Book club questions for Theo of Golden by Allen Levi take a closer look at this novel about kindness and generosity. There will be spoilers from here on out, so for more context about the book, check out my spoiler-free review first.
This book is everywhere! By far one of the most popular in recent memory. It’s well-deserving of its success as well.
As I mentioned in my review, while I did quite like it, I found it repetitive in some areas. I understand why some of the key reveals were withheld until the end of the book, but I would also have liked to see scenes together between Theo and Asher.
On the same note, Theo’s fate was sad. I had a feeling he would pass away during the course of the novel. But it was pretty upsetting what happened, which I understand at the same time is the point. Cruel and tragic events can happen.
Overall, this is a very big-hearted book, and there’s a reason why it’s resonated with so many people.
Let me know your thoughts about Theo of Golden in the comments section below!
The Story
Theo is a man who comes to a town called Golden, a small city in the south. He visits the local coffeehouse, where he sees portraits of the people of Golden drawn by a local artist. Theo decides to purchase each one and give the portrait to the rightful owners.
With each meeting, Theo learns more about the person, and they come away inspired by his kindness.
Book Club Questions for Theo of Golden
- What was your first impression of Theo? Did that change at all as the story went on?
- Theo is full of secrets about why he chose to live in Golden. Why did Theo keep so many secrets from the people in the town?
- While exploring Golden, Theo visits a coffee shop where he finds 92 portraits drawn of people in the town. Why was it important for Theo to purchase these portraits and give them to their subjects?
- Let’s imagine for a second you live in Golden, and Asher drew your photo. How would you react if Theo had contacted you to give you the portrait? Would you be open to it or apprehensive?
- Theo is very particular about the portraits he purchases at first. Why was he so selective, and what was he looking for within each portrait?
- Theo meets so many people through these exchanges. What were some of the memorable meetings for you and why?
- The woman, Ellen, is a key player in the novel, and someone Theo feels much empathy for, especially when he finds out her child was taken away from her. Why did Theo have such an interest in helping Ellen?
- We also learn more and more about Theo’s background, including the fact that his child died in a car accident. Why was it important for us to know more about Theo’s backstory?
- How did this tragedy inspire Theo to find religion again?
- Some view this novel as a Christian story, while others believe it’s a narrative that includes religious overtones. What is your impression of how the story presented religion, especially when it comes to Theo?
- Theo’s life comes tragically to an end when he witnesses Ellen and Simone being attacked. Theo loses his balance and falls to his death. Let’s talk about our thoughts as we read this unfold.
- After this death, it’s revealed that Theo was a famous and successful painter. Eventually, Asher learns that his mother had a relationship with Theo. And she returned to Golden pregnant with Asher, and Theo was the father. While she told Theo about Asher, she asked him to stay away. And he did so until years later, when he finally came to Golden. There’s a lot to unpack here. First, why did Asher’s mother tell Theo to stay away?
- And why did Theo choose this time period to finally come to Golden? Why didn’t he tell Asher the truth when he met him?
- How did Theo’s act of kindness change many in this town for good?
- What happens next for Asher, Ellen, Simone, and other essential players in the novel?
- What are some of the key messages of this novel?
- Did you highlight any passages that resonated with you? If so, let’s share each one and discuss why it was meaningful.
Additional Recommendations
Hope you enjoyed the book club questions for Theo of Golden! Here are some more recommendations, along with links to book club questions.
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans
The Correspondent by Virginia Evans is a richly drawn story of one woman’s journey to self-reflection.
It’s such a beautiful story, and I found myself getting quite emotional as I read it. Sybil is one of the most vivid characters I’ve read in quite some time. And this is all without dialogue or any of it. What a masterful job done by Virginia Evans. Check out my spoiler-free review here.
And my book club questions here.
Remarkably Bright Creatures by Shelby Van Pelt
You might have already read this one, but if not, I highly recommend it!
What’s interesting is that the novel is such a quiet story, yet it also dives deep into grief, resilience, loneliness, aging, and even a fresh start. The protagonist, Tova Sullivan, is one of the most vivid characters I’ve read in some time. Her kindness and strength, especially after dealing with personal losses, were admirable.
Of course, there’s also a big plot line of her connection with a giant Pacific octopus, which obviously makes this story stand out even more. Where the octopus even helps Tova might find happiness again. But while it sounds so outlandish, it really works so well, more so than I expected. Check out my spoiler-free review here.
And my book club questions here.
Happy reading!
