‘Chasing Rich’ and Finding God

Former attorney turned author Allen Levi has accomplished the kind of feat most authors can only dream of: self-published his first novel, Theo of Golden, in his late 60s. Then, saw it become so successful that an imprint of Simon & Schuster bought the publishing rights.

The book has sold more than 3.5 million copies and spent months on The New York Times’ bestseller list.

Now, Levi’s reps are negotiating with Warner Brothers about a movie version starring Tom Hanks.

At the risk of sounding like a fast-talking promoter, I believe a recent release has the same kind of potential. Chasing Rich: Stories of Men, Miracles, and the God Among Us is an absolute gem.

Like Theo of Golden, author Nicholas Schwartz’s book is independently published. I hope a deep-pocketed backer comes along soon to boost its visibility.

Admittedly, I speak from a biased point of view: I did a substantive edit of the book last year. Yet it is one of the best I’ve seen in 35 years in the industry.

Fascinating Story

Rich’s backstory is a tale all its own. The title originates with a friendship between Nick and a homeless guy named Rich. (You can see a short Facebook video about their initial meeting here.)

Their friendship stretches back to 2016. That’s when Rich casually strolled in front of Nick’s car, which missed him by a few feet. Then Rich walked on down the street . . . backwards.

“Who could undergo a life-defying brush with a speeding car and show no hint of a reaction?” Nick writes. “In that moment, I couldn’t say, but one thing was certain—an image of Rich was now forever etched in my mind.”

The Backwards Man

For illustrative purposes.

Then employed by a commodities investment firm, Nick gradually worked up the nerve to invite Rich to lunch. One day he took Rich to Target. Then lunch, again and again. For seven years.

Because Rich constantly lost his cell phone, he had to start their text strings, typing, “Food?” and Nick responding, “Yup.”

Gradually, Nick learned more about Rich. Rooted in mental struggles, Rich’s backward gait belied the truth about his intelligence, friendliness, and talent. He had even recorded a rap album. Nick was skeptical—until Rich gave him the CD.

As often happens with homeless people, Rich got kicked in the teeth by life. In an industrial accident, a railroad train smashed into him. That caused schizophrenia and periodic blackouts.

Still, his wandering along the East Coast had a purpose: finding his long-lost sister. Eventually, Nick helped Rich to do just that.

The way it happened? Stunning.

God at Work

It isn’t just these encounters that are amazing, but what that friendship led to: Nick’s desire to find more stories of God in action.

Using a network of personal contacts, referrals, and research, the author pursued the stories of 40-plus men before paring the list to 20.

The accounts come from around the U.S., Iraq, and Jamaica. They are touching and inspiring, with Nick deftly tracing God’s quiet (and sometimes loud) hand at work in men’s lives.

Some are famous, like the former Alabama football player who won a national championship and went on to the NFL. Others are not-so-famous, like the small-town Pennsylvania grocer who led a customer to faith in Christ in the produce aisle just before closing time.

Chasing Rich one of the most readable collections you will ever discover. If you’re thinking about giving someone a book as a birthday or Christmas gift, look no further. The recipient will praise you for doing so.