Here are 88 books that Theo of Golden fans have personally recommended if you like Theo of Golden. Book DNA is a community of 12,000+ authors and super readers sharing their favorite books with the world.

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Book cover of Untamed

Jackie Kurtz Author Of Kindness Heroes

From my list on hope, healing, and a reminder of goodness.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m Jackie Kurtz, author of Kindness Heroes and founder of Matt’s Kindness Ripples On, a nonprofit I created after losing my son, Matt, in 2017. Matt lived with a natural, effortless kindness that touched so many lives, and after he died, I knew I had to carry that forward. What began as a way to honor him became a mission to recognize and encourage kindness in others. Through sharing stories, giving grants, and now writing this book, I’ve seen how even the smallest acts can create powerful ripple effects. That’s why I’m so passionate about kindness—it changes lives, often in ways we may never fully see.

Jackie's book list on hope, healing, and a reminder of goodness

Jackie Kurtz Why Jackie loves this book

When I started Untamed, I thought all women should read it. Then I thought all parents should read it. By the end, I believed everyone should.

I found myself laughing, reflecting, and thinking, I wish I had read this soonerI had so many moments of “I never thought of it that way” and “that’s exactly what happened to me.” Doyle shares honest insights on everything from parenting and relationships to identity and breaking free from expectations.

I especially appreciated her perspective on raising kids, acknowledging emotions, and living authentically. I walked away feeling more aware, more open, and more willing to question the life I’m creating.

This is a book I’ll revisit—and recommend often.

By Glennon Doyle ,

Why should I read it?

18 authors picked Untamed as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • OVER TWO MILLION COPIES SOLD! “Packed with incredible insight about what it means to be a woman today.”—Reese Witherspoon (Reese’s Book Club Pick)

In her most revealing and powerful memoir yet, the activist, speaker, bestselling author, and “patron saint of female empowerment” (People) explores the joy and peace we discover when we stop striving to meet others’ expectations and start trusting the voice deep within us.

NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY O: The Oprah Magazine • The Washington Post • Cosmopolitan • Marie Claire • Bloomberg • Parade •…


If you love Theo of Golden...

Book cover of The Connector's Advantage: : 7 Mindsets to Grow your Influence and Impact

The Connector's Advantage: : 7 Mindsets to Grow your Influence and Impact by Michelle Tillis Lederman,

Connecting matters. Your relationships make the difference in the results you achieve, the impact you have, and the speed with which you make things happen. 

On top of all that, connections make you happier and healthier.

With the remote, hybrid, and global workplace as the new normal, connections―particularly diverse and…

Book cover of Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead

Jackie Kurtz Author Of Kindness Heroes

From my list on hope, healing, and a reminder of goodness.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m Jackie Kurtz, author of Kindness Heroes and founder of Matt’s Kindness Ripples On, a nonprofit I created after losing my son, Matt, in 2017. Matt lived with a natural, effortless kindness that touched so many lives, and after he died, I knew I had to carry that forward. What began as a way to honor him became a mission to recognize and encourage kindness in others. Through sharing stories, giving grants, and now writing this book, I’ve seen how even the smallest acts can create powerful ripple effects. That’s why I’m so passionate about kindness—it changes lives, often in ways we may never fully see.

Jackie's book list on hope, healing, and a reminder of goodness

Jackie Kurtz Why Jackie loves this book

This book completely reshaped how I think about courage, connection, and what it really means to live a meaningful life.

She challenges the idea that vulnerability is weakness and instead shows it as one of the truest forms of strength. The concepts are easy to understand but not always easy to practice. It gently pushes you to look at how you show up in your relationships, how you handle shame, and how often we protect ourselves by blaming, judging, or staying silent.

What I love most is how she blends deep research with so much humanity. She writes with scientific credibility but also with warmth, humility, and a feeling that she’s speaking directly to you.

Even though this book has been around for a while, its message still feels incredibly relevant. It’s the kind of read that stays with you and quietly changes the way you think, act, and connect.

