Part Eight

Andy Dougan asks Coelho what pressure he feels in beginning new writing projects now, with respect to his global successes. With fans including Bill Clinton, Madonna and Julia Roberts, Dougan asks Coelho how he responds to people's claims that he has changed their lives.

Coelho responds by questioning how a book can really change one's life. Although they can be seen to inspire, Coelho traces this to the readers themselves, as opposed to his books. Reading, he explains, gives the sensation of not being alone, and then this positive discovery pushes readers on towards their destiny. But it is the reader who chooses to make this advancement: the book does not dictate the reader's choices.

And in reply to the idea of readers' increased expectations, Coelho admits to it being impossible for him to please everyone. With readers in Norway, Brazil, Japan and Scotland, he must focus on being true to himself in writing. Then, hopefully, readers from around the world will continue to enjoy his books.