Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

On March 25, 2026 Laura Derrickson hosted us to discuss Allen Levi’s debut novel, “Theo of Golden”.

This was a book club favorite. An 86 year old mysterious European gentleman named Theo, arrives in Golden Georgia. He visits a local cafe and finds over 100 black and white ink portraits of various townspeople. He decides to purchase the pictures and individually try to give them to the persons featured in them.Theo can look in their eyes what’s in their heart. He has an uncanny way of relating to people and getting them to open their hearts to him. Theo helps where he can and starts doing random acts of kindness. There are a host of interesting characters . Is the book spiritual or is it religious? It depends where you are coming from what your reaction will be. You will not be disappointed by this gem of a novel and you will be affected somehow. I found it inspiring and someone else thought it made her sad.

It was touching, and was a gentle, thoughtful novel about kindness, connection and the subtle ways people can change each other’s lives.

Molly chose Liza Minnelli’s new autobiography called, “Kids, Wait Till You Hear This”.

Madeleine promised to bring some memorabilia for show and tell.

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The proving Ground by Michael Connolly

In February Marsha hosted meeting to discuss her page turner, “The Proving Ground”, written by Michael Connelly. This is one of the popular Lincoln lawyer series that has been so popular on television. Mickey Haller is in civil court against an AI company who is accused of causing the death of a teenage girl. The chatbot created by the multi billion company coders has undue influence over a teenage boy who commits the murder. This is a very real problem in today’s technology driven society. I loved the courtroom proceedings and a look into jury selection and our legal system. I was told that everyone liked the book and that Marsha provided a nice spread for dinner.

Before She was Helen by Carolyn Cooney

  

In January we met at her home to discuss her book.

This started as a light retirement community caper but turns into a twisty whodunit.

The protagonist Clemmie is leading a double life but so are others in the community.

She was a rape victim as a teenager in the 50.s and was afraid to speak out as so many women of that era were. It was entertaining but

was not a very memorable book in my opinion.

Marsha chose, “The Proving Ground”, by Michael Connelly for our next read