Why should Matthew read the Alchemist?

Am I wrong in thinking that one of the basic messages of the Alchemist is something along the lines of- ” No point in going looking for treasure/wisdom/enlightment, you have it in you.
Isn't Matthew just living, breathing proof of this?

Ooooo!  I can't wait to read why people think I should alchemize myself!!

You're soo sweet, Mikey!!

Mikey, no fair. You said it better and now I've forgotten how I wanted to say what I wanted to say but am pretty perfectly persuaded that I wanted to convey concepts comparable to yours.

So –yes, like attracts like. Alchemy attracts alchemy. Ergo…Mathew attracts El Alchemist.

On the other hand, if (as Mikey suggested) Matthew already is living, breathing proof of the message contained in the Alchemist, then why should he have to read the book? Being something is worth far more than reading about it, isn't it?

Having said that, I would like to add that some books are just worth reading, even if one knows backwards and forwards what is contained in it. Not having read Alchemist to me is something like never having read the Little Prince, or Jonathan Livingston Seagull…

Ok, ok, I admit it: I myself only read the Alchemist this year for the first time. When I did, I wondered how come I had never come across it before?

All right, I'm done, but can I just add one little thing? In my opinion, Matthew should read what he wants to read when he wants to read it.

(Oh boy, I guess I screwed that question up.)

Mathew, I think you should read this book for no other reason than to be able to introduce the reading of it to some young aspiring little mind.  I just did that very thing to my 12 yr daughter, who is a voracious reader & polished it off in a couple nights…& talked to me about it at length when I went to give her a kiss good night.  She, like most people, I'm sure, came away from it feeling good about life & joyfully reflectively looking ahead, trying to see what her personal legend is:)
Hope all is well with everyone…twb

Wow, these are some darn compelling reasons you are all giving me!  I'm getting excited about this book :)

I'm new to Gaia, this, infact, my 1st message. I have not read the Alchemist either. Yea, love good book read lists. Thanks Matthew for not having read this book yet, so that I also will get  a shot at it. ab :)

Maybe Mathew is so pure, he needs no words from others.  He channels his own words.  However, I think I will get that book as soon as possible.  I love reading the visions of others.

Angelbaby!  This is so cool that you are being inspired to read the book, too :)

Wisdom Channeler!  You're far too kind :)  Thank you!!

I have not read the book, I have listened to it over and over again, so much wisdom and insight. Matthew when you are ready, you will pick up the book and you will not be able to put it down. It's just incredible but true wisdom.

Sometimes the best books are the ones that tell you what you already know. Go for it, it is a quick read and you never know what you might find in the pages of a book!

The Alchemist is great for anyone's library… it's one of those books that reminds you of the treasure you are ~Matthew!

I have seen this message a top the site and was wondering why we where asking “why matthew should read the alchemist”. First of all to all of us enlightened beings, there are no “shoulds” in life… only degrees of reason why a person does a thing…

I have not read the Alchemist either, I have it on my list to do so and from everyones words here it maybe a worth while read… 

why Matthew should read the alchemist sounds like a wonderful title for a book! Hope someone's writing it - maybe you, Matthew

love

Good point hummingbird!
I agree

The Alchemist reminds us of what we already know to be true.  Why read it then?  Because we're forgetful creatures.

So go read it.  Remember.  And live brilliantly.

If only to have read something that so many others have read… Reading it will allow you to “be in the club”, It will align your thoughts with those who have read it. Now, since you have chosen to work in the field, it is an excellent example of storytelling through metaphors and the use of embedded suggestions and commands…. or , you could just continue to wonder what “they” are talking about.

I'm also one of the few who has not read this book.  I look forward to doing so not because I think it will impart any groundshaking, new information, but purely because of the energy that people emit, while speaking about it!  Their eyes sparkle, and they glow.  They very nearly get all soft-lensy, like 60's Star Trek women, and put off a soft musk that attracts and heals honeybees. ;o)
Must be a pretty powerful reminder of Who We Really Are, and what better of a reminder to soak in, in as many different ways as possible?

When the student is ready, the next book will find her / him :)  It calls to you from the shelf or better yet from the heart.

“Because it's there.” George Leigh Mallory, March 1923

I haven't read it either. In fact I don't recall having heard of it before this post. I would put it on my to-read list, but that is too long already. Although it may just cut in line if I can get to the library. As for Matthew, he must go as the spirit leads.

Matthew,

I think you should read the book without the having the influence of others telling what to expect.  It is the kind of book that you read and hopefully you have several AHA moments.  

The road to spiritual awakening and enlightenment is a lonely one, because there are certain things only you can do. Coelho's writing most certainly challenges us to be fearless in pursuing our true heart's desire.

Having said all that, the one thing I got from the book, was the price for following your heart/dreams can be costly but the end result is always what the Divine intended for it to be.  So enjoy the reading one of my favorite books of all times.

The Alchemist is moving, magical potentially life-changing read. I'm sorry it took my several years to even look into it.  I think it's popularity was a turn-off for me at first.  But it's short and sweet, so it won't take long to get through, so it is really worth it.