The Nudge by Joseph Fink

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of The Nudge by Joseph Fink and nicely narrated by Cecil Baldwin & Kevin R. Free. Joseph Fink is a new to me author. Hoopla had recommended this novella to me based on the books I have read or listened to this year via the Hoopla app. 

I chose to listen to this novella based on the high ratings and also its short length at 2 hours, 28 minutes. Plus, I couldn't resist this horror and psychological thriller themed read as Halloween approaches.

Like the publisher's summary mentions below, I found the The Nudge by Joseph Fink to be atmospheric. I liked the duel narration for this novella as well. I also found the storyline to be interesting and engaging. As a side note, while I was listening to The Nudge, I found certain scenes reminding me of particular pop culture things... Like the song, 'Hotel California' by the Eagles, the Winchester Mansion, 'Psycho' (both the movie and novel), and the novel, Cujo. None of these things (Cujo, Psycho, Winchester Mansion, the song 'Hotel California') were actually referenced specifically in The Nudge, but certain scenes that were written made me think of of these particular pop culture icons.

I liked the characters for The Nudge too. However, The Nudge, was not as engrossing as I'd hoped it would be based on the overall rating of this novella.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Nudge by Joseph Fink I found on Chirp's website:

A new horror novella from the creator of Welcome to Night Vale and Alice Isn’t Dead.

On the open road, evil doesn’t chase you. It waits . . .

Late one night, a wounded man checks into a remote roadside hotel. He’s running from something he can’t explain or escape. And over the course of a night, he’ll tell the hotel’s proprietor how his life fell apart.

It started with his wife. Subtle changes. Smiles that didn’t belong to her. Then violence—sudden, intimate, almost casual. Therapy offered hope. Recovery seemed possible. Until it wasn’t. He believes a hidden influence has attached itself to him, one that never forces, never commands. It whispers. It suggests. Nudges people toward their worst impulses.

Now the man wanders the country as a fugitive, hoping to break free from the evil that’s wormed its way into him. But as our narrator’s story unfolds, he begins to question whether he’s fled far enough …

Tense, atmospheric, and chilling, The Nudge is a slow-burn tale of suspense that will linger like a whisper in the dark, long after the story is over.

I am giving The Nudge by Joseph Fink a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard

I came across the audio version of Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard via Hoopla. I like eating Indian fry bread, although I haven't eaten it in years. I also wanted to learn more about Native American Culture. Because of this, I chose to listen to Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard. 

Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story is a children's book published in 2019 and it has numerous accolades including the Winner of the 2020 Robert F. Sibert Medal, Publishers Weekly Best Picture Book of 2019, Kirkus Reviews Best Picture Book of 2019, and NPR's 100 Favorite Books for Young Readers.

I really enjoyed listening to the audio version of Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story, which is nicely narrated by the author. My only complaint about listening to the audio version of this book is that the reader misses out on viewing the illustrations found within the physical book.

For being an illustrated children's book, Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story is filled with plenty of information about fry bread and also about Native American history. I learned that the Navajo tribe was the first to make fry bread over 150 years ago. There are also several different recipes for fry bread, which I thought was interesting as I only thought there was one universal recipe. The author even included his own recipe for fry bread and how to make it.

Additionally, I learned that there are 573 federally recognized Native American tribes here in the USA and 67 state recognized Native American tribes. There was plenty of other information within Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story that I found informative too.

I am giving Fry Bread: A Native American Family Story by Kevin Noble Maillard a rating of 4.5 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!! 

Point Reyes Books in Point Reyes Station, California

Point Reyes Books is absolute magic!! In fact, it is a bibliophile’s dream bookstore. I could have walked away with a couple dozen books, but my bank account and husband weren't having it! If it isn't obvious already, I'm in L-O-V-E with Point Reyes Books.

Point Reyes Books has everything an independent bookstore should be—welcoming, thoughtfully curated, and deeply tied to the local community. Every shelf feels like it was put together with real care, making it impossible to walk out empty-handed. Whether you’re a local or just visiting Point Reyes Station, stopping here is an absolute must!

I walked away with a signed copy of The Extremities by Samantha Kimmy. Samatha Kimmy also happens to be the store manager for Point Reyes Books.

