”“Theo was in Golden for only a year… Not so long. But long enough to create a current of his own and to catch others in it.” — Allen Levi, Theo of Golden
At its heart, Theo of Golden is a quiet meditation on legacy. It is not about the kind outlined in wealth or titles or a long list of board positions in an obituary, but the kind passed down through presence, intentionality, and generosity.
When Theo moves to the small southern town of Golden, he begins purchasing portraits created by a local artist from the wall of a local coffee shop. Not for himself, but for the community. As Theo gives away each portrait to local community members, it becomes clear that it is not the gift itself that leaves a mark, but the time Theo takes to truly see and listen to each person he meets.
The story invites us to reflect on what truly matters: the people we show up for, the relationships we invest in, and the small, often unnoticed acts of kindness that shape our life stories. In an age where so much competes for our attention, Theo of Golden slows us down, inviting us to reflect on the kind of people we want to be and the legacy we hope to leave. This is the current we have the power to create.
Theo of Golden is on my teenage son’s summer reading list. Discussing the chapters with him when he returned home from camp gave us something unexpected: a discussion about values that are often hard to articulate, but easier to discuss through stories. We talked about how people leave imprints on one another, and how generosity is not about giving away money or things. It is about being available. Listening. Showing up. Connecting. Loving our neighbors.
Theo’s approach reminds us that there is no age or status requirement for generosity. We have the power to create a meaningful legacy through thoughtfulness and presence. Theo’s quiet current of kindness shows that relationships, though they take time and energy, transform communities.
By adding Theo of Golden to your summer reading list, you will find a thoughtful story about legacy that pulls you in and lingers with you long after you close the back cover.
