santiago, a Spanish shepherd boy who travels the world in search of his personal legend, or purpose in life. The book was a birthday gift a couple years ago and is currently a top bestseller1 on Amazon. Having finished it, I understand why – it gently pokes at the ideas of meaning and purpose many people begin pondering in young adulthood.
A few minor plot details below.
One night, Santiago has a dream in which he discovers treasure buried by the Pyramids of Giza, so he sells his sheep and sets out for Egypt. On his journey, he has many adventures, meets many people, and wonders whether he's actually headed toward or away from his treasure.
Of course, "The Alchemist" is not really about life's treasures and whether they're where you started or where you're going, but about appreciating the unexpected and learning equally from the good and bad fortune found along the path of life's journey.
My verdict: "The Alchemist" is a quick read with memorable characters and some timeless lessons. Recommended.
1 At the time of publication it was #31 in books on religion and spirituality, which seems like an odd classification, but what do I know? (back)
So, the question of Amazon's categories rises again, as with the author who didn't want her work to be pigeonholed (belittled?) as "science fiction"; I forget who that was.
ReplyDeleteRight now, "The Alchemist" is Amazon's #1 bestseller in "metaphysical and visionary fiction" and #21 in "religion and spirituality," the category you mention. And who knows what other categories.
I've seen it rumored that Amazon has secret categories for their own purposes that might override the categories their authors choose for themselves. You can even get (non-Amazon) advice on categorizing your book, strategically manipulating the system to leverage initial sales and continually gain more exposure: https://www.tckpublishing.com/competitive-amazon-kindle-bestseller-categories/
Anyway, "The Alchemist" looks like it's becoming a genuine classic and, as you say, worth reading. Thanks.
Yes, that was the "Station Eleven" author. I think many retailers are making up their own categories now. When my friend Alex used to work at Barnes & Noble he would watch categories come into existence, move about the store for a spell, then vanish. My favorite example was the "Teen Paranormal Romance" genre, probably featuring painstakingly-assembled cover art displays of muscular ghosts, vampires, werewolves, etc.
DeleteJudging by the list of top five most popular genres from your link, non-paranormal romance is still alive and well among Kindle users:
1. Romance -> Contemporary
2. Literature & Fiction -> Contemporary Fiction -> Women
3. Romance -> New Adult & College
4. Literature & Fiction -> Contemporary Fiction -> Romance
5. Literature & Fiction -> Women -> Romance