By Brené Brown ,

Why should I read it?

14 authors picked Daring Greatly as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

**Now on Netflix as The Call to Courage**

'She's so good, Brene Brown, at finding the language to articulate collective feeling' Dolly Alderton

Every time we are faced with change, no matter how great or small, we also face risk. We feel uncertain and exposed. We feel vulnerable. Most of us try to fight those feelings - or feel guilt for feeling them in the first place.

In a powerful new vision Dr Brene Brown challenges everything we think we know about vulnerability, and dispels the widely accepted myth that it's a weakness. She argues that, in truth, vulnerability is…


Book cover of Nothing to See Here

Frances M. Wood Author Of The Fractal Melody

From my list on the importance of kindness in a harsh world.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love books about good people who go through hard times and come out okay. Different, but okay. The books can be contemporary, historical, magical—I don’t care. I just want goodness to triumph—not falsely, but with truth. Nobody has a %100 easy life. I believe it’s how we make our way through our difficulties that ultimately determines who we are. When asked to give four words that describe The Fractal Melody, I say: "Families, friendship, challenges, hope." Those are the kinds of things that matter. The Rolling Stones sang, "You can’t always get what you want." I believe that you always get what you need to develop into a full-fledged human being.

Frances' book list on the importance of kindness in a harsh world

Frances M. Wood Why Frances loves this book

Everybody is lost at some time in their lives. It’s very uncomfortable. Sometimes disheartening. Maybe even frightening.

The character in this book, Lillian, tries a "Hail Mary": she leaps into a situation without really knowing where she is going, who she will be with, and what she will be expected to do. She finds herself a nanny to twins whobut only sometimesspontaneously combust.

By Kevin Wilson ,

Why should I read it?

14 authors picked Nothing to See Here as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

A New York Times Bestseller  •  A Read with Jenna Today Show Book Club Pick!

Named a Best Book of the Year by The New York Times Book Review, The Washington Post, People, Entertainment Weekly, USA Today, TIME, The A.V. Club, Buzzfeed, and PopSugar

“I can’t believe how good this book is.... It’s wholly original. It’s also perfect.... Wilson writes with such a light touch.... The brilliance of the novel [is] that it distracts you with these weirdo characters and mesmerizing and funny sentences and then hits you in a way you didn’t see coming. You’re laughing so hard you…


If you love Allen Levi...

Book cover of The Last Ranger

The Last Ranger by J.D.L. Rosell,

Betrayed. Hunted. Left for dead. 

But not even death itself can keep the last ranger from vengeance...

Embark on a new epic fantasy tale full of magic, revenge, and rampaging titans in the latest series written by bestselling author J.D.L. Rosell.

Book cover of Make Your Bed: Little Things That Can Change Your Life...And Maybe the World

Jackie Kurtz Author Of Kindness Heroes

From my list on hope, healing, and a reminder of goodness.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m Jackie Kurtz, author of Kindness Heroes and founder of Matt’s Kindness Ripples On, a nonprofit I created after losing my son, Matt, in 2017. Matt lived with a natural, effortless kindness that touched so many lives, and after he died, I knew I had to carry that forward. What began as a way to honor him became a mission to recognize and encourage kindness in others. Through sharing stories, giving grants, and now writing this book, I’ve seen how even the smallest acts can create powerful ripple effects. That’s why I’m so passionate about kindness—it changes lives, often in ways we may never fully see.

Jackie's book list on hope, healing, and a reminder of goodness

Jackie Kurtz Why Jackie loves this book

This is a short, simple read, but it delivers a surprising amount of wisdom.

I loved how it takes small, everyday habits, like starting your day by making your bed, and shows how those little actions can build discipline, confidence, and momentum over time.

Each chapter shares a story from Admiral McRaven’s Navy SEAL experience and connects it to something practical you can actually use in your own life. The lessons are straightforward, relatable, and make you stop and reflect on how you handle challenges, treat others, and pursue your goals.

It’s the kind of book you can read in one sitting, but its message of resilience, hope, and small victories stays with you long after. It reminds you that real change can start with the smallest routines.

