All St. Paul Reads: Theo of Golden
“It is another of life’s great mysteries that sadness and joy can coexist so compatibly with one another.”
These words, spoken by a mysterious older man named Theo, sit at the heart of a quiet, powerful novel that has been capturing readers and inviting them into a story about kindness, connection, and being truly seen. Theo of Golden has found its way into the hands of people across the country, passed person to person with enthusiasm. This fall, St. Paul people are invited to discover this book together.
Theo arrives in a small Southern town with little explanation of who he is or why he’s there. What follows is a gentle unfolding of generosity and grace. He moves through the community collecting pencil portraits of residents in exchange for listening to their stories. Over coffee and conversation, through art and books, Theo becomes woven into the fabric of the neighborhood. Lives shift. Friendships form. And slowly, the community begins to wonder about this kind stranger and the mysteries he keeps close.
Lisa Powell Williams, retired librarian and event coordinator for this year’s All St. Paul Reads, discovered the book through word-of-mouth recommendations from people across different circles of her life.
“This is the kind of book that creates its own buzz as people share it with one another,” she said. “When people are moved enough by a novel to hand sell it — to enthusiastically recommend it person to person — you know it’s a keeper.”
But what makes Theo of Golden worthy of inviting an entire congregation to experience together? According to Lisa, the answer lies in its spiritual depth.
“Theo of Golden is especially meaningful to read and discuss together because it embodies the message of the Gospels. It invites us to reflect on kindness, compassion, community, and the ways we are called to see and care for one another.”
The book celebrates themes that feel urgent in our current moment.
“In an era when we are often distracted and divided, this book is a unifying reminder of who we are called to be. The characters reflect on what happens after meaningful conversation and the experience of being truly seen.”
Lisa emphasizes that the book does not shy away from difficulty.
“Kindness is not a Pollyannaish cure-all. It acknowledges another person’s reality and accompanies them on life’s journey. By making room for suffering, the book presents kindness as something deeper and more meaningful than simply trying to make difficult circumstances disappear.”
Anna Villareal, collections coordinator for University of Iowa Health Care, serves as the guest presenter for this year’s All St. Paul Reads discussion. Anna brings professional perspective on the transformative power of art.
“Come as you are and discover where you see yourself among these characters and what the story might help you discern about the way you want to be in the world. Anyone is welcome,” Lisa said. “I hope people come away with a deeper understanding that each of us has unique gifts to offer in service to others — and that, in offering those gifts, we may discover more about the divine.”
All St. Paul Reads
Sunday, Oct. 18, 3-4:30 p.m., Library Commons
The congregation is invited to read and talk about a single book title in the same year. Enjoy desserts and conversation with guest presenter Anna Villareal, collections coordinator for University of Iowa Health Care. Childcare is available upon request. The book is available in the Book Corner. Art by community artists will be featured. Sign up at stpaulqc.org/signups. Contact: Andrea Spencer, bookcorner@stpaulqc.org.
