Theo of Golden: A Novel
4.7 | 63,266 ratings
Price: 19.68
Last update: 03-19-2026
Top reviews from the United States
- Amazon CustomerUplifting and compassionate book!Best book I have read in 2025. I have gifted it to friends and they agree with me. This book is a beautifully woven tale of a dear man who finds goodness in the faces he sees in portraits on a wall in a coffee shop. Theo exhibits a deep since of compassion and kindness to the people in these portraits by spending time with them and gifting them these portraits. Theo gives the best gift to each one: the gift of time and understanding. His letter to the artist Asher is one of the most beautifully written letters I have ever read. Perhaps our entire lives are spent “looking for a face, longing for a particular gaze that calms and fills us, that loves and welcomes us, that recognizes and runs to greet us. Is that perhaps what Christmas is all about?” Something powerful to think about this Christmas! Thank you Allen Levi!
- Amy JacobsA Refreshing Break from Headlines Chock Full of HopeSimply pure—a story riddled with hope, kindness and goodness. Theo encourages me to slow down and look more closely at humanity and our interconnectedness. How refreshing to read a novel that has such positive themes yet doesn’t shy away from the reality of the human condition and unfairnesses that exist. Beautifully written and full of lovely and likable characters, I highly recommend for anyone who needs a breath of fresh air and break from the news cycle and headlines of our modern world. This book is brimming with hope and higher purpose.
- Cindy AdairA book that restores faith in humanity!This is one of my new favorite books. It is a simple story that is character based. And the characters are wonderful!
This is a story of an 87 year old man, Theo, who moves to the town of Golden, GA. While there he discovers a wall of portraits at a coffee shop that are brilliantly drawn. He buys the portraits a few at a time and presents them to the subjects as he meets with them. He then tells them what positive truths he sees in the drawing. While he becomes a well known figure in town, not much is known about him personally until the end of- and I won’t spoil that!
This is a book that recognizes people as having intrinsic value and worth knowing despite outward appearances or status in life. This story focuses on the importance of kindness, understanding, empathy, and generosity. It is about the strength of finding and having a community around you and for you. It is a story about love.
All I can say is read this book! It is a needed breath of fresh air in the midst of a “self focused” and troubled world. - sadie packReady for some hope in your world?Uplifting. At a time when it is easy to be depressed with what is going on in the world this short read makes you feel hopeful. Interwoven stories of characters you find interesting because of the writing style. My 99 year old friend recommended it to me, she said it was the best book she has read in a long time....She was right.
- birdbraininteresting and sweet book.Loved the characters and the mystery of the story. A few too many characters to keep straight in your mind.
- LiddlelfA true gemI just finished my favorite book this year - Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. It Is one of those rare books that just unfolds around you with beauty and wisdom and hope in every chapter. And the ending I never say coming. Theo Is one of those characters who stay with you forever. Levi has written a true gem. Well done.
- Scot DollingerEveryone has genius within - the spark of lifeA delight to float through this story with ease, free flowing and magical.
Inspiring - A Masterpiece in story telling.
As I measured my percentage of completion, I found myself mourning: the story would end - but with a future and hopefully with more to come.
Fortunately, there is no law against the fruits of profoundly excellent story telling. Cheers. Well done. Carry on. Make sure you read this book and share it. - Pamela NassA Real TreasureI just finished this incredible book. It was our selection for our book club. I read a fair amount and since I am 77 yrs. old, that means MANY books! I want you to know "Theo of Golden" is one of my top five all-time favorites!. The story line and your writing style were extraordinary. I felt like I was in Golden and knew all of Theo's friends. The ending was so perfect! My book club meets tomorrow to discuss this book. I'm sure they will share my opinions.