By William H. McRaven ,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked Make Your Bed as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Make a new start in 2022 with positive daily habits for a healthy mind, from the incredible No. 1 New York Times bestseller

THE INCREDIBLE NO. 1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER

'SUPERB, SMART, AND SUCCINCT' FORBES
______

Struggling to find structure? Finding yourself lacking motivation?

Start by making your bed.

Maintaining routine and structure is more important than ever in the age of home working, flexi-time and the general chaos of life.

In Make Your Bed, Admiral William H. McRaven shares 10 life lessons he learned during his Navy Seal training that helped him overcome challenges not only in his…


Book cover of The Most Fun We Ever Had

Frances M. Wood Author Of The Fractal Melody

From my list on the importance of kindness in a harsh world.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love books about good people who go through hard times and come out okay. Different, but okay. The books can be contemporary, historical, magical—I don’t care. I just want goodness to triumph—not falsely, but with truth. Nobody has a %100 easy life. I believe it’s how we make our way through our difficulties that ultimately determines who we are. When asked to give four words that describe The Fractal Melody, I say: "Families, friendship, challenges, hope." Those are the kinds of things that matter. The Rolling Stones sang, "You can’t always get what you want." I believe that you always get what you need to develop into a full-fledged human being.

Frances' book list on the importance of kindness in a harsh world

Frances M. Wood Why Frances loves this book

As one of my sisters once said, "Family life is messy."

This is a book about four sisters. In my family, we are three. And our parents are from an entirely different generation. Isn’t that always the case?

Family life is messy, but wonderful—because where there is love, there is always the possibility of redemption.

By Claire Lombardo ,

Why should I read it?

5 authors picked The Most Fun We Ever Had as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NEW YORK TIMES BEST SELLER • “A gripping and poignant ode to a messy, loving family in all its glory.” —Madeline Miller, bestselling author of Circe

In this “rich, complex family saga” (USA Today) full of long-buried family secrets, Marilyn Connolly and David Sorenson fall in love in the 1970s, blithely ignorant of all that awaits them. By 2016, they have four radically different daughters, each in a state of unrest.
 
Wendy, widowed young, soothes herself with booze and younger men; Violet, a litigator turned stay-at-home-mom, battles anxiety and self-doubt; Liza, a neurotic and newly tenured professor, finds herself pregnant…


Book cover of The Let Them Theory

Jackie Kurtz Author Of Kindness Heroes

From my list on hope, healing, and a reminder of goodness.

Why am I passionate about this?

I’m Jackie Kurtz, author of Kindness Heroes and founder of Matt’s Kindness Ripples On, a nonprofit I created after losing my son, Matt, in 2017. Matt lived with a natural, effortless kindness that touched so many lives, and after he died, I knew I had to carry that forward. What began as a way to honor him became a mission to recognize and encourage kindness in others. Through sharing stories, giving grants, and now writing this book, I’ve seen how even the smallest acts can create powerful ripple effects. That’s why I’m so passionate about kindness—it changes lives, often in ways we may never fully see.

Jackie's book list on hope, healing, and a reminder of goodness

Jackie Kurtz Why Jackie loves this book

This book is built on such a simple concept, yet it’s incredibly powerful.

What I love most is how Mel Robbins uses relatable, real-life examples to show how this mindset can actually be practiced. At first, I fought the idea of “let them,” but reading all the examples helped me step back, release control (or at least try to), and realize how much peace can come from letting people be who they are while focusing on what I can change, which is my own responses.

This book is a gentle reminder that we don’t have to carry everything, fix everything, or manage everyone. Sometimes, the most freeing thing we can do is simply let them, then take a deep breath and focus on ourselves.

By Mel Robbins , Sawyer Robbins ,

Why should I read it?

4 authors picked The Let Them Theory as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

#1 New York Times Bestseller
#1 Sunday Times Bestseller
#1 Amazon Bestseller
#1 Audible Bestseller

A Life-Changing Tool Millions of People Can't Stop Talking About

What if the key to happiness, success, and love was as simple as two words?

