I would consider Paulo Coelho's The Alchemist a light read as the language in the book is simple and easy to read. I'm not saying this is a bad thing and I understand that because it was translated from Portuguese it may have lost some of the elements. I know Paulo Coelho likes to write in a simple way, he does this so well that you don't often notice as you are too busy wrapped up in the spirit of the book. The story is quite simply about love, opportunity and chasing your dreams, done in an inspirational way. Well worth reading when you need something light. 
 What did you think of this book? What did you get out of it?