Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Some books stay on the shelf. Others stay with you.
Some books stay on the shelf. Others stay with you. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi will stay with me for a long while. This one was a book club pick, so not one I chose for myself, but I’m so glad I read it. Theo is a man in his 80s who comes to a small town in Georgia called Golden. You don’t get to know up front why he is there only that there is some purpose. He settles in and find a remarkable coffee shop that displays portraits of people in the town. Theo decides that he will buy them and give them to the people that have been drawn and hear their stories and maybe share their heartbreak. Through the portraits and the nature of a small town, Theo makes lasting impressions and friendships and when the truth is revealed at the end, I hope you cry as much as I did. Two tissues at least!
If Theo’s quiet kindness is what stays with you, read Leonard and Hungry Paul next. Rónán Hession also understands how much can happen in a story about gentle people simply moving through the world with care. Read the review →
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