Paulo Coelho who is now regarded as one of the greatest writers of the past century. At a point in his life, he was confined to mental asylums for his want to write. 

Born in Rio de Janeiro, the Brazilian was an opinionated and rambunctious teen. He refused to adhere to the traditional life of his country. 

His parents considered this behavior to be a part of his “madness” and sent him to asylums on three separate occasions. Within these visits, electro-shock therapy was a treatment on many occasions. What Paulo experienced as a teen created a spark of literary genius that would result in some of the most illustrious novels ever written.

The words and ideas he has shared with the world are now translated into more than eighty different languages and published in 170 countries.

He has created dreams within those who do not dream, spread love to those who hate, and give perspective to those who are not humble. 

Team Inspiring Life provides a list of 5 Paulo Coelho book for success and life.

5 books of Paulo Coelho for success and life.

1. The Alchemist.

By far, Coelho’s most influential novel, The Alchemist, is highly recommended by millions. The book follows a young Andalusian (modern-day Spain) shepherd by the name of Santiago.

Santiago herds his sheep under an old abandoned church to keep them safe. He does this often and has a recurring dream that he will discover a treasure in the Egyptian Pyramids.

      Santiago then takes an epic journey from Andalusia through Africa and back again. He meets an Englishman, a girl, and an alchemist along the way. He goes through this journey to only realize, the real treasure was closer than he thought.

  It is a remarkable story about following your dreams and living a meaningful life.

But remember, the grass is not always greener on the other side.

2. Like the flowing river.

This novel is unlike any other Coelho has ever written. Like the Flowing River, is not a novel, but a collection of stories, anecdotes, poems, and notes that contemplate the most profound meanings of life, nature, and death.

  This book is different because it shows Paulo Coelho’s brilliant mind at its most unaffected times. “Prepared for Battle, But with a Few Doubts” is a story of man versus nature.

   Coelho struts his genius by describing someone weeding their garden, and flipping it into a debate of the destruction we have caused nature.

    This book makes our list because it causes us to keep asking ourselves, “What is the true point of life?” Coelho shows that he finds comfort in simplicity.

3. Veronika decides to die.

Veronika is a woman from Slovenia who, at first glance, appears to have a perfect life. But a few pages in, she tries to kill herself by overdosing on sleeping pills.

She then wakes up in a mental hospital. The overdose didn’t kill her but gave her a heart condition that will eventually kill her.

Instead of being frightened and scared, Veronika finds the asylum has a freedom about it. She can say what she wants and do what she wants. Veronika learns along the way to make the best of life and not see the worst in everything

The book takes a dive into Coelho’s time in insane asylums. More so, the idea of madness is front and center throughout the novel.

Are the patients of mental hospitals truly mad? Or is it the perception of the outside world that makes them seem so? Coelho again wrestles with these everlasting, philosophical questions.

4. The Pilgrimage.

The Pilgrimage is one of Coelho’s first novels. Written in 1987, the book is based on his adventures through life from one end of Spain to the other. The story is an homage to his self-discovery on his journey.

  The adventure begins when Coelho fails to enter a group that he has dreamt of since he was a child. In order to join the ranks, he is sent on a journey to find a sword that will show him the simplicity of life.

The journey successfully does so, and Coelho learns the nature of truth, and its importance in the world.

5. Maktub.

Maktub means “it is written” in Arabic. This novel follows Santiago and Fatima from the novel The Alchemist. It is not a sequel but contains the same characters. This novel wrestles with the theme of anxiety. Fear in your decision making is something that you cannot have in your life.

You must be confident in the decisions you made in your past, and the decisions that will help your future.

Maktub is a brilliantly written work that left me wanting to go change the world. Trusting yourself and the life you have chosen is something that many people need to do.