I had seen Theo of Golden on several “must read” lists and had lots of recommendations from friends. I finally picked it up in April and have already lent it out to a friend because the library has a 13-week waiting list! Fun fact: it was originally self-published in 2023 and after massive grass roots success it was acquired and re-released in the Fall of 2025 where it went on to become a #1 New York Times best seller.

Why is it so loved? You can read all of the reviews online (not all of them are good!) or you can just see for yourself. That’s what I did!

Without ruining anything, my biggest takeaway was that it took a kind stranger to create community, connection and healing. The people he met were walking around unseen and struggling and him simply asking about their stories opened up so many opportunities (to heal, to be understood, to identify an unmet need, to dispel feelings of unworthiness, shame and flaws, to remind them of hidden strengths and dignity, and even to connect them to others)

I know that sentence is way too long but I’m the writer and the editor here 😉

I hope that you will take the opportunity to read this story and reflect on how you might be able to shift your daily interactions with people around you.

I recently shared a quote that I think is very fitting here. It said:

I feel like we are getting so far from this (real connection) and it’s what’s missing at work and home. I know I have room to improve, and my memory isn’t what it used to be either, so I do have reminders and notes to remember something that was shared or to check in on someone after we have had a conversation. Maybe this will be helpful for you, too!

In writing this I also learned that there might be an upcoming book sequel?! and found a list of similar feel good book club recommendations, here are two that I can comment on:

Remarkably Bright Creatures (I loved this one and its on Netflix as a movie now, too!)

A Man Called Ove (Its on my list, Ive read My Friends by the same author and I really enjoyed it)

Hope you enjoyed this read and thanks for being part of my community <3