Theo of Golden Audiobook By Allen Levi cover art

Theo of Golden

A Novel

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Theo of Golden

By: Allen Levi
Narrated by: David Morse
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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.

Narrated by multiple Emmy and Tony award nominee David Morse, with a brand new afterword about the writing of THEO OF GOLDEN, narrated by the author himself.

Accolades & Awards

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#BookTok
#BookTok Classics Editors Select Friendship Genre Fiction Literary Fiction Southern United States World Literature Heartfelt Feel-Good Inspiring Suspenseful

Editorial Review

Absolute gold
Theo of Golden has been making quiet but ever-swelling waves among readers since it was self-published two years ago. A fable of friendship with kindness at its core, this story follows an octogenarian who arrives, rather mysteriously, in a small town in Georgia and discovers a trove of drawings in a local coffee shop. As Theo reconnects pictures with their true owners, he sprinkles inspiration, revelation, and hope on the listener like gold dust. Emmy-nominated actor and narrator David Morse brings the exact right amount of gentle gravitas to the thoughtful, ever-curious Theo. —Emily C., Audible Editor

Best of #BookTok on Audible Listen to what everyone’s raving about
Heartwarming Storyline • Beautiful Character Development • Perfect Accent Portrayal • Compelling Protagonist

Highly rated for:

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Easily in my top 3 favorite books I've ever read. What an absolute treasure of a book this is. I foresee myself reading this time and time again. May we all try to live our lives a little more like Theo- which is to say deeply generous and full of kindness and love.

Favorite book possibly ever

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This is a book that will be with me for the rest of my life! You immediately feel like you have read a great work that feels ageless and classic. There is something precious and convicting in this story that both compels and shatters you. The simplicity of an act of kindness change everything forever.

Relevant and Timeless

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It is a gentle, warm, beautiful and loving embrace that refreshes your belief in beauty and mankind. I’m obviously not a writer, but a lover of words and this book was what my soul needed. Thank you, Allen Levi, for finding this story, composing it and sharing it with us. Also, the narrator/voice actor was fantastic!

I NEVER reread a book. I look forward to rereading this book and think it might become a yearly ritual.

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It’s a beautiful story of generosity, human connection, and the power of making people feel valued and heard.

The perfect antidote to modern society

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Absolutely loved the premise, the “Theo thoughts” and the focus on community Theo that allowed Theo to atone and grieve for past mistakes. What a lovely reminder that money and fame are not what this world is about.

An incredible story of atonement and grief and JOY!

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