Hitting the Books with Gary Thorne: "The Alchemist"

What better way to end Hitting the Books for 2019 than with a book of hope. "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho is on just about every must-read list and its message never wanes - if anything, it is a book for this time of so much angst.

I am so happy to have with us Kristen Hudak, the director of public relations for the Orioles, who presents this work and what it means to her. Kristen deals with the hopes and dreams of so many who come through the Orioles system.

She sees the search for "treasure" and success up close in the lives of young players.

The inspiration she finds in this book is heard in her effusive words.

Coelho's story of the shepherd boy who heads to the pyramids in search of his treasure is a life-changing work for millions of readers.

Written in 1993, the book has been published in more than 80 languages, a record for a living author. It has sold more than 65 million copies.

From this work:

"Everyone believes the world's greatest lie ..." says the mysterious old man.

"What is the world's greatest lie?" the little boy asks.

The old man replies, "It's this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie."

"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

"Because, wherever your heart is, that is where you´ll find your treasure."

Hear what this work means to Kristen.

"Listen to the mustn'ts, child. Listen to the don'ts. Listen to the shouldn'ts, the impossibles, the won'ts. Listen to the never haves, then listen close to me... Anything can happen, child. Anything can be." ― Shel Silverstein

My heartfelt thanks to all who have agreed to talk about their favorite books on Hitting the Books this season. To you who have taken the time to join us here, thank you.

To editor Pete Kerzel and producer Olivia Witherite (who is off to a new adventure in San Francisco), my deepest appreciation for your work in producing Hitting the Books.

Keep the faith. Do good. Be kind.

Adieu. Adieu.

Gary Thorne is the play-by-play voice of the Orioles on MASN, and the 2019 season is his 13th with the club and 34th covering Major League Baseball. His blog will appear regularly throughout the season. The Orioles and Sarasota County, for the 8th consecutive year, have partnered on the Big League Reader Program, which rewarded kids who read three books in February with tickets to a Grapefruit League game at Ed Smith Stadium in March.

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