49 Comments
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Elspeth's avatar

I’ve heard such good things about this book and I can’t wait to read it myself and be a part of book club! Thank you, Emily!!

Jennifer Stewart's avatar

Oh my gosh. So, this book was recommended to me. I had no idea what I was getting into. I paint in my free time and what do I do when I paint? I listen to books on the numerous apps that use. The day I began this book I was painting a portrait of a stranger and his dog. The picture I had taken with permission of a tender dog/owner moment. The book began and I got cold chills. I’m seriously considering taking this painting thing in a whole new direction. I’m about an hour and a half away from finishing the book and I have loved every moment so much I could read it again. I want to…so many pearls of wisdom in this book! It’s been a long time since a book has been as soul filling to me as this one! What a great way to start book club!

Emily Ley's avatar

Jennifer, I have goosebumps. Sounds like you and this book were meant to meet at exactly the right moment!

Meg Applegate's avatar

Theo of Golden is an AMAZING book! Great choice!

Kim Shanks's avatar

I’ve just read the first two chapters. It’s so quiet and comforting. Love it!

‘He was bedazzled by spiderwebs’ l

Emily Ley's avatar

Just the most gorgeous writing, isn’t it? Such a beautiful line. ❤️

Brooke Wright's avatar

This is some of the best news!! I can't wait to listen to it. Thank you for sharing this tip :)

Emily Ley's avatar

Tell me what you think when you dive in, Brooke!!

Krystal 👩🏻‍💻's avatar

Definitely in! I found it on Spotify, but I feel like I need a paper copy to review and for notes.

Emily Ley's avatar

For sure! Definitely feels like one I’ll return to again and again.

Becky Serdar's avatar

Sounds like the perfect feel good story we need, especially those of us here in MSP right now. Thanks for the recommendation!

Emily Ley's avatar

I can’t imagine. Hugs and hope and strength to you and your neighbors.

Sabrina Reis's avatar

Also from Minneapolis and I was thinking the same. Something positive and friendly sounds perfect.

Melody's avatar

Raises hand 🙋 also in Minnesota. We need all the good thoughts!

Emily Ley's avatar

A whole convoy of Minnesotans, how did we get so lucky in this club?? ❤️

Erika's avatar

Such a wonderful and beautiful first pick! My husband picked it up for me last year for my birthday based on a librarian’s recommendation and I couldn’t put it down. Hands down my favorite book I read last year. In my top 10 of favorite books ever. 🎉

I’ll definitely give it a read again!

Emily Ley's avatar

It's so good!!! I'm about 3/4 of the way through and will finish it tomorrow listening on my drive home!

Amanda's avatar

Oh I’m excited for this! January went by and I didn’t read a single book. I don’t ever remember a time when I didn’t read at least one. Such a slump, but now this!

Emily Ley's avatar

Don't fret. I barely survived January hahaha.

Allison Louis's avatar

I feel this! I made a resolution to read more…and then read nothing in January! An uplifting book with the opportunity to connect with others sounds like the perfect place to restart 🥰

Brooke's avatar

I am so excited for this!!! This book has been on my TBR for a while! Now I have the perfect excuse to read it! I love connecting over books.

Emily Ley's avatar

ME TOO! You will love this one.

Laura Tovar's avatar

So excited for this book club! I read this book last month in my IRL book club, but I’ll enjoy your commentary and the live! It’s a great one!

Emily Ley's avatar

It's so good. And so timely.

Coral's avatar

Hi! I am excited to join- especially since I started reading this for a book club in my town and missed the meeting. Serendipitous! Is there a link to register?

Emily Ley's avatar

Hi, Coral, I’m so glad you’re here! Since you’re already a subscriber, you are IN. No extra steps required! 🎉 Keep your eyes peeled for a post coming out tomorrow!

Angelyn Knab's avatar

Thanks for picking what sounds like a wonderful, soul-filling book!

So, logistical question (I feel like I read the posts & chat and I will admit I may have missed something) … is “The Reading Room” a separate Substack OR will it be a chat thread within this Substack?

Emily Ley's avatar

Excellent question! The Reading Room is a chat thread within this Substack. Here’s the link! http://emilyley.substack.com/chat

(I’ll try to make sure you guys get an email every time a new Reading Room thread opens up!)

Robyn Blake's avatar

Looking forward to listening to this! Emily, I am curious at what speed you listen to your audiobooks? I usually do 1.5x but your paragraph about the timing of the narrator’s delivery made me reconsider for this book!

Emily Ley's avatar

I just do 1x. I've heard of people doing 1.5x but when I tried it, it felt too fast (and overwhelming for my already hamster wheel brain).

Robyn Blake's avatar

I slowed this one down (to 1.2x) and I have been enjoying it! There is something about this story that is sweet at a slower pace. If you ever want to try to listen faster (it’s addicting to be able to get through more books in the same amount of time!) try starting at 1.1x for a month and then gradually step up to 1.2x then 1.3x, etc!

Sabrina Reis's avatar

What a cool backstory to the book!! I’m so excited for this book club!!

Emily Ley's avatar

I’m so happy you’re here, Sabrina!! (Glad you liked the backstory too, couldn’t believe it when I read it and had to share)

Amy Kerr's avatar

I’m with you, that backstory is so cool! I’ve seen this book everywhere but that was news to me.

Amber's avatar

I just saw this and put in a library request. I’m 272nd in line with 66 copies 🙃. Not confident at all that I’ll even get the book, let alone be able to read. Some advanced planning would greatly be appreciated 😊

Emily Ley's avatar

Hahha I feel this in my bones. Theo of Golden has taken off like wildfire lately! And you wont be disappointed whenever you get a chance to read it!