Theo of Golden

Mary Ann

I have several good friends that send book recommendations to me.  I share recommendations with them as well.  By far these are the very best books.  In recent weeks I have had those people contact me about Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.  A new friend recommended it saying it was one of her favorite books and had reread it a few times already – that is quite a book!

Since I have been exploring Winter, Theo of Golden came at the right time.  It is a story of Winter and a great example of how to live it.  When the story begins, an elderly gentleman, Theo, comes to fictional Golden, Georgia to live for a year or so.  He had business to do in the town.  While he was getting coffee, he found a wall of pencil sketches of the town’s people.  He becomes enchanted by the renderings and befriends the artist.  Theo decides to purchase them and gift them to the featured individual.  The story unfolds from there.  

Each of the people had a story, and for most, they were willing to share them with Theo.  The wisdom he earned from living many years helped to forge many new friendships.  This quiet, gentle man was becoming a part of the community and making a difference in the lives of the people of Golden. 

The story weaves many loose threads into a tapestry of the town ‘s and Theo’s life.  The threads may seem unconnected but eventually it all comes together in the end.  As the reader, you can explore Winter as Theo lives it.  You witness his kindness and generosity that change people’s lives.  

Theo of Golden is Allen Levi’s first book.  He self-published.  The author is a gift writer, and I hope he will continue writing and sharing his gifts with the world.  He has such insight into the human condition showing all of us how small acts of kindness can make a difference in the world.  What an example!

I always hope for a movie or an episodic TV series to follow a great book so I can see the words come to life on the big or small screen.  At this moment, there are no plans for this to happen.  Come on Hollywood – Reese, Apple, Netflix – this is too good of a story not to tell.   The word is quickly spreading about this little gem.  The story needs a visual platform to share its message – a message that the world needs now more than ever.