Book Review: Theo of Golden

2026 Book Reviews #4, #3, #2, #1

Theo of Golden, the book, and perhaps the man, has quietly, respectfully, but forcefully found a special place in my heart. I can honestly say that no other book has so moved me to want to become a better person, a better version of myself, an alius Theo. As I told my wife, “this is a handbook on how to look at, listen to, and love others.”

I guard my top 5 book list like a Fort Knox sentry but Theo has moved onto that list and I offered no resistance. The more I contemplate the book, the characters, and the lessons, I am sure that this book will settle in comfortably at #2. Or, Theo may lovingly and persuasively ask Edmond Dantes to exchange places going forward.

Synopsis – A mysterious, foreign, elderly gentleman arrives in the southern city of Golden one spring morning. In a coffee shop he finds numerous pencil-drawn portraits of customers for sale. Theo decides to begin purchasing the portraits and distributing them to the “rightful owners”, the subjects. What does he want in return? Not much. He only asks that they tell him about themselves and who they are. Who is he? Why is he doing this? What does he have to gain? The reader and citizens alike begin asking these questions and will do so for almost the entire book…almost.

I’m not an author by any stretch of the imagination nor am I a very good reviewer. That being said, I was shocked to learn that this book is Allen Levi‘s first novel. In books with numerous characters I often get lost and frustrated trying to remember who is who. In Theo of Golden I felt as though I knew each character intimately. Each person and personality shines through the print (audio) clearly and beautifully. The writing is illuminative, the coversations touching, and the story makes you hope there is no end to the book.

If you can’t tell, I love this book and I would highly recommend it to anyone. I’ll bet anyone dollars to donuts that you’ll be watching it on the big screen soon. Thank you Allen Levi for such a blessed bestowal!

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