The idea came after I sent Theodore (“Teddy”), who is incarcerated in California, the book: Theo of Golden by Allen Levi. I sent it partly because his name was in the title, and partly because it is a sweet story I thought Teddy would enjoy – about kindness, generosity, and the quiet impact one person can have on a community. The novel also explores loneliness, heartbreak, closure, and the role faith can play in shaping a person’s actions.

Then something even lovelier happened: Teddy told me he was reading the book aloud to his cellmate. Now the story is being shared by three people, all making the same journey to Golden (the town where the novel takes place), together.

That is exactly the kind of connection Ai strives to make possible.

Because of this, we’ll be posting more ideas for shared reading: occasional book recommendations for adopters, adoptees, family members, and friends who would like to read together across the walls.

Some readers may choose to read along with their adoptee or loved one. Others may simply find a recommendation here that they want to pass along.

Keep an eye on our blog, where I’ll be sharing some of what Teddy, his cellmate, and I discover as we make our way through Theo of Golden.

Thank you, Teddy, for reminding us that books make the circle a little wider.