05/18/2026
For many years our community has been blessed by a multitude of talented individuals who have shared their gifts with us here in the Columbus and surrounding area. Whether you know Allen Levi as a once practicing attorney in Columbus, or travelling singer and song writer who gave us the musical production of “Rivertown” at our local River Center for the performing arts, or your Sunday School teacher at church or Bible study teacher on the porch at his home in Harris County, Ga, or perhaps as a Judge in the Harris County, GA court system, your life has been touched for the better by grace, goodness, and kindness. Now add to this list, an unassuming and “self-proclaimed accidental fiction novelist.” It would be difficult to imagine at this time that anyone has not heard of the break-out success of Allen Levi’s recent contribution to the arts and literature in the form of a novel titled, “Theo of Golden”. Several years ago, Allen had challenged himself to see if he had the mind muscle and fortitude to complete his dream of writing a fiction novel. Over a period of years of starting and stopping, as many writers certainly have done, Allen finished his work, gave himself a pat on the back and then stuck his manuscript in a drawer with no intentions of it ever being more than just that, a book in a desk drawer and a personal goal accomplished.
Advance some time after his book in the drawer incident, Allen was asked by five of his life long friends what came of his novel efforts, and he told them he indeed completed his dream and tucked it away. As true friends do, all five asked if they could read his accomplished work to which Allen agreed. All five friends read and all five unanimously asked Allen to promise to do something with the life changing read each of them had experienced. What started as a self-challenge soon became a fun exercise in keeping a promise to his five friends. With the assistance of two family members, “Theo of Golden” became a self-written, edited, printed and published literary fiction novel in the paper back form in which it can be found today. Allen initially printed only a hundred copies to share with friends and family, and just maybe if found of interest to a few, some would sell in his surrounding community starting in local coffee shops, pharmacies and select gift shops. Well, that one hundred book copies which Allen was never concerned about making a single dollar, has grown to a readership that has taken “Theo of Golden” to the accolades of #1 on the New York Times Best seller list, Top Break-Out books of 2026 on Barnes & Noble’s list and several other industry markers of books that are highly recommended to read and add to one’s library. After that initial one hundred books, momentum grew over time until the sell of two-hundred thousand which garnished the attention of a major publisher with whom Allen eventually signed. As of today, “Theo of Golen” has sold over one million copies and the publisher has contracted with numerous foreign countries to print in those foreign languages.
One would think to say “kudos” to the author, and that would certainly be appropriate. However, I would say to everyone, “if you know the man, Allen Levi”, his passion, purpose and desire is not to make money selling books, but to put out there for all to consider the character of Theo in the book. The reader is challenged to consider a world where if we can be inspired from this writing to emulate an individual who possesses the true character traits of kindness, understanding, compassion, respect and love for others… oh what a better place and life we may all experience.
I challenge anyone who reads this post and has not read “Theo of Golden,” to trust my recommendation and please consider coming into North Columbus Pharmacy and purchase your copy in paper or hard back, or if you do not live in the Columbus area, find a copy from somewhere. I hope and pray for you just as I know the author does, that your heart will be touched and challenged in a good way toward getting to know people and their stories and how the most simple acts of kindness toward others can change us all.
God Bless,
David Lovett
