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The Last Sweet Mile
When Allen Levi’s brother Gary was diagnosed with inoperable brain cancer, neither realized they were about to embark on the best year of their lives. More than mere brothers, Allen and Gary were best friends, life-long bachelors, one a lawyer turned singer-songwriter, the other a globe-trotting missions worker. Their relationship was one of rare and powerful beauty, and in this rich memoir, Levi captures the small yet telling details of a life lived to the fullest—right up to the finish line.
203 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 18, 2018
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 180 reviews
April 2, 2016
I'm sitting here with tears running down my face as I've just closed the book. I don't know how to put into words how this book has left its mark on me. It is filled with such hope in the midst of great grief. Quoting from the end of the book, you are Left "empty but full" in your grief. One of the biggest lessons for me personally in this beautiful story of friendship, loss, and a life well lived is: Our sadness has purpose, listen to it and led it lead you to the one who loves you more than you could ever imagine. I highly recommend it. Thank you Allen Levi for loving your brother so well and for knowing that this story needed to be told.
December 29, 2015
Often humorous, often heartbreaking, yet full of hope throughout, this beautifully written memoir is one of the most poignant and moving stories you'll ever read. Allen Levi is a rare breed: An intellectual who doesn't act like one. Rather, he's a humble and down-to-earth soul who is deeply committed to his family, friends and community, and who has quietly touched more lives for good than most of us will ever even think about. In short, as we say in the South, Allen is "good people." Likewise was his brother, Gary, the primary subject of this book. The world needs more men like the Levi brothers.
June 3, 2024
Love Allen Levi. Read Theo of Golden a few months ago and loved it so I read this one too. This is a beautiful book. Suffering and tragedy transformed a way to commemorate and celebrate a life well lived and a God well pleased. Reading about Gary’s life has inspired me to love God better and seek after him more. Everyone should read this book.
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February 16, 2026I didn’t feel right assigning a star rating to The Last Sweet Mile. It’s such a deeply personal story that numbers seem irrelevant.
Written by Allen Levi, the same author who gave us Theo of Golden, this book tells the story of his brother, Gary Levi, and the days leading up to his death from brain cancer. At times, it felt like I was reading something meant primarily for family and close friends, yet as an outsider I was still invited in.
Gary loved Jesus more than anything. His life was centered on pursuing his Lord, and that devotion shaped the way he lived, loved, and faced suffering.
More than anything, I’m grateful I read this book because it let me witness such a tender, faithful relationship between two brothers. It left me hoping that my own two boys will grow up loving each other with the same loyalty, warmth, and grace that Allen and Gary shared.
Written by Allen Levi, the same author who gave us Theo of Golden, this book tells the story of his brother, Gary Levi, and the days leading up to his death from brain cancer. At times, it felt like I was reading something meant primarily for family and close friends, yet as an outsider I was still invited in.
Gary loved Jesus more than anything. His life was centered on pursuing his Lord, and that devotion shaped the way he lived, loved, and faced suffering.
More than anything, I’m grateful I read this book because it let me witness such a tender, faithful relationship between two brothers. It left me hoping that my own two boys will grow up loving each other with the same loyalty, warmth, and grace that Allen and Gary shared.
March 24, 2026
This book blessed me.
May 7, 2018
I met the author’s parents last year when I was home for Labor Day. I heard they were about to celebrate their 65th anniversary and I congratulated them and asked what their best and worst years were. Mrs. Levi said, “I’ll have to think about the best year, but the worst year was definitely the one in which we lost Gary. It was so difficult.” After a few moments silence she continued, “Actually, that was our best year, too. The way our family came together to love him and how close we all became, it was both the best and the worst.” It reminded me of the film “Beautiful Collateral” which I had seen a few months before. In this world, there will be ashes, it’s about finding the beauty in those ashes that make it worth living.
This book is the obituary of a man who lived more intentionally than anybody I’ve ever met. It’s told by a brother who loved him well. There are some sad parts, there are many funny parts, but overall, you will come away being blessed by a deeper knowledge of Gary, Allen, and Jesus. The way these two brothers love each other and others will make you wish you loved everyone in your life as deeply and intentionally as they do. It was a joy and a pleasure to see Christ’s love and servant attitude demonstrated throughout the pages of this book.
This book is the obituary of a man who lived more intentionally than anybody I’ve ever met. It’s told by a brother who loved him well. There are some sad parts, there are many funny parts, but overall, you will come away being blessed by a deeper knowledge of Gary, Allen, and Jesus. The way these two brothers love each other and others will make you wish you loved everyone in your life as deeply and intentionally as they do. It was a joy and a pleasure to see Christ’s love and servant attitude demonstrated throughout the pages of this book.
March 27, 2026
I picked this up because I loved Theo of Golden and wanted more Allen Levi. There’s no question the man can write. His sentences are clean, observant, and often beautiful. He notices the small things that most writers miss, and that gift is evident in The Last Sweet Mile.
