Printable Book Club Questions for Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

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.