I just fin
ished reading a wonderful novel about parallel universes, past lives, philosophical ideas and profound spiritual insights: Aleph, by Paulo Coelho, one of my favourite authors. If you’ve never heard of this Brazilian writer, I suggest picking up The Alchemist, a slim, easy-to-read book that’s energized millions of hearts and minds worldwide.
Martin had trouble expressing his feelings, and had kept his brother Phil at arm’s length all his life. Martin was a shrewd businessman; Phil taught high school English. Martin loved hockey; Phil thought it was a ridiculous sport. But when Phil died, Martin was devastated. What rattled him the most was receiving the news from a cousin that Phil had passed away, and not from Phil’s wife. Martin’s stoic veneer was rattled, leaving him full of guilt.
