Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is this week’s Reader Friday. Here’s the first line: Theo was in Golden for only a year, from springtime to springtime.
But first the photo and verse. I came across this verse in a Bible study this morning before I sat down to write this post. Immediately, I knew it was the verse I wanted to use for my Reader Friday post. It’s one I’ve claimed many times as I walked through adversity, and I hope it blesses you today.
Now for Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. Here’s the cover and back copy:
THE #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLING PHENONEMON
A Katie Couric Book Club Pick • A Jen Hatmaker Book Club Pick
“[A] word-of-mouth smash hit.” —The New York Times
“A treasure.” —Hoda Kotb
One spring morning, a stranger named Theo arrives in the small Southern city of Golden. He doesn’t explain much about where he came from or why he’s there—but when he visits the local coffeehouse, where pencil portraits of the people of Golden hang on the walls, he begins purchasing them, one at a time, and giving each portrait to the person depicted. In exchange, he asks only for the person’s story. And so portrait by portrait, person by person, secrets are revealed, regrets are shared, and ordinary lives are profoundly altered.
A story of giving and receiving, of seeing and being seen, Theo of Golden is an unforgettable novel about the power of generosity, the importance of connection, and the quiet miracles that happen when we choose kindness and wonder.
My Take:
Theo of Golden isn’t a book I would normally pick up, since it isn’t romantic suspense, but my church book club chose it for our March selection. First, let me say that God is all over this book. The first few chapters drove me crazy, because as a writer, I don’t head-hop. Never, ever. But I kept reading, and was I glad I did. Allen Levi has a very whimsical, lyrical style, and it was refreshing. I became invested in each character he presented a drawing to. By the halfway point, I couldn’t put the book down and stayed up until past midnight to finish it. By this time I didn’t even notice the changes in Points of View.
I was fascinated with Theo, who is an entertaining character, and wanted to know his story and why he wouldn’t tell anyone his last name. By the end of the book, I had my answer, but you’ll have to read it to find out for yourself. This is a book I think my readers will enjoy, and while it is written from a Christian worldview, there are a few mild curse words I don’t put in my books.
Okay, Readers, what have you read this week? Grab that book or one closest to you and put me the first line in the comments…or just say “hi”, and I’ll enter you in a drawing for a book from my library.
Here’s today’s song. I hope you enjoy!
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Comments 36
Just finished Shadow of Truth by Sharon Mignerey. I like picking up a Love Inspired book once in a while to introduce me to a new author.
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I just finished a Love Inspired book, too, Sharon! Besides the always excellent writing, I like them because I can finish one in a night.
It’s a comforting verse, Pat. I’ve heard about Theo of Golden, but I haven’t read it. Intriguing review! I am reading Judas, Otherwise by Steven Marks. It’s about Judas growing up, his family and the political climate. The first line: Before dawn, Kerioth belonged to people who worked with their hands and to things that feared the light.
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That sounds like an interesting book, Priscilla. I’ve always wanted to learn how and why he could be with Jesus for 3 years and not hear His message.
As you know, I’m still finishing Theo of Golden and enjoying it. This author is a troubador as well as an author and he beautifully weds both giftings in this book.
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It’s a really good book, isn’t it, Delores!
Pat, I love the way you tie things together. The gorgeous photo and verse, and then the song with that verse. Thank you! “Theo of Golden” sounds very interesting. I like a change of pace once in awhile.
I’m currently reading “Renegade” by Susan May Warren. This is the first book of a multiauthor collaboration in the series with the same name. Renegade is the name of a small town in Colorado. It also describes the character of the hero of the first book, Sierra Blackwood’s childhood sweetheart and someone she thought was killed in action far, far away. The book opening is: “Trouble was stalking her. And Sierra wasn’t keen on being anyone’s lunch. Especially not a one-hundred-and-fifty pound mountain lion, with blood on its teeth.” Susan hits another one out of the park.
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Thanks, Tim! I think you would enjoy Theo of Golden. And I so agree about Susan May Warren. I’ve never read a book of hers I didn’t like!
How long should a house sit in its quiet grief, coffee still in the pot, a book with its bookmark stuck forever at page seventy-five? Second Chance with the Firefighter by Amie Denman (an ARC copy)
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Oh, wow. That’s a great opening line, Deborah!
Oh my that photo. My first impression was smooth, clean, pure, peaceful. I don’t know if that’s how one would describe a photo, but as soon as I saw it, I felt content and sucked in a deep breath.
The Scripture and song go perfectly with it. That Scripture helps us stand firm because we know who we are in Christ.
