“It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting.”
― Paulo Coelho, Alchemist
This year’s summer reading assignment for 12th graders is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.As seniors in high school you will spend this year preparing to embark on the next phase of your life’s journey. This threshold will mark the point of no return, a moment of commitment and change, leaving behind the old and accepting the new. Some of you may do so reluctantly or because external forces have given you no other choice. By the end of the year you will be faced with new opportunities and new dangers. After reading The Alchemistyou will be inspired to embark on your journey, reflect upon your dreams, and prepare for the years ahead.
It is anamazing story with powerful lessonsof advice that we all can apply to improve the quality of our thoughts and our lives. Having been translated into 41 languages, the novel has captured the imagination of a wide audience beyond the United States; it could serve to help you as you become “citizens of the world”. - Gene Brunak
Summary: The Alchemist is the magical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure as extravagant as any ever found. From his home in Spain he journeys to the markets of Tangiers and across the Egyptian desert to a fateful encounter with the alchemist.
Santiago is a shepherd boy who dreams that a treasure awaits him beside the Egyptian pyramids. After a long, uneventful journey he finds that real riches are waiting for him in an unexpected place. Santiago's journey teaches us about the wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the signs along life's path, and following our dreams.
The story of the treasures Santiago finds along the way teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, above all, following our dreams.
Essential Questions:In order to develop your own understanding of the novel’s themes, characters and conflicts and to help you draw personal connections to the literature, consider the following essential questions before, during and after reading:
How does the theme of the journey in literature help develop an understanding of the world around us?
How do our dreams influence us and change who we are?
How do we find meaning in life?
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The AlchemistPre-reading Survey: Following Your Dreams
Statement Opinion Explain why or why not
1. Some people say, “Everything happens for a reason.” Do you believe in fate, that some or most things in life are destined or meant to happen? / Yes/No / Why or why not?2. Do you believe you have a destiny, a calling, or a particular mission in life tofulfill? / Yes/ No / Why or why not?
3. List five things you dream about accomplishing in your lifetime
1. ______
2. ______
3. ______
4. ______
5. ______
4. Would your family and/or friends approve of or support you in any or all of your five dreams? / Yes/No / Why or why not?5. Do you feel you have the power within yourself (without anyone else’s help) to achieve all five dreams? / Yes/No / Why or why not?
6. What is one thing you will achieve in your life regardless of the price, time, or effort it requires?
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______/ What are three steps you must take to fulfill this most important aspiration?
a.
b.
c.