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Book Club Discussion + Mingle for Theo of Golden
Featured Book
Theo of Golden
Questions linger about Theo, a pleasant but mysterious stranger, after his arrival in the southern city of Golden. Who is he, and why is he here? He arrives early one spring and by chance - or is it? - he visits a coffee shop where 92 framed pencil portraits are on display. Inspired, Theo sets out on a mission of purchasing all the portraits one at a time and quietly bestowing them on their 'rightful owners.' Stories are told; friendships are born; and lives are changed. Theo of Golden is a beautifully crafted story about the power of creative generosity, the importance of wonder to a purposeful life, and the far-reaching possibilities of anonymous kindness. RECOMMENDED FOR: Grown-Ups OUR BOOKS ARE LISTED BY AGE GROUP to indicate that the content is engaging and appropriate for those selected ages. PLEASE NOTE: They may not be the appropriate reading level for every individual at those ages or may extend beyond the brackets.
This book will be available for purchase at the event.
About This Event
Local Readers (GROWN-UPS 21+) - Join us in-person at October Cafe's NEW location in Gladstone Park to discuss Theo of Golden by Allen Levi & enjoy some optional themed bevys + bites. You're invited to listen in on the curated conversation & participate / ask any questions you have for the group. You’ll get a FREE TAKE-AWAY GIFT + EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS FROM OUR BOOKTIQUE!
Pick up a physical copy of the book from the dropdown menu on the sign-up page, decide to download an audiobook from the link on the sign-up page before the event, OR join us for the discussion before you dive into the book - your choice!
NOTE: PRE-READING IS HIGHLY RECOMMENDED, since we will be diving deep into the book during our discussion and there may be some spoilers.
PRE-READING IS RECOMMENDED FOR THIS EVENT…
Local Book Lovers will gather to discuss Theo of Golden by Allen Levi with our Book Club Group at October Cafe's NEW Gladstone Park location (5961 N Elston Avenue), where they can also opt to taste some themed bites + bevys inspired by the characters, plots and settings of the story. Guests will get a FREE TAKE-AWAY GIFT + EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS FROM OUR BOOKTIQUE!
With each Book Club sign up, you can choose to receive a physical copy of the featured book(s) to read before we meet in-person (CLICK THE CHECKBOX(ES) TO ADD A COPY OF THE BOOK(S) TO YOUR ORDER), decide to download an audiobook from the link below before the event, OR opt to grab your book(s) from the library / share your book(s) with a friend.
NOTE: EACH $15 TICKET PURCHASED ABOVE INCLUDES THE BOOK DISCUSSION, A SPECIAL TREAT FROM OUR BOOKTIQUE & VIRTUAL COUPON FOR SHOPPING.
Featured Author
Allen Levi
Allen Levi is an American writer. He is author of three books: The Last Sweet Mile (2014), Oliviatown (2003), and Theo of Golden (2023).[1] Levi was born in Bay Minette, Alabama.[2] He graduated from the University of Georgia and was a practicing lawyer in the 1980s.[1] In March 2026, Theo of Golden spent three weeks as the number one book on the List of The New York Times number-one books of 2026. Theo of Golden was originally self-published. Levi worked on promotion along with his niece, Aron Ritchie. In 2025, Levi agreed to be represented by Suzanne Gluck, a literary agent with William Morris Endeavor. This led to a publishing deal with Simon & Schuster.[3]
About the Venue
October Cafe on Elston
Presented by New Book Joy - Brookfield
Norwood Park
5961 N Elston Avenue
Chicago, IL 60646
More at New Book Joy - Brookfield
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Local Readers + History Lovers (GROWN-UPS 21+) - Join us in-person at the Metra Train Station in Riverside, then set off to enjoy a Bookish Walking History Tour (led by bookstore owner Mandy Genge and local history teacher Jennie Crownson, who will share book recommendations and historical snippets inspired by Riverside's past and present). Attendees are invited for an after-walk Mix + Mingle at Vinette: The Little Wine Shop in Riverside's Metra Train Station from 7-8 pm where they can hear even more stories and enjoy optional sips from a local woman-owned small business. You’ll get a FREE TAKE-AWAY GIFT + EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS FROM OUR BOOKTIQUE!
Teen Book Swap: Mix and Mingle for High Schoolers
Young Readers (HIGH SCHOOLERS) - Join us in-person at our NEW New Book Joy Booktique in Brookfield for a Teen Book Swap Mix + Mingle! Bring your own new or gently used book to swap with any other books that are brought to this event (or any extra titles that we have available for the swap). Don't worry, you'll get to browse all the books and chat with local book lovers about their titles before swapping... Stick around to shop after you swap & GET AN EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNT too!
Blind Date with a Book Book Club
NOTE: EACH $45 TICKET PURCHASED ABOVE INCLUDES A PHYSICAL COPY OF THE BOOK + A SPECIAL TREAT FROM OUR BOOKTIQUE UPON PICKUP/DELIVERY, BOOK DISCUSSION & VIRTUAL COUPON FOR SHOPPING. Local Readers (GROWN-UPS 21+) - Join us in-person at our NEW New Book Joy Booktique in Brookfield to discuss our Blind Date with a Book choice. You're invited to listen in on the curated conversation & participate / ask any questions you have for the group. YOU'LL GET A PHYSICAL COPY OF THE BOOK + SURPRISE THEMED READING PAIRING UPON ORDER PICKUP/DELIVERY, PLUS EXCLUSIVE DISCOUNTS FROM OUR BOOKTIQUE TOO! BOOK TITLE WILL BE REVEALED UPON ORDER PICKUP / DELIVERY. (If you would like to guess - or ask - the monthly title after reading our book description below, please email newbookjoybf@gmail.com before ordering your ticket + book! If you have already read or are currently reading the book want to participate in the book club without receiving an additional copy of the book, we can invoice you for the ticket only.)