I don’t know exactly when it started. My best guess at remembering would be sometime last year when I began to see requests come through ILL for a book called Theo of Golden. Like lots of requests. This is not that unusual and happens every so often when a title goes viral - usually because of a placement on a podcast or if a celebrity picks the title for their book club. I didn’t really think anything about it. We didn’t own the book, so we couldn’t lend it.

A little research revealed that it had been independently published. First time author, Allen Levi, had picked up his pen as a way to pass the time and he only released it because his friends convinced him to share his story. Which he did, sharing his book with book clubs on Facebook. If they were near his home in Georgia, he would drive to their meetings and answer questions.

Something about this triggered an avalanche of sorts, and now everyone is clamoring for Theo of Golden. And the requests recently ramped back up after taking a bit of break. However, this time NPL was able to acquire copies for the collection. Honestly, I had no idea what the book was about. To me, Theo of Golden sounded like a Greek tragedy and I just pictured this guy in a white toga going about his business.

Well, that was wrong. Theo is an older gentleman, born in Portugal, who moves to the small town of Golden, Georgia. After seeing a cafe full of portraits, he decides to purchase the portraits and then gift them to the subjects.

This book was beautiful. There is something so inspiring and peaceful about it. I did have to have a tear or two in a couple of places, but you’ll just have to read it for yourself and see how you feel.

If you’ve heard good things or lots of things about Theo of Golden, check out your copy today. This book is one of those magical reads the only comes around once in a blue moon. And who knows - it just might become your next favorite book.

Happy Theo-ing,
:) Amanda