Thoughts on "Theo of Golden"
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I read a remarkable novel recently and want to recommend it to you. It’s called Theo of Golden. Many of you have heard me talk about it. If you haven’t heard of it, you will. I’ve been posting about it on my social media platforms and have had over 7,000 reactions and 700+ comments. This book seems to hit everyone in the same spot—squarely in the heart.
What is this novel about? How is it different? And why does it resonate so deeply—with everyone? It is essentially a story about a contemplative old man, 86-years old, performing creative acts of kindness with remarkable humility. Here is a blurb from the back cover:
His name is Theo. And he asks a lot more questions than he answers. Theo visits the local coffeehouse, where ninety-two pencil portraits hang on the walls, portraits of the people of Golden done by a local artist. He begins purchasing them, one at a time, and putting them back in the hands of their “rightful owners.” With each exchange, a story is told, a friendship born, and a life altered.
I asked people on my social media platforms WHY it resonated with them. Below, I summarize what they said among the 700 comments. Readers connected with the kindness of Theo, his empathy, selflessness, humility, gentleness, compassion, “seeing” others and “listening” to them, his incomparable moral compass, and his gift of hope. Hundreds of readers said it was beautifully written, thought-provoking, and inspirational. It stayed with them long after they had finished reading. Others added, “It has become a part of my soul.” “I hope it creates a cultural thirst for kindness.” “We should be more like Theo.” “It makes me want to be a better person.” And on and on.
Today, I learned it just hit #1 on the New York Times Bestseller list for trade paperbacks and has been on the list for over 23 weeks.
It is author Allen Levi’s first novel. He has been an attorney, a judge, and a singer-songwriter. And now, a New York Times bestselling author. And the beauty of it is that the humility of the author comes through in Theo. You can’t help but love this old, but fashionable gent.
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As an author myself, why did this book affect me so deeply? What did Theo teach me? Here are four things:
GOODNESS IS GOLDEN: We love Theo because he is essentially good. Flawed, but good. He had a past that was less than enviable. A fractured past with plenty of pain. Yet, I found myself saying, “I should be more like Theo.”
THE COMMON THREAD IS KINDNESS: We are all connected by the same basic needs. A search for significance. A quest for connection. A need for “each other.” Kindness is the universal thread that weaves through humanity and binds us together.
WE CAN ENRICH OTHER LIVES BY THE WAY WE LIVE OURS. This is the testimony of Theo’s life. The good news? We can duplicate it. This may touch you the most about the story. I loved the “portrait of friendship” between generations. Old and young.
WORDS HAVE THE POWER TO CHANGE LIVES: This book is a poignant example of how FICTION can “get you thinking” about how we can live differently—better, wiser, kinder, more intentional.
When I wrote my novel, The Desert Between Us, I wanted to “get people thinking” about how they could love their spouse more. My main character, Chase Kincaid, had to decide if he could even give himself “permission” to love again after the sudden loss of his wife. And if he could give himself permission, could he ever love the same again? How would it be different after losing his soulmate?
The story was inspired by my father who lost my mom when I was a young boy. (To learn more: https://amzn.to/4c1twi8).
If you are looking for a good read—that will stay with you long after you finish it—I recommend Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.
I’ll be posting about this novel again on my Facebook Author Page (James C. Magruder, Author) after I finish reading it a second time. This novel had 65,000 Amazon reviews when I read it the first time a month ago—and 89,700 today. You can follow me on my author page.
Well, I just wanted to recommend a novel that you or your book club might enjoy—and may soon hear much more about.
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SOMETHING TO CHEW ON: What is your favorite genre? What book would you recommend to others? Why did it resonate with you? Let’s discuss. Email me or join the conversation on my upcoming Facebook posts.
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