I was a little late joining the book club for Feb so I just finished Theo of Golden last night and waited until I was done to read through all of your thoughts and commentary. I wanted to come here and say THANK YOU for structuring the book club like this and allowing the time and space to really process what we've read. I feel like so often, we read books to just check them off our lists and immediately move onto the next one. But with this structure, it really allows us to pause and reflect on the overall story, the plot, the characters, the locations and scenes in the book and soak it all in.
I haven't been able to read many books over the past few years because life has been full with my two young kiddos but I've made the intention to read 50 books this year. I'm on track so far to do just that but by joining this book club, I can already tell, is going to bring another level of depth to my reading this year and I'm so grateful for that. What a wonderful book to start off with and one that has truly changed my life for the better. I've been aimlessly walking around my house this morning not knowing what to do with myself because I have so many emotions, feelings and life-altering thoughts after reading this book. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Stephanie, this means so much to me! I am SO glad you’re here and able to participate in a way that makes you feel restored and not depleted — that’s what I want from my reading, too.
I’m like you — even though I finished Theo a few weeks ago, I feel like this is a book I’m going to be processing in the background for years to come. I hope you find Theo’s world showing itself to you in small ways on ordinary days.
I just came on to say THANK YOU for this chapter-by-chapter review of the book. I read every word. I'd already read the book, and I must (embarrassingly) admit that although I enjoyed it, I didn't see ALL the beauty you saw in the book. Thank you for helping me see.
No reason to be embarrassed, Kendra! I've been in your shoes so often — other folks have shown me things I NEVER would've seen otherwise. That's what makes a book club so fun, I think!
I was truly touched by Theo’s dealings with Kendrick and Lamisha. To know someone is looking out for your child and providing for them when you cannot - priceless.
I also find Tony a little hard to take but see his shade of gray in his dealings with Ellen and his stories from Vietnam. Mr. Ponders secretary holds second place in this category for me.
Kendrick and Lamisha — you're so right. Truly, what a gift. I think about the adults who do this for my kids, who give their time in teaching or coaching or mentoring, and I have tears in my eyes. I'm so thankful for the other adults who contribute to the lives of my children, who did that for me when I was growing up.
Honestly, it reminds me of that Mister Rogers video where he wins the Lifetime Achievement Emmy and has the audience picture who helped "loved them into being," who helped them get there in that moment — and 90% of them are sobbing within a few seconds of the exercise. Have you seen this? Makes me breathless every time I watch it. https://youtu.be/Upm9LnuCBUM?si=9U0u36dM4gqPKVsB&t=85
Watching Mr. Ponder's secretary Mrs. Gidley begin to thaw toward Theo and his mission is one of the highlights for me. 💕 You never know what's behind the exterior, do we?
I had not seen that Mr. Rogers video but wow is that amazing. It made me think immediately about my kindergarten teacher Ms. Mary and how I reconnected with her and a bunch of my classmates a few years ago. That woman believed in us and followed our paths.
I am excited to see if a friendship develops between Theo and Mrs. Gidley. Maybe there is a picture in her future.
I haven’t gotten my hands on the book yet, but I know it’s one that should be read especially during these times. I’m bookmarking this page for when i finish!!
I read this book a week ago and was very happy to see that it was the first choice for this book club! From the first few lines, this book immediately felt like a friend. Have you ever met a book like that? A book that feels like home already because the words are so beautifully knit together and they welcome you in like you're coming in from the cold. C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia feel like that to me. I know this book is very much not that but it felt the same.
I'm not sure if I have a favorite character because I love the conversations Theo has with everyone he has met so far. I was very confused about the "plan" that was mentioned a few times but kept going only because I wanted to meet more people and get to know Theo more. Honestly, I want to have a community meal with everyone in this book and just listen to their stories.
In regards to your feelings about Tony, I wasn't a fan at first but he grew on me. Not in the sense of "HE IS MY FAVORITE" but once I stepped back and thought about him, I had more empathy and understanding.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the rest of the book! I read Theo's dialogue as played by David Suchet for some reason. Anyone else?
