Two friends have gifted me with non-fiction books recently. Last week I mentioned Covenant of Water by Abraham Verghese. The second, very different, but also excellent, is Theo of Golden by Allen Levi.

When I was down to the last twenty-five pages, I went to a restaurant because I didn’t want to finish it alone. I’m sure the waiter was worried about me, because my best friend at the table was Kleenex.

From the first page, I found Theo of Golden to be a beautiful story of deep love that survives the years, giving without wanting, friendships built on kindness and wisdom, and anonymity nourished by selflessness. Trust me on this one—get it, read it, and pass it on. Write in the margins, and underline the wisdom that touches you. I want to read it more than once.

I know this column isn’t a book review, but this book will improve your mental wellness —and who doesn’t need a good cry?

My high points from the book are merely reinforcements of simple truths:

Kindness and gentleness are more potent than fancy words or bullying.

Spending time with someone less fortunate benefits both, but especially the fortunate.

Gifts given with only the receiver in mind and no expectation of receiving in return are precious, priceless, and can perpetuate wonder.

The best gifts often involve no money.

Engaged listening is a gift to the speaker and the listener.

Even the most disagreeable will react to kind words and soft voices.

Trying to please the unappeasable is not in vain unless it’s a critical parent.

There are mean people even in paradise.

Preparing for death is wise in many ways and beneficial for all.

We don’t need to know everything about a person to love them.

How we treat others is how people define us.

Silence, laughter, and time—all underestimated.

Understanding isn’t necessary for accepting and appreciating.

Making a living by doing what we love is self-love, and it radiates from us.

Making a living by doing what someone else wants is self-defeating.

Having more money than you need is beneficial if it’s used for good and promotes positive causes.

Angels are not always invisible.

Friends, being one and having one or many, help provide answers to unknown questions.

That’s a good start. I also have a renewed appreciation for books, especially well-written ones. They are more colorful and exciting than watching stories on TV. They provide tools for growth and lessons to ponder. They provide images for untangling issues in our lives.

Closing with a quote from Mark Twain, “A great book is a friend that never lets you down.” Theo of Golden was just that, for me.

Until the next time: Live while you live.

Jennifer Goble, Ph.D., LPC, is the author of “My Clients…My Teachers,” and the blogger and writer of Rural Women Stories: www.ruralwomenstories.com.

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