The First Reads of my life:

These two are heavy hitters. Actually, The Fault In Our Stars was my first read, recommended by a girl whom I accidentally met in my friend's wedding in 2016. She asked me to read it and also watch the movie made exactly on it. The second one "The Alchemist" was my second read, also recommended by one of my classmates in 2017. These two became favourites. Somewhere deep down, there was a desire to read books, which they brought to life. One book reminds you how beautiful and fragile life is while you're searching for it and other teaches you how to find your destiny and shape your life. It’s a fascinating combination. Here’s why those two likely left such a mark on me:

The Fault in Our Stars:

John Green’s story deals with the "unfairness" of the universe—the "star-crossed" nature of reality. While The Alchemist looks at the stars for guidance, Augustus and Hazel remind us that even if our time is limited, the small, quiet infinities we create with other people are just as meaningful. Hazel has cancer. A miracle, shrinking tumour has bought her a few extra years, but Hazel knows she’s dying. At a Cancer Kid Support group, she meets Augustus Waters and so begins a new chapter. “As he read, I fell in love the way you fall asleep: slowly, and then all at once.” The rest of the book follows them falling in love, facing their illnesses, living and accepting their fate This book is beautifully written with lots of beautiful quotes. My favourite one is - "That's the thing about pain. It demands to be felt." I liked the characters. I enjoyed how Hazel and Augustus interacted with each other. I liked their humour, how irreverent they could be, how open they were. I liked Hazel’s determination, she was determined to protect Augustus. I liked how passionate she’d get about things, how she’d stand by her convictions, was never afraid to speak her mind. There were scenes I loved, the trip to Amsterdam and the realisation that sometimes, you absolutely should not meet your heroes. The moments of anger felt real, their story was realistic, everything about them was realistic. The book made me feel sad and moved with teary eyes. I also wish to go to Amsterdam once in a lifetime. Maybe someday, if universe conspires for it.

The Alchemist:

Paulo Coelho’s story teaches that the journey is the destination and that the universe conspires to help you when you’re on the right path. It’s incredibly empowering because it suggests that your life has a specific and grand purpose. The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho is a philosophical fable following Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd who leaves his home to find treasure at the Egyptian pyramids. Santiago meets a mentor, the Alchemist, who teaches him to listen to his heart. Along his journey to fulfill his "Personal Legend", he learns to listen to his heart, interpret omens, and discovers that the true treasure lies in the journey and personal growth.

Why They Pair Well:

Santiago searches for a treasure across a continent while Hazel and Augustus find their "treasure" in a basement or a shared book.

The Universe: In one, the universe is a guide and in the other, the universe is "not a wish-granting factory." Together, they give you a very balanced and resilient perspective on life. It sounds like you value authenticity and aren't afraid to look at the "big questions," even when the answers are a bit bittersweet.