Point Reyes Books is located in the heart of downtown Point Reyes Station, California. Downtown Point Reyes Station is very walkable with many eateries and small businesses to explore during one's visit. 

The following is a summary for The Extremities by Samantha Kimmy:

One day at work, a young newspaper reporter is suddenly struck with a mysterious pain in her hands that renders her unable to type. Kim initially believes the disorder—as she refers to it—will disappear quickly. But attempts at treatment fail and no medical professional seems able to diagnose her. Is it a problem of posture? Stress from work? Fear of nearby wildfires or a past trauma, perhaps connected to the tragic death of her maybe-a-hoarder mother many years ago? Though the disorder puts her job, her relationship, and her state of mind in jeopardy, Kim begins to feel a strange kinship to the pain, a desire to “obey” it—a sentiment affirmed by her naturalist boyfriend, who has plans of his own for an idyllic future. Will submitting to the pain enable Kim to transcend it, or will it further derail her from the life she intended to lead?

Doesn't The Extremities by Samantha Kimmy sound like an interesting read? 

New to Me Little Free Library in Inverness, California!!

 

Last weekend, my husband and I visited Inverness, California for the weekend. While we were in Inverness, we discovered a Little Free Library down the street from our AirBnB. I left five books inside the Little Free Library. What a cute LFL in a cute residential neighborhood!

Join US During the Month of October in Reading 'The Accursed' by Joyce Carol Oates!

 

Welcome to the Shadows: Announcing 'The Accursed' Spooky Season Read-Along!

Get ready to dive into one of the most wildly ambitious, darkly atmospheric historical fantasies of modern literature just in time for Spooky Season. From October 1 through October 31, 2026, Marianne @ Let's Read and I are teaming up to tackle Joyce Carol Oates’s epic Gothic masterpiece, The Accursed—and we would love for you to join us!

Set in Princeton, New Jersey, in 1905–1906, the novel weaves real historical figures—like Woodrow Wilson, Grover Cleveland, and Upton Sinclair—into a chilling, surreal Gothic mystery. When a supernatural "curse" overtakes the elite families of the town, society crumbles under the weight of mysterious abductions, demonic visions, and long-buried hypocrisies.

At over 600 pages, it is a dense, feverish read—which is precisely why reading and discussing it together over the 31 days of October will make it so much more fun.

October Reading Schedule

We will break the novel down across the four weeks of October (roughly 150–170 pages per week) so we can all finish together right on Halloween night:

Timeline	Assigned Reading	Key Themes / Focus
Week 1 (Oct 1–Oct 8)	Author's note, Prologue, + Part 1	The curse descends on the Slade wedding; Woodrow Wilson's strain
Week 2 (Oct 9–Oct 16)	Part 2	Historical cameos; the eerie Bog Kingdom; social satire
Week 3 (Oct 17–Oct 24)	Part 3	Hysteria spreads; moral decay of the Princeton elite
Week 4 (Oct 25–Oct 31)	Part 4 to End of Novel	Climax, resolution, and unpacking the narrator’s reliability

How to Participate

• Weekly Discussion Posts: Every Friday in October (Oct 9, 16, 23, and 31), a new post will go live right here on the blog with guided discussion prompts, character trackers, and space to share your thoughts.

• Comment Section: Drop your theories, favorite quotes, and reactions in the comments of each weekly post as you read along with Marianne and me at your own pace.

Grab your copy, dust off your reading chair, and drop a comment below if you're joining us this October!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Stoicism by Tony Bennis

I originally download the unabridged audio version of Stoicism by Tony Bennis from Chirp Books around 3 to 4 years ago. However, Chirp Books no longer seems to carry this audiobook title for whatever reason!

I meant to initially listen to Stoicism by Tony Bennis when I first purchased it 3 to 4 years ago, but I kept putting it off and reading other books instead. I am into philosophy and also self-help books that will hopefully inspire change within. Since stoicism is an ancient philosophy, I figured learning more about stoicism may help give me a new perspective on how to inspire change within vs. a more current psychologically based self-help based book.

