Alchemist

I feel like this story is much like Alice's. It seems like a dream to me. People seem to appear without notice and have special powers. There are just many odd things in this book that make me think that it may be his dream, like the colored rocks. One thing I do not understand though is why the Shepherd would wish to follow his "dream" dream instead of following his living dream to be with the Merchant's daughter. I hope to find some more answer as I continue to read.