Interesting that you should post about Theo of Golden. I have a friend who has been recommending this book to me for several weeks.
“Two weeks after college graduation with no diploma to show for it, Carrie Kruisselbrink stormed from her house like a prairie gale. Mom handed her an overnight bag, but Carrie left with an overstuffed suitcase. She wasn’t going back.” This is the first paragraph in A Hi Fred Magical Reason by Laura DeNooyer.
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What an interesting first line, Barbara. And the cloud when I took the photo took my breath, it was so beautiful. I believe you will enjoy Theo of Golden. All my church bookclub did and we were all changed by it.
I always love your photos and appropriate accompanying scripture.
I am reading an early copy of Birds on a Wire by Katie Powner and I highly recommend it! The first line is: “Bri Marshall curled up on the moldy mattress and panted.” How’s that for a first line?
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I love that first line, Perrianne! And I love taking the photos and finding scripture verses. 🙂
nice pic
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Thanks, BN100!
I’m reading Bernadette by Jennifer Lynn Cary. “Bernadette! Bernie hunkered lower in her seat. “
The photo and verse were perfect. I practically sang that verse remembered from many years ago when we sang it in church.
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So did I Gail! And it’s still rolling around in my head.
Your scriptures always make my day!
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Thanks, Judy!
I keep hearing about this book on Goodreads and have considered reading it. This is a book that I plan to read soon:
Washington, DC Present Day
White gloves tugged into place, Kennedy Marshall reached for the treasure before her-old leather, careful gilding, delicate paper.
The Island Bookshop by Roseanna M White
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Gloria, I love Roseanna White’s books! I think you’ll enjoy Theo of Golden.
Another wonderful photo and verse. I enjoyed the song by Marshall Hall; I love to hear him sing and this was a new song to me. Very fitting song to the scripture verse.
Theo of Golden sounds interesting. I’ll have to check it out.
“The crack of gunfire ripped her out of the darkness.” Christmas Witness Pursuit by Lisa Harris
Thank you for sharing that verse. As soon as I read it, I scrolled down to see what song you chose. I remember two of my aunts singing that song in church as a special when I was a boy. One would play the piano and they both sang. I love this rendition by Marshall Hall who has been a favorite since he first joined the GVB years ago. I wish he had stayed, although I enjoy the current members of the group. The picture is beautiful.
The book sounds interesting, although I don’t even care for mild curse words. I am so thankful that you don’t allow any of your characters to curse out loud. It NEVER adds to a book.
I am doing a first read on Robin Patchen’s next book, Anchoring You, which releases in mid-May. I think it’s okay to share the first line since the book is already up for presale on Amazon.
Kenzie Wright stood at the helm and scanned the horizon, nothing but sea and sky in every direction.
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Hi Edward. As soon as I read the verse this week, the song popped into my head and stayed there. 🙂 I wish the author had left off the curse words, but he didn’t. The book is well worth the read–it is a feel-good book that points to Christ.
I’ve got Theo of Golden on hold at my library.
Enjoy your weekend!
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If it’s like here, Caryl, you may have a wait! It’s a very good book.
It sounds like a really interesting book.
I am re-reading Rachel Hauck’s “To Save a King”. The third in her True Blue Royals series has just come out. I needed a refresher. I enjoyed “Theo of Golden”, but like you, it is not my usual genre. I think it may be too “literary” for my taste.
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I really enjoyed Rachel’s book, Jenny! It took me a while to get into Theo of Golden, but once I did…wow! And while I don’t normally recommend a slow beginning, it fit this book.
You’re the second person to recommend this book in two weeks! I definitely need to read it!!!
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Yes, Johnnie, you definitely need to read it! You.Will.Enjoy.It.
“Just burn them if you have to.” I’m reading “All Booked Up” by Melody Carlson. The main character Riva Owen’s daughter Kenzie wants her to sell her house and downsize. This would mean getting rid of her books. Thus the suggestion to “burn them”. Riva is shocked and unwilling to do that. I can totally relate! I was traumatized by the movie “Fahrenheit 451” as a child. No book burning for me!
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I’m glad I never saw the movie Fahrenheit 451, Sue…I would still be traumatized. 🙂 That is a great opening line!
Just starting Harbor Pointe by Irene Hannon. Gotta keep up with Hope Harbor! “Her sister was in a coma.”
I have been hearing about Theo of Golden. Must check it out!
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I love Irene Hannon’s books. Just listened to her last one. And do check out Theo of Golden and let me know what you think.