I had read the hard copy of "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho back in 2020, but despite its high ratings, I didn't enjoy it much. The philosophical nature of the book didn't resonate with me. However, recently, I started contemplating the similarities between Hermann Hesse's "Siddhartha" and Paulo Coelho's "The Alchemist," especially in their themes of love, taking a journey in pursuit of the dream and the use of natural elements. Since I couldn't clearly recall "The Alchemist," I decided to revisit it through the audiobook. This time, I found it more enjoyable, particularly with a good narrator. As it is a short book, I finished listening through it within a week or two. In Summary: "The Alchemist" follows the journey of Santiago, a shepherd who dreams of finding a hidden treasure in the Egyptian pyramids. Driven by this dream, he sets off with his flock of sheep. Along the way, he meets the King of Salem, who introdu...

The Rise of the Ultra Runners - by Adharanand Finn When I first heard the name Adharanand, I imagined an ultra-running icon of Indian descent. However, after some quick research, I found that he is actually of Irish origin, born to Irish parents. His family moved to a South London ashram, where they were deeply influenced by Indian spirituality. This unique upbringing shaped much of Finn's perspective on life and endurance. In this book, Finn takes readers on a journey through his experiences in ultra running, competing in some of the toughest ultra-marathons around the world. From the searing deserts of Oman to the challenging, rugged terrain of Mont-Blanc, Finn's journey is not just about physical endurance but also mental and emotional resilience. What stands out throughout his grueling races is the unwavering support he receives from his family, especially his children. He admits that there were many moments when he felt like quitting, particularly during 24-hour track runs...