Chapter One Book Group
Chapter One is a community of friends committed to enriching our lives through shared experience of the written word and meaningful discussion. The group was established in January 2008 and is currently celebrating its eighteenth year.
Each month, Chapter One dives into a new book selected directly from group nominations. Selections can vary as much as our members.
The group continues to meet and celebrate literature each month in the Chillicothe area of Ohio.
August 2026
Theo of Golden by Allen Levi
Fiction
Published in 2023
In the quiet Southern town of Golden, life moves at a familiar pace - until a mysterious elderly stranger named Theo arrives without explanation. Drawn to a collection of pencil portraits hanging in a local coffeehouse, Theo embarks on an unusual mission: purchasing each portrait and returning it to the person depicted. What begins as a simple act of generosity soon ripples through the community, touching lives burdened by grief, regret, loneliness, and forgotten dreams. With every portrait he bestows, Theo uncovers hidden stories and forges unexpected friendships, leaving an indelible mark on the town and everyone he meets.
Rich with warmth, wisdom and wonder, Theo of Golden is a moving novel about the power of kindness and the profound human need to be truly seen. As Theo's own past slowly comes into focus, the people of Golden discover that even the smallest acts of grace can transform a life. Allen Levi has crafted an uplifting and heartfelt story that celebrates art, community, redemption and the invisible threads that connect us all.
This meeting for discussion of Book #224 is currently scheduled for August 22 at 5 PM.
September 2026
The Brief Wondrous Life of Oscar Wao by Junot Díaz
Fiction
Published in 2007
This meeting for discussion of Book #225 is currently scheduled for September 5 at 5 PM.