A Self-Published Book Became an Unexpected Bestseller. I Read It-and I Can See Why.

"Theo of Golden is not like other inspirational books about the wisdom of elderly people. The story follows Mr. Theo, an 86-year-old man who uses only his first name, through a year in a Southern town called Golden. Theo moves to Golden without knowing a single soul there, and spends the year buying up portraits of its residents done by a local artist and gifting them to their subjects."

"In this way, he creates a network of friends with enviable quickness. First, Theo sends a portrait's subject a handwritten letter on fine paper, promising that he's 'a harmless old man, a widower, a father, a toothless lion with only innocent intentions.'"

Theo of Golden, a novel by Allen Levi, gained unexpected popularity after its self-publication in 2023 and subsequent traditional release by Atria Books in 2025. The story follows 86-year-old Mr. Theo, who moves to a Southern town called Golden and builds friendships by gifting portraits of residents. The book's success is attributed to its engaging plot and themes of faith, leading to a high rating on Goodreads and recognition in the New York Times' bestseller lists.

Read at Slate Magazine