THEO OF GOLDEN BOOK CLUB - WEEK 6 - CHAPTERS 26 - 30

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

The chapters from this week's reading are causing me to do some deep soul searching. The character of Theo is constantly challenging us in our views and treatment of others. Not only in investing personally in the lives of those around us, but also, Theo brings about connections for people who have very little to none. He works on helping those he spends time with heal from their past and see their worth. It makes me wonder, what Theo is trying to heal from himself? Who would ever have guessed that a work of fiction would cause such deep thinking?!

CHAPTER 26

What do we learn about Theo in this chapter? Theo knows his Bible. The references from Daniel, Proverbs, James, and Matthew show a man that has not just contemplated scripture, but applied it to his life. Theo is marked as a shepherd which I think aptly describes him. Also, he is a man who is willing to step out of the private bench meetings and into the public eye with those he spends time with. Once a friend of Theo's, always a friend of Theo's. It makes me wonder how long his friend list is on Facebook! Oh wait! A man this invested in one-on-one time with others wouldn't have the time of day for Facebook, would he?! A thought for us all to consider!

I wasn't surprised by Theo's attention to details as he looks around the inside of the church. This is the Theo we've gotten to know. However, what did catch my attention was his thoughts toward the church. " How many souls had been stilled and comforted in that hallowed space over the decades?" Reading that, I began wondering about what Theo needs "stilled' and "comforted" from, but it's not him that we end up centering in on. It's Ellen.

There is so much that hits you between the eyes like a two-by-four in this chapter. What would you do with an "Ellen" if she walked into your church? You know - "the uninvited guest." I think it's important to note we can't let people take over the church service with erratic behavior, but we can put measures in place to welcome and assist people with special needs. Scripture shares story after story of Jesus spending time with those who had needs or blessing children. They didn't dominate the message He was sharing. Sometimes they were the message. Other times, Jesus helped them, and then continued on.

What a beautiful picture when Mrs. Ocie calls out to Ellen. Ellen knows Mrs. Ocie. She has an established relationship with Ellen, remember? Ellen told Theo at their meeting that she helped her pick out her special dress to meet him.

Ellen chooses to sit with Theo - another established relationship. Theo has invested himself in her life in a way that few people have. Like we talked about last week, he saw past the mental struggles to the complete woman that is Ellen. He treated her like a human being and not a freak of nature. She can trust him, and she knows it.

Levi ends the chapter by saying that Ellen was never late again to church. She's found her community. If the church wasn't a real community for Ellen, we know exactly what would happen. Ellen would tell them all off and never step inside the building again.

CHAPTER 27

What do we learn about Theo in this chapter? Theo is quick on his toes with his responses to Tony. He makes it a practice to not put people down when he talks about them no matter who they are. We can all learn something from that.

Also, it's important to note what we learn about Tony in this chapter. He recognizes a fellow wounded soul when he sees one, and he intervenes. Oh my goodness. How moving to hear what Tony has done for Ellen. He's given her her own library card to his bookstore. The beauty of Tony's character is overwhelming. The stereotypical military man from the outside but what a compassionate person on the inside. He knows firsthand what a world without care looks like, and he's set to do all he can to help where he can.

Anybody else curious to read some William Saroyan short stories after reading this chapter? Don't be surprised if it shows up in my reviews in the future. I love getting book recommendations from books.

CHAPTERS 28 - 29

What do we learn about Theo in these chapters? This is where it really struck me what a connecter of people he is. We already talked about bringing Ellen into the church, and in these chapters Theo internally thinks of a little girl that needs some tutoring Basil could do. I'm guessing the person in mind is Kendrick's daughter, Lamisha. What a perfect way for Basil to enter back into the world of education that he loved as a child if he chooses.

One of the beautiful things about this book is we are able to relate to the characters. Their stories are so believable that we feel the pain, and that is true with Basil. I mourned with him about the loss of his best friend, his precious sister, Genevieve. Who of us hasn't been affected by cancer in some way? To take it a step deeper, there's nothing worse then seeing a family member you treasure rejected by a person that has promised to care for them. The level of anger that comes with that is immeasurable. Then to watch the jerk collect on the life insurance and take Genevieve's belongings, it's almost unbearable.

On a more positive note, let's talk for a moment about the influence of teachers in our lives. Basil mentions two teachers from his time in high school that influenced his future. Think back to your favorite teacher in school, and what made them earn that title from you. My favorite teacher was my third grade teacher, Mrs. Lee. We did so many fun projects in that class, and we learned in the process of every one of them! I hated seeing that year come to an end, and the experience definitely influenced how I relate to kids when teaching, especially my own.

CHAPTER 30

What do we learn about Theo in this chapter? We learn about a monumental childhood memory of art and sunsets.

Have you ever encountered a moment that felt so magical you wondered if it was real?

This chapter felt like an encounter with Monet to me. Monet would often go out in his boat on the Seine and paint the sunrise and sunset. He would have multiple paintings going at the same time that he would add to as the sun would shift its position in the sky. Even though Monet was mentioned earlier in the story, I don't think that's who Theo encountered. The book actually refers to an "angel' which is possible. The Bible tells us that we "entertain them unaware' sometimes. Sunsets are an interesting theme in this story. Each of the three times we've encountered them, they've had significant meanings in Theo's life. Metaphorically, sunsets tend to have to do with something coming to an end, especially life. Again, I am finding myself wondering if we're up against a ticking clock with Theo.

Thoughts? I'd love to hear them!