The Alchemist: first week in

I just began the book The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It's an interesting story about a shepherd boy. I haven't gotten far--but it seems sorta interesting. It's unlike anything I've read before but that seems to be a trend I have been having--starting the unknown. The book is categorized under fantasy and I only started reading it for the genre requirement. I also only started reading it because of the cover. They say not to judge a book by it's cover but I did. Oh well, Ms. Bandman said it was a good book so I'll take her word for it. It takes place in Spain not America like most books I have read. I have a poetry share today so at least I'll be able to read on the couch again! Off to more reading....Allie