LACPA’s Spring Book Club Selection: 

Theo of Golden

by Allen Levi

Book Summary

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi is the endearing story of a curious old man who quietly moves into a southern city and, for reasons unknown to anyone but himself, undertakes a campaign of anonymous generosity. Theo’s love for people, combined with his fondness for books, art, birds, and story, unite in a colorful expression of outreach and affection. Stories are shared, friendships are born, and lives, in response to his inexplicable kindness, are affirmed and transformed. 

The mystery of who Theo is and why he came to Golden keeps the reader in suspense. Beautifully written stories of kindness and neighborliness are always timely, but perhaps especially so now.  LACPA members most probably will appreciate the character development in the book and the dynamics between the characters in this small US town.

Positive ratings on Amazon

This book received excellent ratings: An average of 4.8 out of 5 stars because 87% of raters gave it 5 stars, 10% gave it 4 stars and 3% gave it 3 stars with no 2 or 1 star ratings.

Positive reviews on Amazon

For the first time since I’ve been compiling these listserv posts, I couldn’t locate quotes by professional book reviewers on Amazon, Goodreads and via Google.  Nonetheless, I read numerous wonderful readers’ reviews.  Therefore, I decided to quote the AI summary (which IMHO is “flat” compared to individual descriptions but this reflects my bias – LOL):

Customers find the story heartwarming and inspiring. They praise the writing quality as beautiful, poetic, and cohesive. Readers fall in love with the compelling characters and find them interesting. The storyline is described as amazing, unique, and well-developed. Overall, customers describe the book as enjoyable and uplifting.

The Other Book Choices in 2025

This year we will also read The Secrets We Kept by Lara Prescott and My Sister’s Keeper by Jodi Picoult.

Please RSVP directly to the Book Club facilitator

Westside

Sunday, May 18th at 3:00 PM

Hosted by Dr. Cris Scaglione 

[email protected]

(949) 939-1943

Santa Clarita - Saturday, May 31st at 10 AM

This will be an In Person meeting at the home of Dr. Lynne Steinman

Address will be provided upon RSVP

RSVP to Dr. Lynne Steinman

[email protected]  

(661) 259-0144

Encino

Sunday, June 1st at 3:00 PM

Hosted by Dr. Pamela McCrory

[email protected]

(818) 999- 4126  

 Join us for great discussions with fellow LACPA members!

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