Stoicism by Tony Bennis is a quick read... Or in my case, a quick listen as the audio edition is less than four hours in length. Stoicism by Tony Bennis is a beginner's overview of stoicism for the uninitiated who desires to to gain basic knowledge about stoicism to hel facilitate practical change. I found this book to be a nice introduction to stoicism that I may refer back to repeatedly as needed. There are also exercises to complete at the end of each chapter to solidify the points made within each chapter. I look forward to exploring more in depth books about stoicism in the future.

Below is the summary for Stoicism by Tony Bennis from Bookshop.org:

Are the troubles of modern life getting to you?

The solution to your troubles is contained in the wisdom of the ancients.

Stoicism is a philosophy that was started in Ancient Greece, but this two-thousand-year-old worldview is enjoying a modern rebirth. All across the globe, people are coming to appreciate the timeless wisdom of Stoicism.

You don't have to suffer. You may not be able to control the path your life will take, but Stoicism teaches that you can control the way you see life. By shifting your way of thinking you can eliminate unnecessary suffering, reshape your thought patterns, and achieve that sense of calm you've always wanted.

In this book, you will find all of the information you need to understand Stoic thought and put it into action in your life.

• Start by understanding what Stoicism is and isn't. Once you understand the basic concepts you'll learn the history of this storied Philosophy. From there you will build up your understanding while learning how to put each new concept into practice.

• Gain insight into the emotions that can keep you from living the life that you want to lead. Find out how to master your heart by feeding positive emotions while starving the negative.

• Learn a strategy for success that has helped some of history's greatest heroes to triumph in the face of tragedy. When you learn to see obstacles as opportunities you can rise to the top while others fall behind.

• Find out how to prepare yourself for any challenge life may hand you. Don't wait for tragedy to strike before you learn how to handle it. Start building the skills that will allow you to weather any storm.

• Take steps today to change your life. This isn't a self-help book for you to read and forget, it calls for real action that will create real results.

All throughout the book, you will find a treasure trove of Stoic wisdom in the form of quotes from history's greatest Stoic thinkers. Learn the lessons taught by history's greatest teachers, passed onto you in plain English.

You don't have to live a life ruled by stress and worry. No matter who you are, you can learn how to master your own mind and retake control of your life.

The power to change is inside of you, the ancient secrets of Stoicism will show you how to unlock your full potential.

I am giving giving Stoicism by Tony Bennis a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Hidden Hideaways by Cindy Bell

Last month, I listened to the unabridged audio version of Hidden Hideaways by Cindy Bell, which was well narrated by Sara Morsey. Hidden Hideaways by Cindy Bell is the fourth cozy mystery novel in the 'Dune House Series'.

Hidden Hideaways by Cindy Bell is a short, light listen and was another perfect pick after listening to Therese Raquin by Emile Zola. I adore cozy mystery novels! Hidden Hideaways was a really good cozy mystery novel. Not perfect, but good enough as a palate cleanser after listening to a heavier classic novel earlier in the month.

The storyline for Hidden Hideaways is fun, captivating, and to the point. I liked the main characters quite a bit. Hidden Hideaways has to be my favorite novella in the series. It contains more action, more red herrings, and more characters as suspects to choose from than the previous novellas in the series.

Below is the publisher's summary for Hidden Hideaways by Cindy Bell from Chirp's website:

Suzie and Mary are enjoying running the newly reopened Dune House, a stunning bed and breakfast on the beach. Their friendship has never been stronger. Mary is in her element using the skills she gained taking care of her family to ensure their guests have an unforgettable experience and Suzie’s relationship with Paul is flourishing.

But when Paul threatens a guest and then the guest is found dead, Paul becomes the prime murder suspect. But there is one problem. He has disappeared without a trace. Suzie believes that Paul is innocent and is worried that he is in grave danger so she starts her own investigation to find him and uncover the truth. 

It’s a race against the clock to find Paul before it’s too late! But is Paul really who Suzie thinks he is or has he deceived Suzie and been using her all along?

I am giving Hidden Hideaways by Cindy Bell a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars. 

