What readers think of Theo of Golden, plus links to write your own review.

Theo of Golden was just what I needed. Something meaningful but not dark. If anything, it’s the antithesis of dark even though there are ugly scenes. It speaks to generosity, kindness, really seeing and communicating with others. It’s a reminder of the good in people. It is a beautiful book in every sense of the word. It touches on living in the moment, the joy to be found in art, music and nature. It also speaks clearly about faith. As the author says in his Author’s Note, it’s about choice, the choice of how to live one’s life. Be prepared to smile, to laugh and to cry.

The premise is that an elderly stranger arrives in the town of Golden, Georgia. He is engrossed by a series of 92 pencil portraits of townsfolk and decides to buy them and unite them with their subjects. At times, it reminded me of Elizabeth Strout’s writing, a feeling of interconnected character rich stories more than a novel. Like her work, I became totally engrossed in these characters and didn’t want to leave them. I listened to this and David Morse helped elevate the story with his wonderful narration.

Oh. This. Book. When the world around you is falling apart, this is the book you should read. It is literary comfort food for the soul.

You will smile. You might even laugh. And you will likely tear up. And eventually you will finish it, gently close it, and sigh.

Beautifully written by Allen Levi, this is the story of Theo (just Theo), a wealthy 86-year-old gentleman who was born and raised in Portugal and has lived all over the world. And now for mysterious reasons, he has arrived on a sunny spring morning in the small Georgia town of Golden where he gently and compassionately touches the hearts and souls of many of the residents. After renting a third-floor walk-up apartment on top of the Ponder Building, which is owned by one Mr. James Ponder whom Theo employs as a kind of business manager for secretive reasons that will eventually be revealed.

Theo frequents the local coffee shop, called The Chalice, and sees on its walls 92 hand-drawn portraits of Golden residents. The portraits are intricate works of art by a local artist named Asher Glisson and each one is for sale. Theo has an idea! He will buy them one-by-one and present them to the person depicted in portrait. He writes each person a beautiful handwritten letter on exquisite stationery, requesting a meeting on a bench facing the river along the town's promenade. Although most are skeptical and even alarmed by this request from a total stranger—is this a scam?—they show up and are astounded by the gift and the conversation with Theo. So many of them reveal their deepest secrets and desires to this gracious old man. Lives are changed when Theo touches them.

As much as this is obviously a story of the joy of giving, it is just as much a story of faces. Looking at faces—really looking, not just a passing glance—is how we humans truly get to know one another. As one character says in the book, "God gave us faces so we can see each other better."

While it can be a bit sappy at times, this is a simple story with a simple plot and a powerful message of love and compassion.

Bonus: This book has the BEST dedication, sure to make you smile.

I was lukewarm about reading this book but was hooked as soon as I started it. First curiosity then engrossed in all of the mysteries. But in the end, wrapped in appreciation for this character!

Only after reading a book that I rate 10 out of 10, would I want to meet and share a meal with the author. This is one of those books. I was fascinated with Theo from the first few pages. Why would a total stranger enter a little town, see drawings of townspeople on the wall of a tiny establishment and tray more than asking cost for one drawing at the time to buy and give it to the community member who is pictured in the portrait. It is a book of memorable characters, most of whom is Theo. It is beautifully written, full of drama, love and hope and was chosen by my bookclub of former high school teachers as the best book we read this year.

I was not a fan of this book. Although I certainly agree with its overall message of kindness, it was overly sappy. Too much Christian proselytizing. Lots of racism and sexism. Too preachy for me.