A #1 New York Times bestselling phenomenon and a true word-of-mouth sensation, Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is the kind of novel that book clubs can’t stop talking about—and for good reason. Both a Katie Couric Book Club and a Jen Hatmaker Book Club pick, this “treasure” (Hoda Kotb) has already captivated more than one million readers, earning thousands of glowing reviews and a devoted fanbase.

One spring morning, a mysterious stranger named Theo arrives in the small Southern city of Golden. He offers little explanation about where he came from or why he’s there. Instead, he quietly begins visiting a local coffeehouse, where portraits of townspeople line the walls. One by one, Theo purchases these drawings and returns them to their subjects. In exchange, he asks for just one thing: their story.

What unfolds is a deeply moving portrait of a community—and of the human heart. As each person shares their experiences, long-held secrets surface, regrets are confronted, and small, profound transformations begin to take shape. Through Theo’s simple yet powerful gesture, lives are changed in ways both subtle and extraordinary.

Gorgeous and heartwarming, Theo of Golden explores big, universal themes—aging, loneliness, connection, and the search for meaning—with a light and compassionate touch. It’s an unforgettable reading experience that resonates long after the final page, making it ideal for group discussion and reflection.

For readers of Fredrik Backman, Mitch Albom, and Matt Haig, this is a novel that invites us to pause, reflect, and reconnect—with ourselves and with one another.

Seek truth. Make beauty. Live well.

You can check out Theo of Golden by Allen Levi here!