"The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho is a philosophical and inspirational novel that follows the journey of a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago. Believing a recurring dream to be prophetic, he decides to travel to a distant treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. Along the way, Santiago meets various characters who help him discover the true meaning of life. The book's central theme is about finding one's own path in life, emphasizing the importance of listening to our hearts and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path.