The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Name: The Alchemist
Author: Paulo Coelho
Genre: Adult Fiction
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise (be brief): - "An Andalusian shepherd boy named Santiago travels from his Spanish homeland to the Egyptian desert in search of treasure buried in the Pyramids. Along the way he meets a gypsy woman, a man who calls himself king, and an alchemist, all of whom point Santiago in the direction of his quest. No one knows what the treasure is, or if Santiago will be able to surmount the obstacles along the way. But what starts out as a journey to find worldly goods turns into a meditation on the treasures found within"--Container.
Opinions: This book was absolutely incredible. Based on a fable known throughout the world Coelho gives an eye-opening rendition that struck home to me personally. I found a new way at looking at the world and at my life. If you have ever felt strongly that you have a purpose on this earth but might be too afraid to pursue it, then you should read this book. It might just be the motivation you need to get started. If not at least it will leave you with a lot of profound thinking to do.

The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness by Joel ben Izzy

Name: The Beggar King and the Secret of Happiness
Author: Joel ben Izzy
Genre: Adult Non-Fiction
Reviewer: Karen Pellett
Rating: Fabulous
Alerts/Warnings: None
Premise (be brief): - Once upon a time there was a story-teller who traveled the globe collecting and telling stories that had been passed down for generations. Though the tales he told held great wisdom, he failed to grasp their true meaning until the day he lost the power to tell them. This is the true story of that man -- who finds happiness just when he thinks he has lost everything. In this surprising and altogether original book, Joel ben Izzy takes us on a journey into a world of beggars and kings, monks and tigers, lost horses and buried treasure. (King County Library)
Opinions: This book is intriguing and thought provoking in the best sense. It is a non-fiction story filled with fictional tales. Joel ben Izzy learns how to overcome the struggle of losing his voice to throat cancer by reviewing the tales he told for decades to find within them a deeper meaning that helped to heal his heart and soul. I highly recommend this as a fabulous read to anyone willing to give it a try.