Describe a book that had a big influence on you. You should say: what the book is, when you read it, what the book is about, and explain why it had such a big influence on you.

One book that has profoundly influenced my life is "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, which I read during my last year of high school, around 2015. This novel tells the story of Santiago, a young shepherd from Spain who embarks on a journey to find a hidden treasure located near the Egyptian pyramids. Along the way, he encounters various characters who impart wisdom and teach him invaluable lessons about life, dreams, and the pursuit of personal legend. What makes this book so impactful is its central theme of following one's dreams and listening to one’s heart. At a time when I was about to make significant choices regarding my future, the story resonated with me deeply. It encouraged me to assess what truly mattered to me rather than conforming to societal expectations. For example, Santiago’s relentless pursuit of his treasure despite numerous setbacks reminded me of the importance of perseverance and self-belief. Furthermore, the novel emphasizes the idea that the journey itself often teaches us more than the outcome, a philosophy that I have carried into my own experiences. Overall, "The Alchemist" has not only inspired me to chase after my own dreams but also instilled in me the confidence to embark on my own personal journey without fear of failure.