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I used to think reading was boring.
I'm serious. I did not like it and so I never really book.
Every time someone said "You should read more," I wanted to roll my eyes.
Books felt like heavy weight and a waste of time for me. I would prefer anything but reading, watching movies, hanging out with friends, playing video games, and other activities that I enjoyed but didn’t benefit from much.
But one book changed everything for me. A book that was around only 170 pages.
It made me start truly enjoying reading. What’s funny is it wasn’t even my own book.
One day when I was in grad school when one of my best friends, and neighbor at the time suggested that I read a book that was on his shelf next to his TV.
He said to me, “I think you’ll love this book. You should read it.”
So that’s what I did that summer, the summer of 2013.
I didn't have classes; so I spent around a month or two reading and re-reading this amazing book.
That book sparked in me a real love for reading. And it made me a better person.
The stories in the book and the journey of Santiago felt like my own story.
That book’s name is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho
And today, I'm going to tell you the summary of that book, teach you 5 new words, and show you the four biggest lessons from this book all in simple English.
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If you think reading is boring, keep reading. By the end of this letter, you'll want to pick up this book.
Let's go.
THE STORY
A Shepherd. A Dream. A Journey.
A young shepherd named Santiago lives in Spain. He loves his sheep, but he has a strange dream two times. In the dream, he sees treasure near the pyramids of Egypt.
Santiago is afraid, but he sells his sheep and starts a long journey. He travels across the sea to Africa. He loses his money. He works for a crystal merchant. He crosses the desert. He falls in love with a girl named Fatima.
On the way, he meets an old king, an Englishman, and an alchemist — a wise man who teaches him to listen to his heart and to read the signs of life.
At the end, Santiago finds his treasure. But the real treasure is not gold. It is the journey itself; and the person he became.
FIVE NEW WORDS
Learn these before you read the book. They will help you understand the story much better.
Shepherd — a person who takes care of sheep
Treasure — gold, money, or something special
Journey — a long trip from one place to another
Desert — a hot place with sand and no water
Sign — a small thing that shows you what to do
FOUR BIG LESSONS
What This Book Teaches You
Follow Your Dream
Everyone has a "Personal Legend" — the thing they were born to do. Don't be afraid to start.Listen to Your Heart
Your heart knows the way. When you are quiet, you can hear it speak.
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The Journey Matters
The treasure is good. But the lessons you learn on the way are better.Don't Give Up
You will lose money. You will feel tired. Keep going. The end is closer than you think.
Why does this matter for your English?
Because this book is written in simple, beautiful English.
The sentences are short. The words are not complicated. But the ideas are deep.
This is the perfect book for you if you are A2 to B1 level. You don't need a dictionary on every page. You just need your eyes, a cup of tea, and 20 minutes.
And here's the secret that nobody tells you about reading:
Reading is only boring when the book is not for your level and when it is boring.
If the book is too hard, you feel frustrated. If the book is too easy, you feel nothing.
But when it’s the right book is right, when you understand 80% and the story is inspiring and you want to keep reading, reading becomes the most powerful thing you can do for your English progress and fluency.
The Alchemist is that book.
Ready to read it? Here’s how you should do it:
Start with 5 pages a day. Write 3 new words. And you will finish in one month.
And when you do, write to me. Tell me your favorite part.
And I will tell you what mine is.
Much love,
Ziyad from The English Zone