With so much death, war, corruption, and disaster in the world these days, it’s a relief to come upon a book that provides a respite from all that. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is an easy, contemplative story about a sophisticated 86-year-old Portuguese man with a secret past who arrives in a little town called Golden, Georgia in pursuit of quiet pleasures during his final years. Shortly after he arrives, Theo visits a local coffeehouse called the Chalice, where he encounters a collection of pencil portraits of ninety-one local people adorning the walls. Fascinated, Theo decides to search out each of the individuals featured in the drawings, gift them their portrait and in the process, learn more about the personal story of each individual.

This is a first novel by Allen Levi, who has a deep understanding and sympathy for humanity in its various forms, not to mention an appreciation for culture, art, and music. Theo of Golden is a New York Times bestseller and has received rave reviews, an unusual accomplishment for a first-time novelist. The story has a spiritual component and spans a period in which we journey with Theo through each of the four seasons of his visit to Golden. As we get to know the characters better, we begin to understand that each one has a fascinating backstory, including Theo.

Thirty years ago, many boomer gals read Simple Abundance, A Daybook Of  Comfort and Joy by Sarah Ban Breathnach. It was a “bestselling self-help book first published in 1995, offering 366 daily essays, quotes, and reflections to help women find joy, balance, and their ‘authentic self’ through simple pleasures, gratitude, and mindfulness”. I loved that book, and Theo of Golden is a similar kind of feel-good read.

If you are a fan of gentle stories with a positive moral message, then Theo of Golden will definitely tick your boxes. You can read it in bed at night before you go to sleep without fear of being unduly angered, stressed, or otherwise troubled. It’s a feel-good book that will lift your spirits.  Art and music lovers will particularly appreciate the story, and readers will be rewarded with enhanced faith in humanity. Give it a go; I’m confident you will love it. We need more people like Theo in this world, and, dare I say it, preferably running this world.

If you would like to have a copy of Theo of Golden by Allen Levi delivered from Amazon directly to your tablet or front door, click on this link.

(Disclosure: I may receive a teeny, tiny commission. Thank you.)