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Treasured History by Cindy Bell

Last month, I listened to the unabridged audio version of Treasured History by Cindy Bell, which was well narrated by Sara Morsey. Treasured History by Cindy Bell is the third cozy mystery novel in the 'Dune House Series'. 

Treasured History by Cindy Bell is a short, light listen and was a perfect pick after listening to Therese Raquin by Emile Zola last month. I adore cozy mystery novels! Treasured History was a good cozy mystery novel. I enjoyed this cozy novella much better than the first two novellas in the series.

The storyline for Treasured History is fun and engaging. I liked the main characters quite a bit. It was also a bit more tricky to guess the killer this go around as there were more red herrings and characters to choose from than in the previous novellas.

Below is the publisher's summary for Treasured History by Cindy Bell from Chirp's website:

Dune House, a stunning old house right on the beach, is finally ready to be reopened as a bed and breakfast. Best friends, Suzie and Mary, are very excited that their hard work has paid off and the opening weekend has finally arrived. They are even more excited that they have guests booked in on opening day.

But before the B & B is officially opened Mary is distracted by a surprise guest and Suzie is distracted by her blossoming romance with Paul. When their guests do arrive they get more than they bargained for. Not only do they have to accommodate a very pretentious guest and an unusual guest but there is a problem with the plumbing.

Then someone is found murdered. With the reputation of Dune House to protect, Suzie and Mary want the murder solved quickly so they do a little investigating of their own to speed up the investigation.

What secrets does the history of Dune House hold that could lead to murder?

I am giving Treasured History by Cindy Bell a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Top Ten Tuesday - Authors I've Met

Top Ten Tuesday is an original feature/weekly meme hosted by Jana @ That Artsy Reader Girl. Top Ten Tuesday was originally created by The Broke and the Bookish in June of 2010 and was moved to That Artsy Reader Girl in January of 2018. It was born of a love of lists, a love of books, and a desire to bring bookish friends together.

I've met more than ten authors in person at either book signings at indie bookstores or at book festivals. Below are the first ten authors that came to mind.

1. Thomas Steinbeck

2. Garth Stein

3. Lisa See

4. Roxane Gay

5. Judy Blume

6. Tayari Jones

7. Joyce Carol Oates

8. Sherman Alexie

9. Viet Thanh Nguyen

10. Amy Stewart

Do you have a favorite author experience? For me, meeting Thomas Steinbeck (son of John Steinbeck) was a real treat! My husband and I attended a literary event in Santa Barbara, California. It ends up that we were sitting right next to Thomas Steinbeck and his wife, Gail! We also met Thomas Steinbeck a second time at an indie bookstore in Santa Barbara as well. I have three signed books by Thomas Steinbeck, which I will cherish forever!

Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones

 

I listened to the unabridged audio version of Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones, which was nicely narrated by Shaun Taylor-Corbett.

I have mixed feelings regarding the books written by Stephen Graham Jones. I read and disliked The Only Good Indians by Stephen Graham Jones, but I enjoyed Night of the Mannequins despite the fact that it was different than I thought it would be. 

So, Mapping the Interior is my third read by Stephen Graham Jones. I didn't love this novella, but didn't hate it either. Maybe, this just means that Stephen Graham Jones's writing just isn't for me.

As far as Mapping the Interior goes, it falls into the indigenous horror genre. There is a lot of suspense as to what is truly happening  and why. Several key indigenous themes throughout make Mapping the Interior an eerie read with a horrific ending.

I asked Google Gemini to flush out the key themes for Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones. See below:

Stephen Graham Jones’s 2017 novella Mapping the Interior blends Indigenous horror with psychological trauma. The story follows Junior, a twelve-year-old Blackfeet boy who catches a glimpse of his deceased father walking through their modular home in full fancy-dancer regalia.

Grief and the Mythologizing of Absence

Junior barely knew his father, who died under mysterious circumstances when Junior was very young. Instead of grieving a real person, Junior constructs an idealized myth of a protective figure. His desire for guidance causes him to ignore the entity’s increasingly parasitic nature, highlighting how unresolved grief distorts judgment and turns memory into a dangerous force.