If you've ever felt stuck, overwhelmed, or frustrated with where you are, the problem isn't you. The problem is the power you give to other people. Two simple words-Let Them-will set you free. Free from the opinions, drama, and judgments of others. Free from the exhausting cycle of trying to manage everything and everyone around you. The Let Them Theory…


If you love Theo of Golden...

Book cover of The Open Road

The Open Road by M.M. Holaday,

Head West in 1865 with two life-long friends looking for adventure and who want to see the wilderness before it disappears. One is a wanderer; the other seeks a home he lost. The people they meet on their journey reflect the diverse events of this time period–settlers, adventure seekers, scientific…

Book cover of The Road to Tender Hearts

Frances M. Wood Author Of The Fractal Melody

From my list on the importance of kindness in a harsh world.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love books about good people who go through hard times and come out okay. Different, but okay. The books can be contemporary, historical, magical—I don’t care. I just want goodness to triumph—not falsely, but with truth. Nobody has a %100 easy life. I believe it’s how we make our way through our difficulties that ultimately determines who we are. When asked to give four words that describe The Fractal Melody, I say: "Families, friendship, challenges, hope." Those are the kinds of things that matter. The Rolling Stones sang, "You can’t always get what you want." I believe that you always get what you need to develop into a full-fledged human being.

Frances' book list on the importance of kindness in a harsh world

Frances M. Wood Why Frances loves this book

I am an imperfect human being. You are an imperfect human being.

Annie Hartnet takes her version of an imperfect human being out on a road trip. PJ Halliday sets out with a cat and three human companions, none of whom really knows the others, although each is grieving a loss. Talk about quarrels, talk about making up.

I heard on TV last night that "loss enables greater love." I believe that is true.

By Annie Hartnett ,

Why should I read it?

2 authors picked The Road to Tender Hearts as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

NATIONAL BESTSELLER • A darkly comic and warm-hearted novel about an old man on a cross-country mission to reunite with his high school crush—bringing together his adult daughter, two orphaned kids, and a cat who can predict death—by the beloved author of Rabbit Cake and Unlikely Animals

“A miraculous novel—an actual and spiritual road trip you won't forget.”—John Irving

AN NPR AND LIT HUB BEST BOOK OF THE YEAR

At sixty-three years old, million-dollar lottery winner PJ Halliday would be the luckiest man in Pondville, Massachusetts, if it weren't for the tragedies of his life: the sudden death of his…


Book cover of Three Days in June

Frances M. Wood Author Of The Fractal Melody

From my list on the importance of kindness in a harsh world.

Why am I passionate about this?

I love books about good people who go through hard times and come out okay. Different, but okay. The books can be contemporary, historical, magical—I don’t care. I just want goodness to triumph—not falsely, but with truth. Nobody has a %100 easy life. I believe it’s how we make our way through our difficulties that ultimately determines who we are. When asked to give four words that describe The Fractal Melody, I say: "Families, friendship, challenges, hope." Those are the kinds of things that matter. The Rolling Stones sang, "You can’t always get what you want." I believe that you always get what you need to develop into a full-fledged human being.

Frances' book list on the importance of kindness in a harsh world

Frances M. Wood Why Frances loves this book

"True love never did run smooth." Who can match Shakespeare for hitting the nail on the head? Well, maybe Anne Tyler.

I love her books for being so very honest. She loves her characters for being so absolutely human. During the three days of this novel, she amply proves that love is work. That marriage is very hard work. And true love? Well, it’s complicated. Always.

By Anne Tyler ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Three Days in June as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

***The Sunday Times bestseller***

'Just relishable. Thank God for the balm of good writing' NIGELLA LAWSON
'A wise, wonderful book' OBSERVER
'Razor sharp on family, love and marriage' DAVID NICHOLLS
'I devoured it in one long lazy afternoon - I laughed and cried' VICTORIA HISLOP

Weddings aren't just about the happy couple... A funny, touching, hopeful story of love, marriage and second chances

It's the day before her daughter's wedding and things are not going well for Gail Baines.

