Today I added a new book to my special shelf of books. Theo of Golden by Allen Levi will compliment my collection of poetry and prose. My shelf holds books that inspire me and hopefully at some point in time will lend their wisdom and encouragement to my friends and family. Most of these books came highly recommended or were given to me as gifts. A few of the books once belonged to my mother who passed her love of reading to me. Books are placed on my shelf with one criteria: They are worthy of reading again.
At a young age, I found in books a world much larger than my hometown. I lived between the pages of these childhood books filled with fun adventures. Books took me on journeys across America and on to foreign lands. Some of those adventures planted ideas that grew to become reality.
Mother often chose books of encouragement written by authors such as Dale Carnegie, Norman Vincent Peale and Billy Graham. As I got older, my interest turned to history, autobiographies and poetry. Eventually married with children, I began to read more fictional books. I laugh as I write this next sentence. For a little while, immersing myself in a good fictional story helped me escape the cares of everyday life. My collection also included books that could help me learn a new skill.
Now I find myself enjoying books where the writer uses poetic words to describe surroundings and events. I read some of the lines from Allen Levi’s story, Theo of Golden, over and over to relish the imagery of the scene. I love a good story that encourages the good in humanity. This book has an innate ability to lure its readers to experience the story. The art of storytelling allows the characters in the book to inspire readers to ponder their own life, friends and acquaintances.
Levi’s book encourages the reader to feel compassion, something often numbed in society. The author reminds us to choose our words wisely. Life can take us places we never knew we would be going. Lives can be changed by the generosity of others. Generosity given in the form of words and time that only requires a listening heart.
Allen Levi grew up in Columbus GA. He has been a lawyer and a judge. Levi has enjoyed the life of a traveling musician, storyteller and songwriter. In 2023, Levi published his first novel, Theo of Golden.
Theo of Golden is available at McDowells Book Emporium, 104 Oak Dr. Anderson, SC, many of your favorite local books shops and online as well.
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