The Horror of Paternal Duty and Cycle of Harm

The father's ghost presents itself as a guardian, but keeping him anchored requires devastating sacrifices from the living—specifically targeting Junior's younger brother, Dino. Jones explores how generational trauma operates under the guise of family loyalty, forcing children to endure harm to preserve a patriarch's memory.

Displacement and Domestic Space

The modular home acts as a physical manifestation of dislocation and poverty. By literalizing the title, Junior attempts to "map" the house's interior, discovering impossible dimensions inside a cheap structure. This mirrors the experience of off-reservation displacement—trying to carve out identity and cultural connection inside space designed to be impermanent and featureless.

Cultural Identity and Perverted Ritual

Traditional Indigenous practices, such as the father's fancy dancing and ritualistic protection, become twisted into something predatory. Rather than providing spiritual grounding, the ritual elements become violent demands, critiquing the impulse to blindly weaponize tradition without accountability.

Below is the publisher's summary for Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones found Chirp's website:

The New York Times bestselling author of The Only Good Indians and The Buffalo Hunter Hunter, Stephen Graham Jones, brings readers a spine-tingling journey through a young boy’s haunted home. Winner of the 2017 Bram Stoker Award for Long Fiction!

“A triumph. So emotionally raw, disturbing, creepy, and brilliant.”
—Paul Tremblay, New York Times bestselling author of Horror Movie

Walking through his own house at night, a young boy thinks he sees another person stepping through a doorway. The figure reminds him of his long-dead father, who drowned mysteriously before his family left the reservation. When he follows, it he discovers his house is bigger and deeper than he ever knew.

The house is the kind of wrong place where you can lose yourself and find things you’d rather not have. Over the course of a few nights, the boy tries to map out his house in an effort that puts his younger brother in the worst danger, and puts him in the position to save them … at a terrible cost.

I'm giving Mapping the Interior by Stephen Graham Jones a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Bookish Quote of the Day!!

 

Boats and Bad Guys by Cindy Bell

Last month, I listened to the unabridged audio version of Boats and Bad Guys by Cindy Bell, which was well narrated by Sara Morsey. Boats and Bad Guys by Cindy Bell is the second cozy mystery novel in the 'Dune House Series'.

Boats and Bad Guys by Cindy Bell is a short, light listen and was another perfect pick after listening to Therese Raquin by Emile Zola. I adore cozy mystery novels! Boats and Bad Guys was a decent cozy mystery novel. Not great, but good enough as a palate cleanser after listening to a heavier classic novel earlier in the month.

The storyline for Boats and Bad Guys is fun and to the point. I liked the main characters quite a bit. It was easy to guess the killer as there weren't that many characters in this book to begin with. It would have been nicer to have more characters and red herrings to keep a reader guessing as to whodunnit. At least there was more action to this novella than in Seaside Secrets.

Below is the publisher's summary for Boats and Bad Guys by Cindy Bell from Chirp's website:

Best friends, Suzie and Mary, are enjoying living together in Garber. They are settling into their new lives and are finalizing the renovations on the spectacular B & B on the beach. They find the perfect painting to decorate one of the rooms. It is painted by a local, young artist who committed suicide years earlier.

But then they find something hidden in the frame that piques their curiosity and they want to find out its significance. During their investigations they begin to believe that the artist of the painting did not commit suicide and they try to discover the truth. But there are two dangerous men who want the truth buried. With a storm brewing they overcome many obstacles on their journey to uncover the facts before the evidence is lost forever.

Will Suzie and Mary’s quest for adventure land them in danger? Will they discover the truth before the bad guys silence them? Is love between Suzie and the mysterious captain, Paul, on the horizon?

I am giving Boats and Bad Guys by Cindy Bell a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Seaside Secrets by Cindy Bell

 

Last month, I listened to the unabridged audio version of Seaside Secrets by Cindy Bell, which was well narrated by Sara Morsey. Seaside Secrets by Cindy Bell is the first cozy mystery novel in the 'Dune House Series'. 

Seaside Secrets by Cindy Bell is a short, light listen and was a perfect pick after listening to Therese Raquin by Emile Zola. I adore cozy mystery novels! Seaside Secrets was a decent cozy mystery novel. Not great, but good enough as a palate cleanser after listening to a heavier classic novel.