Yes! I felt just like I was in the hands of a trusted friend. That's so well said.
A meal with the entire community of Golden sounds pretty good right about now. A big, long table — with loaves of crusty bread and crocks of butter to pass around. That sounds like a dream!
I joined this book club for the shared enjoyment of literature and a break from the constant political noise of everyday life. I was genuinely disappointed to see strong political statements introduced into what I hoped would be a neutral, welcoming space.
When political issues are raised in a one-sided way, it can feel exclusionary — especially when many people hold different views about legality, public safety, and how communities are protected. There are real victims on all sides of these conversations, and focusing on only one narrative while ignoring others is precisely why many people seek refuge in book clubs in the first place.
I value community, but to me that also includes respecting laws, protecting innocent people, and acknowledging that these issues are complex — not suitable for casual insertion into a literary discussion.
I would respectfully ask that this group keep the focus on the book itself so that everyone, regardless of background or beliefs, can feel comfortable participating.
Thank you for your note. I’m really glad you’re here, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness of your comment.
One of the reasons I wanted to start this club was exactly for this: conversation. There are all kinds of people in our world, as in Theo’s, who hold all kinds of beliefs. To me, the magic of a good book is the alchemy it produces within each person. It’s going to make each reader think about different things.
Some books meet us in interesting times. This one has met me at a time when I find what’s happening in our country very disturbing. I want to be open and honest in this group about what a piece of art makes me think and feel, and I want you all to feel the same.
Again, I want to thank you for being willing to have a conversation with me about this. These conversations are how we learn from each other.
I was a little late joining the book club for Feb so I just finished Theo of Golden last night and waited until I was done to read through all of your thoughts and commentary. I wanted to come here and say THANK YOU for structuring the book club like this and allowing the time and space to really process what we've read. I feel like so often, we read books to just check them off our lists and immediately move onto the next one. But with this structure, it really allows us to pause and reflect on the overall story, the plot, the characters, the locations and scenes in the book and soak it all in.
I haven't been able to read many books over the past few years because life has been full with my two young kiddos but I've made the intention to read 50 books this year. I'm on track so far to do just that but by joining this book club, I can already tell, is going to bring another level of depth to my reading this year and I'm so grateful for that. What a wonderful book to start off with and one that has truly changed my life for the better. I've been aimlessly walking around my house this morning not knowing what to do with myself because I have so many emotions, feelings and life-altering thoughts after reading this book. Thank you, thank you, thank you!
Stephanie, this means so much to me! I am SO glad you’re here and able to participate in a way that makes you feel restored and not depleted — that’s what I want from my reading, too.
I’m like you — even though I finished Theo a few weeks ago, I feel like this is a book I’m going to be processing in the background for years to come. I hope you find Theo’s world showing itself to you in small ways on ordinary days.
“We can choose to live with love, not fear, leading the way.”
Yes. That choice often shows up in small moments, not grand ones. The tone we set internally tends to shape everything that follows.
I just came on to say THANK YOU for this chapter-by-chapter review of the book. I read every word. I'd already read the book, and I must (embarrassingly) admit that although I enjoyed it, I didn't see ALL the beauty you saw in the book. Thank you for helping me see.
No reason to be embarrassed, Kendra! I've been in your shoes so often — other folks have shown me things I NEVER would've seen otherwise. That's what makes a book club so fun, I think!
I am blown away most of all by the character of Ellen. I am surprised and grateful for the way she is portrayed and her character is fleshed out
Me too, Melody. ❤️ (PS did you know there’s going to be a sequel? Ellen of Golden!)
Really??? That makes me excited! I would love to see her story more!
I was truly touched by Theo’s dealings with Kendrick and Lamisha. To know someone is looking out for your child and providing for them when you cannot - priceless.
I also find Tony a little hard to take but see his shade of gray in his dealings with Ellen and his stories from Vietnam. Mr. Ponders secretary holds second place in this category for me.
