family secrets | Book Girl & Little Bear

Theo of Golden by Allen Levi

Originally self-published, this bestselling contemporary novel is a doozy. I can see why it’s popular with book groups, but perhaps it should come with some content warnings. I found it to be deliberately bittersweet in tone, and this is definitely not a gentle read.

This novel is about the impact one 86-year-old man has on the town of Golden, Georgia. Theo is fascinated by portraits displayed in a coffee shop, all featuring local residents, and he is very admiring of the local artist, Asher Glissen. Theo decides to buy some of them, and give the portraits to their subjects. He writes each a letter, and invites them to meet him by a fountain. Many do meet him by the fountain, and share some of their life stories, which are often sad, even heart wrenching. Theo’s kindness does make life in Golden sweeter for many.

Theo is also generous and helps a number of Golden residents, usually anonymously, including a little girl and a gifted musician. Theo, who never shared his full name, doesn’t talk much about himself. He does speak of growing up near vineyards in Portugal, and tells a few of a long-ago tragedy. Theo clearly loves music, literature, art, coffee, and conversation. His daily ritual is to watch the sunset by a river. The ending is quite abrupt, and secrets are revealed.

Brenda

More Than Enough by Anna Quindlen

This was a compelling read; hard to put down, which is rare in a contemporary novel that isn’t a thriller or a mystery. It left me smiling, if a bit wistful. That said, this book isn’t for everyone. Content includes dementia, infertility, family secrets, and cancer.

Why was this a good read for me, with all those topics covered? This novel also has memorable characters that I cared about, humor, a happy marriage, friendship, good scenery, and alpacas. Alpacas are pretty charming!

Polly teaches high school English in a private school for girls in New York City. After a short and unhappy first marriage, Polly is happily married to Mark. Mark is kind, supportive, and is a zoo veterinarian. Polly meets three friends 9 or 10 times a year for an unusual book club. The four women agree to buy the buy, but not to read it. No, I don’t get it, but money does not appear to be an issue for any of these women. Her friend Sarah has a city apartment and a house in Connecticut with gorgeous gardens. Sarah becomes friends with Mark’s mother Lou when their house needs renovation.

Polly’s dad has dementia and has moved to a posh memory care facility, and her mother is a judge. Polly is her father’s favorite child, but her brother doesn’t hold it against her. Some of Polly’s students and former students are featured, along with another teen. There are brief poetry quotations, and references to famous women novelists.

Brenda