The storyline for Seaside Secrets is fun and to the point. I liked the main characters quite a bit. It was easy to guess the killer as there weren't that many characters in this book to begin with. It would have been nicer to have more characters and red herrings to keep a reader guessing as to whodunnit.

Below is the publisher's summary for Seaside Secrets by Cindy Bell from Chirp's website:

When Suzie inherits a neglected beach house from her estranged uncle, she and her best friend decide to restore the property to its former status as a charming bed-and-breakfast — but as they start renovations, evidence emerges of foul play in Suzie’s uncle’s death. Can they nail a killer before someone has deadly designs on their lives?

I am giving Seaside Secrets by Cindy Bell a rating of 3 stars out of 5 stars.

Until my next post, happy reading!!

Godmothers Bookstore in Summerland, California

 

Upcoming book events.

Blind date with a book section.

Outdoor cafe!!

I'm happy to report that I recently visited a new to me bookstore last week while visiting the Santa Barbara area!! Godmothers is located in the quaint, coastal town of Summerland, California and opened its doors in 2024.

Godmothers is located inside a three story building that use to be an antique store. I fell in love with Godmothers for many reasons. I love the layout for this bookstore. It's easy to find as it is right off the 101 Freeway. They have an outdoor cafe, which I didn't try because my husband and I had just enjoyed breakfast before our visit. 

There are several events hosted by Godmothers. You will find mostly new books for sale, but you will also find a few vintage books for sale as well. I loved the 'blind date' with a book section. The book section for teens and children.

I wish my husband and I still lived in the area so that we could visit Godmothers on a regular basis!

FOL Used Bookstore in Carpinteria, California

 

I'm feeling rather nostalgic right now! My husband and I lived in the small coastal town of Carpinteria, California for almost 16 years. Carpinteria located approximately halfway between Ventura, California and Santa Barbara, California.

We loved living Carpinteria. I truly miss living there. For such a small town, it packed a punch in terms of things to do. Carpinteria has plenty of eateries, a weekly farmers market, an annual avocado festival, a seal rookery, several parks, a campground, a salt marsh, a history museum, a community center, a rose farm, nurseries galore, and the world's safest beaches (no riptides supposedly).

I use to shop at the local FOL Used Bookstore all the time when we lived in Carpinteria. It is a stand alone bookstore right next to the public library. The FOL Used Bookstore was always well stocked with books for sale costing no more than $2 per book. Some books were a lot less. 

During our trip to Santa Barbara last week, we drove down to Carpinteria to see what changes have occurred since we left the area 12 years ago. We also revisited the FOL Used Bookstore while we were in town. I purchased up four books for six dollars. I'm glad to see the FOL Used Bookstore is still around and thriving. So much has changed in Carpinteria since we moved away in 2014.

I first made a post about the FOL Used Bookstore in Carpinteria back in January 2012 when I first began blogging! Click here to see my original post!

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

 

As a side note, I help teach English to a Ukrainian woman living in Ukraine. She has read and recommended The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I've seen this book over the years, but have never read it before... That is until this month!

I had Google Gemini flush out, organize, and rewrite my initial thoughts after reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It was too much for me to write a detailed, indepth post while in a CRPS/RSD flare.

Have you ever picked up a book that felt less like a story and more like a quiet conversation with your own life goals?

That is precisely the magic of Paulo Coelho’s novel, The Alchemist. While framed as a simple fiction story, Santiago’s trek across the desert taps into universal themes of destiny, spirituality, and personal growth.

I recently experienced this timeless fable through the audiobook edition narrated by British actor Jeremy Irons, and it gave the entire story a rich, captivating layer. Here is my breakdown of why this short novel makes such a big impact—and how its philosophical roots align with modern ideas about manifestation.

1. A Masterclass in the Hero’s Journey

At its core, The Alchemist follows Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who leaves behind the safety of his home and flock to chase a recurring dream of treasure near the Egyptian pyramids.

