Comparing The Alchemist, Divergent, And A Tree Grows In Brooklyn

In creating my personal library, I’d include three books I’ve read recently: “The Alchemist,” by Paulo Coelho, “Divergent,” by Veronica Roth, and “A Tree Grows in Brooklyn,” by Betty Smith. Each appeals to me in different ways: one because of its message, another because of its literary style and genre and the last because of its character development. Together, though they deliver a powerful message I’d like my library readers to hear: develop strong morals while you journey through life, happiness is within yourself to grasp; stay true to yourself even when facing extreme opposition; and persistence and tenacity will allow you to achieve your goals despite set-backs and adversity.

In “The Alchemist” a poor shepherd, Santiago, begins his hero's journey in the pursuit of happiness, fame and fortune. He leaves his comfort zone in Andalusia and overcomes his fear by listening to his heart. He sets off to find treasure, but along his occasionally impossible and painful journey, he learns wisdom and develops a moral code to live by: don’t let greed blur your vision, enjoy the journey, not just the goal, and there is treasure in your own backyard not to be overlooked. Coelho’s values are ones that resonate with me: the fortune you are seeking is at home (within yourself), to be found if you look hard enough for it. …show more content…
Although the characters are not strongly developed, I enjoy “Divergent” because its literary style engages me enough to read the rest of the Trilogy and get to know the heroine better. I like the bravery and rebellion of Tris who challenges mainstream thought which values virtues or talents to such an extreme, it chokes out diversity and