Kendrick and Lamisha — you're so right. Truly, what a gift. I think about the adults who do this for my kids, who give their time in teaching or coaching or mentoring, and I have tears in my eyes. I'm so thankful for the other adults who contribute to the lives of my children, who did that for me when I was growing up.
Honestly, it reminds me of that Mister Rogers video where he wins the Lifetime Achievement Emmy and has the audience picture who helped "loved them into being," who helped them get there in that moment — and 90% of them are sobbing within a few seconds of the exercise. Have you seen this? Makes me breathless every time I watch it. https://youtu.be/Upm9LnuCBUM?si=9U0u36dM4gqPKVsB&t=85
Watching Mr. Ponder's secretary Mrs. Gidley begin to thaw toward Theo and his mission is one of the highlights for me. 💕 You never know what's behind the exterior, do we?
I had not seen that Mr. Rogers video but wow is that amazing. It made me think immediately about my kindergarten teacher Ms. Mary and how I reconnected with her and a bunch of my classmates a few years ago. That woman believed in us and followed our paths.
I am excited to see if a friendship develops between Theo and Mrs. Gidley. Maybe there is a picture in her future.
My copy arrived last week, cannot wait!!
You're going to loooove it.
I haven’t gotten my hands on the book yet, but I know it’s one that should be read especially during these times. I’m bookmarking this page for when i finish!!
It'll be here waiting for you when you're ready, E! Can't wait to hear what you think.
I read this book a week ago and was very happy to see that it was the first choice for this book club! From the first few lines, this book immediately felt like a friend. Have you ever met a book like that? A book that feels like home already because the words are so beautifully knit together and they welcome you in like you're coming in from the cold. C.S. Lewis' Chronicles of Narnia feel like that to me. I know this book is very much not that but it felt the same.
I'm not sure if I have a favorite character because I love the conversations Theo has with everyone he has met so far. I was very confused about the "plan" that was mentioned a few times but kept going only because I wanted to meet more people and get to know Theo more. Honestly, I want to have a community meal with everyone in this book and just listen to their stories.
In regards to your feelings about Tony, I wasn't a fan at first but he grew on me. Not in the sense of "HE IS MY FAVORITE" but once I stepped back and thought about him, I had more empathy and understanding.
Looking forward to hearing your thoughts on the rest of the book! I read Theo's dialogue as played by David Suchet for some reason. Anyone else?
Yes! I felt just like I was in the hands of a trusted friend. That's so well said.
A meal with the entire community of Golden sounds pretty good right about now. A big, long table — with loaves of crusty bread and crocks of butter to pass around. That sounds like a dream!
Dear Emily,
I joined this book club for the shared enjoyment of literature and a break from the constant political noise of everyday life. I was genuinely disappointed to see strong political statements introduced into what I hoped would be a neutral, welcoming space.
When political issues are raised in a one-sided way, it can feel exclusionary — especially when many people hold different views about legality, public safety, and how communities are protected. There are real victims on all sides of these conversations, and focusing on only one narrative while ignoring others is precisely why many people seek refuge in book clubs in the first place.
I value community, but to me that also includes respecting laws, protecting innocent people, and acknowledging that these issues are complex — not suitable for casual insertion into a literary discussion.
I would respectfully ask that this group keep the focus on the book itself so that everyone, regardless of background or beliefs, can feel comfortable participating.
God Bless!
Hi JTimber,
Thank you for your note. I’m really glad you’re here, and I appreciate the thoughtfulness of your comment.
One of the reasons I wanted to start this club was exactly for this: conversation. There are all kinds of people in our world, as in Theo’s, who hold all kinds of beliefs. To me, the magic of a good book is the alchemy it produces within each person. It’s going to make each reader think about different things.
Some books meet us in interesting times. This one has met me at a time when I find what’s happening in our country very disturbing. I want to be open and honest in this group about what a piece of art makes me think and feel, and I want you all to feel the same.
Again, I want to thank you for being willing to have a conversation with me about this. These conversations are how we learn from each other.
Thanks for being here.