First thing, she loses her job (or quits, depending who you ask). Then her ex-husband Max turns up at her door…


Book cover of God's Little Acre

Lillah Lawson Author Of Monarchs Under the Sassafras Tree

From my list on Southern Gothic with a heart.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am the author of three novels (with two more set to release next year); Monarchs Under the Sassafras Tree; The Dead Rockstar Trilogy; and I'm happiest when straddling literary genres. I have published works of historical fiction, as well as southern gothic, horror, speculative fiction, dark fantasy, and literary fiction. My debut, Monarchs Under the Sassafras Tree was nominated for Georgia Author of the Year in 2020. In addition to writing, I am a genealogist and recently went back to school to obtain my history degree. My love of writing, history, and family all intersect to inform my writing and I always set my characters in good old Georgia.

Lillah's book list on Southern Gothic with a heart

Lillah Lawson Why Lillah loves this book

Erskine Caldwell is deeply underrated; for my money, he’s one of the best southern gothic writers in the genre. Perhaps it’s down to the risque nature of his books and characters, which were especially provocative (and in some cases, downright despicable) for the time period. However, beyond the depravity there is a real beating heart in his books that perfectly capture the desperation and grief of depression-era Georgia. 

By Erskine Caldwell ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked God's Little Acre as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Like Tobacco Road, this novel chronicles the final decline of a poor white family in rural Georgia. Exhorted by their patriarch Ty Ty, the Waldens ruin their land by digging it up in search of gold. Complex sexual entanglements and betrayals lead to a murder within the family that completes its dissolution. Juxtaposed against the Waldens' obsessive search is the story of Ty Ty's son-in-law, a cotton mill worker in a nearby town who is killed during a strike.

First published in 1933, God's Little Acre was censured by the Georgia Literary Commission, banned in Boston, and once led the…


If you love Allen Levi...

Book cover of Death in a Shetland Family

Death in a Shetland Family by Marsali Taylor,

Shetland sailing sleuth Cass Lynch is definitely out of her comfort zone when she helps round up a prize-winning stallion escaped from the renowned Klaufister stud. She's even less impressed by its owner, Keith Arthurson, a returned city slicker who's already made enemies in his community.

An unexpected visit to…

Book cover of A Feast of Snakes

Eli Cranor Author Of Don't Know Tough

From my list on football from a quarterback turned novelist.

Why am I passionate about this?

I scored my first touchdown at nine and went on to play quarterback at both the collegiate and professional levels. By twenty-six, I was the head coach of a backwoods high school in Arkansas. My debut novel, Don’t Know Tough, is a football-centric thriller and was named one of the “Best Crime Novels” of 2022 by the New York Times. After that book's publication, I’ve had readers reach out and ask about my favorite football novels, so I was thrilled to get the chance to compile them all into one list. I hope you enjoy these books as much as I have. 

Eli's book list on football from a quarterback turned novelist

Eli Cranor Why Eli loves this book

A Feast of Snakes is about a washed-up high school football star. It’s heart-wrenching and hilarious. So much so, I can remember reading lines out loud to my wife more than once when I first encountered this book. Set in Georgia, Crews’s home state, this novel also features the “Rattlesnake Roundup," which I can promise, you won’t want to miss.

By Harry Crews ,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked A Feast of Snakes as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

From the acclaimed author of such novels as "Blood and Grits" and "Childhood" comes a wildly weird and breathtakingly original visit to the rural South that reveals the exotic subculture that erupts in all its glory at the Rattlesnake Roundup in Mystic, Georgia. "No number of adjectives in the thesaurus can do full justice to the dazzlingly bizarre nature of Crews' creations"-- "Washington Post Book World"


Book cover of Untamed
Book cover of Daring Greatly: How the Courage to Be Vulnerable Transforms the Way We Live, Love, Parent, and Lead
Book cover of Nothing to See Here

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