Theo of Golden : A Novel

By Allen Levi

Book Overview

THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENOMENON

A Katie Couric Book Club Pick - A Jen Hatmaker Book Club Pick

" A] word-of-mouth smash hit." --The New York Times

"A treasure." --Hoda Kotb

One spring morning, a stranger named Theo arrives in the small Southern city of Golden. He doesn't explain much about where he came from or why he's there--but when he visits the local coffeehouse, where pencil portraits of the people of Golden hang on the walls, he begins purchasing them, one at a time, and giving each portrait to the person depicted. In exchange, he asks only for the person's story. And so portrait by portrait, person by person, secrets are revealed, regrets are shared, and ordinary lives are profoundly altered.

A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity, the importance of connection, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness and wonder.

• Format: Paperback
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1668236516
• ISBN13: 9781668236512
• Release Date: August 1970
• Publisher: Atria Books
• Length: 400 Pages
• Weight: 1.01 lbs.
• Dimensions: 5.3" x 8.2"

Customer Reviews

An Artist's Heavenly Prose

Could Theo of Golden, be so kind and real!!! We need the extension of compassion, kindness, seeing others for who they are, simply being with ourselves and being available for others. Good twists and turns, sadness, laughs and excitement. Validation for all artists that people do see others! Loved this book

I laughed, cried, and smiled…

I’ve been listening to this book on Audible and absolutely love it. It’s rare that I get to read anything these days, but audiobooks have been my go to, and Theo of Golden has been the first book in a very long time that has kept my attention and hit every single emotion. I will be ordering a hard copy soon. I hope this is made into a movie one day.

A feel good story but none much more

Almost everyone I know who has read this book adored it. While I enjoyed the beautiful phrasing and the hopeful message of goodness, the characters were too one dimensional and what little there was of a plot was too impossible. By the end, I just didn't care anymore.

This book was one that I thought I would not enjoy

I am reading it now, getting close to the end and don't want to put it down, very different from what I usually read, but really enjoying it

A must read!

I could not put this book down! The author has created engaging original characters. He is gifted at creating imagery and a very unique plot. He details wonderful wisdom without being preachy.

An Inspiring Book

This is an lovely, amazing book about a marvelous man. The author draws the reader in through captivating characters, the mystery about why Theo has chosen to go to the town of Golden, the stewardship of money, and an inspiring story of a life life well-lived. This is a must read book!

Beautiful story! His writing made me feel as if I were there

Such a variety of characters and stories within the story. One of my favorite books

A Must Read!

I could not put this book down! The story line is ever evolving into a truly beautiful heart felt searching within ourselves to do something meaningful for others through our own experiences or actions, without having expectations. I purchased 3 books total one to keep and 2 to give to others.

a book so good & uplifting that you'll immediately want to read it again

I have my favorite authors that I recommend to friends when asked, but I bought 2 more copies of this book to give away because this book moved me so much. We are bombarded today with hatred, revenge, violence, a loss of humanity, empathy & kindness. The simplicity of this story, the way that Allen Levi writes make you truly feel that you're in that town, meeting the characters in person one by one in real time. It gives you faith that humanity is still out there because Levi most certainly believes it to write a story like this. You'll almost feel like some of the negativity that has been weighing you down from the pounding of the news coming at you from every source feels a little lighter. Read this book and then share it.

Theo of Golden

This was the most charming and unforgettable book! So worth the read, you won't be sorry! Highly recommended!

Changing lives of strangers

This book is for young adults to octogenarians. I found it to be is an Uplifting story of a generous man with a troubled past. His perception and insight of strangers changes his life as well as theirs.

False hope (by which I mean hype)

I do not understand the seemingly instantaneous rave reviews as soon as this book was widely available. Indie Pressers, I'm talking to you in particular. I just wonder for how many early reviews discerning readers had truly read the book, because there were multiple issues. Number one? It just isn't especially well written. to be honest I wondered whether Allen Levi employed AI in creating his novel. I dislike authors hitting me over my head with repetitive, trite clichés, and saccharine verbiage. Also, I dislike both misogyny and racism disguised as friendliness and/or kindness, and too obvious twists. Sans spoilers, I will not provide specific examples...however I will suggest you not purchase this without delving a little deeper into dissenting reviews.

Soul-filling and contemplative, a beautiful literary journey and vivid masterpiece

A masterpiece offering hope, lessons in kindness, and a renewed faith in the power of human kindness. Extremely well written, it was easy to find myself immersed in the setting, the story, and the lives of each unique character. A must read as soon as you can.

Beautiful

Absolutely wonderful. It was exactly what I needed. I want everyone I know to read this.

Theo of Golden

Theo of Golden was exactly the book I needed to read right now in these days of self-centeredness and unkindness. It restores my faith in the goodness of people. I highly recommend it!

A Masterpiece!

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is one of the most perceptive, reverent, soul-stirring, uplifting, profound, eloquent books I’ve ever read. I just finished with tears streaming and already I feel the need to reread it to allow its wisdom to be absorbed fully.

Hands down the best book I’ve read in years

This book is such a feel good book. Encourages you to serve and love others in a unique way. So, so good!

Amazing

Such an amazing story. I fell in love with the characters and felt changed by it all somehow. Live life and talk to strangers!

Theo of Golden. Superb in every way.

Very possibly the best novel I’ve ever read. Cried huge tears. Laughed out loud. The kind of book you don’t want to ever end, but can’t stop reading. I would love to meet the author, sit down with him, look at his face, and hear his story.

Theo of Golden is a delight for the word pallet. I read once. Put down and reread 3 weeks later.

Each character is so well thought out and there is this beautiful thread that leads you to the surprise at the end.

Masterpiece to be relished!

Theo of Golden showcased Levi's sublime writing and characterization. This story will stay with you forever.

Loved!!

Great book! Best book ever! Highly recommended!

Theo of Golden

This is one of, if not the best, novel I have ever read!