The Faculty of Arts at Ain Shams University, represented by the English Department, organized the first meeting of the book club for the academic year 2023/2024 under the patronage of Prof. Hanan Kamel, Dean of the Faculty, under the supervision of Prof. Muhammad Ibrahim, Vice Dean of the Faculty for Education and Student Affairs, Prof. Somaia Sabry, Head of the English Department, and a number of department professors in attendance: Prof. Eman Al-Baqri and Dr. Enas Al-Ibrashi, and students of the program (credit hour system) from all academic levels.

The meeting discussed the book "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho, beginning with an introduction to the writer, his identity, and his background. The discussion then touched on the main messages and characters in the novel.

The attendees exchanged their opinions and impressions about the book by answering questions posed by the club organizers. The discussion ran smoothly and all students and faculty members participated in it.

It is noteworthy that the novel The Alchemist is the second novel written by Paulo Coelho. It achieved great international success, making its author one of the most famous international writers. The novel talks about a young Andalusian shepherd named Santiago, who went to search for his dream of a treasure buried near the pyramids of Egypt. His journey began in Spain when he met... King Melchizedek, who told him about the treasure, crossed the Strait of Gibraltar, passing through Morocco, until he reached Egypt. He was guided throughout the journey by unseen signs, and on his way to find the treasure or dream, many events occur, each of which becomes an obstacle that almost prevents him from continuing his journey. Until he finds a way to help him overcome this obstacle.

Thus, the idea of this novel is summarized in a sentence that the king said to Santiago: “If you desire something, the whole world will obey you to fulfill your desire.”

The meeting, which will be held periodically, aims to encourage students to familiarize themselves with the masterpieces of world literature within or outside the courses, in order to develop their skills in literary analysis and criticism by conducting constructive discussions in the English language.

The meeting was organized by Dr. Rana Al-Kholy and Mrs. Mayar Nassar, with the participation of some of the student representatives in the program’s Student Activities Committee: student Nagham Emad (level 1), student Amina Bahaa (level 3), and student Omar Tamer Abbas (level 3).