Santiago’s path follows Joseph Campbell’s classic Hero’s Journey to a tee:

• The Call to Adventure: A persistent dream that disrupts his routine.
• Mentors & Guides: Unforgettable characters like Melchizedek (the King of Salem), a cautious crystal merchant, and the Alchemist himself.
• Trials & Transformation: Facing robbery, doubt, love, and tribal warfare in the Sahara.

Instead of just seeking material wealth, Santiago’s journey shifts into a search for his "Personal Legend"—the true purpose each of us is called to pursue.

2. Faith, Mysticism, and the "Soul of the World"

Coelho effortlessly blends concepts from various traditions—Christianity, Sufism, and ancient Hermetic wisdom—without landing heavily on any single dogma.

The story introduces the idea of the "Soul of the World," an interconnected spiritual energy where all living things speak a shared, silent language. It’s a comforting, meditative take on spirituality: the idea that listening to your heart and paying attention to everyday omens connects you to a broader universal rhythm.

3. The Proto-Secret: Manifestation Before It Was Trendy

If you’ve ever read Rhonda Byrne’s The Secret, Coelho’s most famous line will sound immediately familiar:

"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

This is essentially the Law of Attraction wrapped in a mythic allegory. It’s worth noting that Coelho published The Alchemist in 1988—nearly two decades before The Secret hit shelves in 2006. While Byrne framed manifestation as a self-help methodology, Coelho framed it as a narrative truth: when you commit fully to your path, the world aligns to support you.

4. The Jeremy Irons Effect: Why Audio is the Ultimate Format

If you are planning to experience (or re-experience) this book, listen to the audiobook.

Jeremy Irons’ narration is pure audio perfection. His warm, gravelly, and gravitas-filled voice brings a cozy, campfire-story atmosphere to the entire listening experience. He delivers the novel's frequent proverbs and philosophical reflections with a gentle, thoughtful cadence that keeps them from feeling preachy or heavy-handed.

Final Verdict

The Alchemist is a short, lyrical read that sits right at the intersection of fiction, philosophy, and motivation. Whether you read it as an adventure, a spiritual allegory, or a precursor to modern self-help, it leaves you reflecting on your own life goals. 

The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is filled with too many likable quotes to share here.

Below is the publisher's summary for The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho found on Goodreads website:

Combining magic, mysticism, wisdom, and wonder into an inspiring tale of self-discovery, The Alchemist has become a modern classic, selling millions of copies around the world and transforming the lives of countless readers across generations.

Paulo Coelho's masterpiece tells the mystical story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who yearns to travel in search of a worldly treasure. His quest will lead him to riches far different—and far more satisfying—than he ever imagined. Santiago's journey teaches us about the essential wisdom of listening to our hearts, recognizing opportunity and learning to read the omens strewn along life's path, and, most importantly, following our dreams.

I am giving The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho a rating 4 stars out of 5 stars.

Have you read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho? What was your take on this novel? Do you consider The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho to be a modern day classic?

Until my next post, happy reading!!

New to Me Little Free Library in Santa Barbara, California

 

I loved finding this Little Free Library in Santa Barbara with my husband on our way to the Santa Barbara Mission. It is a very cute LFL and offered quite a few book choices.

We visited the Santa Barbara Mission afterward, which wasn't our first visit. The Santa Barbara Mission is beautiful and is known as the 'Queen of the California Missions'.

There is a book tie in to the Santa Barbara Mission! Did you know this? The Island of the Blue Dolphin by Scott O'Dell is the novel I'm specifically talking about. 

Below is information I discovered while searching Google:

The Lone Woman of San Nicolas Island—the real-life inspiration for Karana in Island of the Blue Dolphins—was brought to the Old Mission Santa Barbara in 1853 after living in isolation for 18 years. She passed away from dysentery just seven weeks after her rescue and “was buried in an unmarked grave on the Nidever family plot at the Santa Barbara Mission cemetery.” “There is a plaque at the east end of the mission cemetery that commemorates her. It was dedicated in 1928, by the Daughters of the American Revolution.”

Below is a photo I took with my camera phone of the plaque which commemorates the lone woman from San Nicolas Island.

I've also included three other photos taken inside the Santa Barbara Mission Church.

I hope you enjoyed my post! Have you visited any Little Free Libraries lately?