Theo of Golden book review

After I finished reading the very important, but also very disturbing, nonfictional bestseller, Gulag, I really needed a book that was uplifting and inspiring. So, I took a look at the #1 New York Times bestseller, Theo of Golden. So, did Theo uplift my spirits? Here’s our Theo of Golden book review and book banter.

Before you read this review any further, I pledge that I will not reveal any plot twists, I will not disclose the ending, and I will not reveal too much about the quirky characters in this novel. All that’s for you to enjoy, step-by-step, as you read Theo of Golden!

A mysterious stranger visits the idyllic town of Golden, Georgia. Nobody knows who this old, dignified man is, but soon, they will learn his name. The stranger’s name was simply Theo—no last name, and no nickname. In fact, the man insists, just Theo, please!

Soon, Theo visits the charming stores along the main thoroughfare, including a book store, since he loves to read. And, because he loves coffee, and is a connoisseur of the brew, he checks out a local coffee shop.

While at the coffee shop, he becomes intrigued and enthralled by the artwork on the walls. They are filled with black-and-white portraitures of the local citizens of Golden.

Then, Theo buys one portrait that he finds especially interesting. And, he makes an arrangement to meet the subject of that portrait. His goal is to talk with that person, converse, and then give them the portrait!

And that’s when the drama and the excitement, along with the ensuing, life-changing moments of kindness, begin to unfold.

The author, Allen Levi, used to practice law! But today, he’s an author and musician. I suspect have might have similar characteristics as the musicians that Theo befriended in this book.

And, as I read Theo of Golden, and felt the intricate storyline unfold as I turned each page, I could see the disciplined mind of an attorney in the background. In addition, I could see an artist.

Overall, the writing was superb. The author expertly painted a picture of each scene, the surroundings, and the characters in the scene. I almost felt like I was there—especially when Theo was meeting with each portrait-recipient, and when he was sitting and contemplating by the river.

If you read the book, Theo of Golden, you will feel your emotions well-up, and overtake you. How do I know that? Well, it happened to me, many times, as I read along.

So, be prepared for an outpouring of your emotions as you meet many of the characters that Theo interacts with. In other words, it might be best to read Theo of Golden when you have some privacy, and not when you’re taking public transportation.

I don’t know about you, but I still love reading fairy tales, even as an old guy. They are magical, but at the same time, some of their aspects are just like real life.

For me, that’s how I felt about the wonderful novel, Theo of Golden. Moment-by-moment, I felt that each scenario could have happened in real life.

As Theo met each new character, there was a magical interaction that connected them. Maybe that special magic helped create a spiritual intervention, and helped elevate this story to a higher level of spiritual enlightenment.

However, those magical moments didn’t take away from the novel at all. In fact, I think the magic and spiritualism added to the emotional appeal that I felt.

So, I hope nobody is offended when I conclude that Theo of Golden was a wonderful fairy tale, with many very realistic moments thrown in for impact!

Just like all good fairy tales, Theo of Golden has an important message to communicate, a wonderful tale to tell. And what was that message? What was the moral?

So, what is the moral of this tale? To be kind to other people, no matter who they are. Be respectful, kind, and helpful, especially to the downtrodden, just like it says in the Bible.

Even now, I’m thinking about how Theo had interacted with a homeless woman. Theo made a specific point of reminding the reader that he treated this woman with respect. After all, she was a human being, with feelings, and hopes and dreams, just like all of us.

There were many other moments like that, also, that really impacted me as I read Theo’s story.

Allen Levi, the author of Theo of Golden, is also a musician! I started this video where he starts the song, but you can also go back as he talks about this song. It’s a song about a baby bird, and I really like it! Maybe Theo and Ellen (the homeless person) saw this bird when they went birdwatching along the river.

However, one aspect of this story made me a little depressed. My experiences with being kind don’t match Theo’s experiences. And, I’ll try to explain what made me feel disappointed, mostly in myself, and certainly not in the book.

For instance, when Theo extended his kindnesses, people were grateful, and they never took advantage of Theo’s generosity. At least, I didn’t pick up on any character who took unfair advantage.

Unfortunately, throughout my whole adult life, I have found that when I do favors for people, they rarely seem grateful. And, later, many always seem to want more from me, almost as if they’re entitled. In fact, I feel like I’ve been taken advantage of, many times.

So, I have never experienced what Theo did in this book, especially with his larger exercises in kindness. My experiences have taught me to be as kind as possible, but also to be protective of my own dignity. Hopefully, my misgivings make sense, and hopefully, I’m understanding myself correctly, also.

Overall, though, I have found that when I treat people with kindness in simple interactions, they do feel grateful. It’s just the bigger things that have become problems for me!

So, in this chaotic world, with our chaotic, tumultuous lives, all human beings deserve to be treated with respect! Everybody deserves some kindness—no exceptions!

FINAL VERDICT

The novel, Theo of Golden, was an evocative fairy tale. And, besides all the fascinating, quirky characters, and the sumptuously wonderful writing, this book also had an important moral.

That moral, that message was simple—be kind, especially to the oppressed, and help and defend the downtrodden.

The writing was superb—the story captivated me, and drew me in as I yearned to know and understand Theo. And as you read Theo of Golden, I guarantee that this story will tug on your heartstrings. Especially as Theo extends respect and love to the oppressed and downtrodden characters he encounters in his Golden land.

As a matter of fact, I think this book would inspire a great film adaptation. But, who could star as Theo in the movie? Maybe Tom Hanks? Or, how about Dustin Hoffman? Yea, I think he might work! Please let us know your opinions below!

Thanks for reading our Theo of Golden book review. If you’ve already read this magnificent tale, please share your thoughts in the comments section below.

Content and photos by Doug Martin and Our Book Banter