I understand the purpose of the book. It feels like an act of devotion and grief, a way of honoring and processing the loss of his brother. But somewhere along the way, the memoir became almost exclusively a theological conversation. Nearly every scene, challenge, or passing thought circles back to Jesus. Faith isn’t the issue. It’s the saturation. After a while, it felt less like a story about a complex human being and more like a sermon with anecdotes.
Ironically, in trying to elevate his brother, Levi sometimes made him harder to warm to. Gary comes across as unwavering in belief, but also rigid, interruptive, dismissive of views that weren’t his own, and, oddly memorably, not big on handwashing. The portrait is honest, but honesty doesn’t always translate to admiration. I kept reading on, hoping for more substance, but I left quite disappointed.
Three stars. Worth reading for the writing, especially if you're devout and loved Theo. Just know what you’re getting into.
I understand the purpose of the book. It feels like an act of devotion and grief, a way of honoring and processing the loss of his brother. But somewhere along the way, the memoir became almost exclusively a theological conversation. Nearly every scene, challenge, or passing thought circles back to Jesus. Faith isn’t the issue. It’s the saturation. After a while, it felt less like a story about a complex human being and more like a sermon with anecdotes.
Ironically, in trying to elevate his brother, Levi sometimes made him harder to warm to. Gary comes across as unwavering in belief, but also rigid, interruptive, dismissive of views that weren’t his own, and, oddly memorably, not big on handwashing. The portrait is honest, but honesty doesn’t always translate to admiration. I kept reading on, hoping for more substance, but I left quite disappointed.
Three stars. Worth reading for the writing, especially if you're devout and loved Theo. Just know what you’re getting into.
December 27, 2025
Yes, this is a book about Gary Levi’s life, but ultimately it’s a book that points to the One who gives us life. What a beautiful picture of how joy and sorrow can exist together, and that’s only made possible because of Jesus.
“Increasingly, I am convinced that the Kingdom of God moves forward most enduringly when ordinary people do small things kindly and well over a long period of time.”
“But I hope- and I know Gary would concur- that you’ll have the wisdom to listen to your sadness. Accept it for what it says and follow it to the One who can explain it, heal it, and redeem it.”
“He reminded me often to set my heart on things above.”
“Increasingly, I am convinced that the Kingdom of God moves forward most enduringly when ordinary people do small things kindly and well over a long period of time.”
“But I hope- and I know Gary would concur- that you’ll have the wisdom to listen to your sadness. Accept it for what it says and follow it to the One who can explain it, heal it, and redeem it.”
“He reminded me often to set my heart on things above.”
October 4, 2025
I don’t think I can accurately describe the impact this book has left on me. I think I ended up highlighting the entire thing, but I’ll share a few of my favorites below. This book captured everything I love and believe in. Not only do I get to love the gift of hospitality, but we’re actually called to be hospitable. It reminded me of the incredible gift and joy of siblings — a bond truly like no other. Most of all, this book points to the goodness and sovereignty of Christ. I want to love others & love the Lord like Gary did - like Allen does.
“A dinner table is a good place to put the gifts of God on display: the living word (conversation), the bread of life (a well-prepared meal), the rose of Sharon”
“so a sunrise was simply beautiful. A beehive was simply fascinating. An old friend was simply wonderful. God good. Christ enough.”
“what is friendship, rightly lived, but the unheroic call to a thousand small conversations, countless prayers, and a myriad of encouraging words from one person to another over a lifetime? What is it but the bearing of burdens, the sharing of gifts, the asking of uncomfortable questions, and the possible discomfort of necessary confrontation?”
“You cannot love Christ too much. You cannot serve Him too fervently. You cannot enjoy Him too deeply. You cannot know Him too well.”
“A dinner table is a good place to put the gifts of God on display: the living word (conversation), the bread of life (a well-prepared meal), the rose of Sharon”
“so a sunrise was simply beautiful. A beehive was simply fascinating. An old friend was simply wonderful. God good. Christ enough.”
“what is friendship, rightly lived, but the unheroic call to a thousand small conversations, countless prayers, and a myriad of encouraging words from one person to another over a lifetime? What is it but the bearing of burdens, the sharing of gifts, the asking of uncomfortable questions, and the possible discomfort of necessary confrontation?”
“You cannot love Christ too much. You cannot serve Him too fervently. You cannot enjoy Him too deeply. You cannot know Him too well.”
August 12, 2025
I want to go live with this man on his farm for two weeks and learn from him. A sad yet beautiful story.
April 11, 2026
After reading Levi’s writing and beautiful story-telling in Theo of Golden, I wanted more of his stories. This one is heart-breakingly personal, sharing his last sweet mile with his brother, Gary. Most notably, Gary loved the Lord and loved those around him, and his brother recounts many stories showing those things. Lots of wisdom about friendship, grief, laughter, and appreciating “the choreography of coincidence” tied up in a wonderful little book.
“But maybe the way we best do all those things is by accepting at the outset that our call is to be servants, not heroes; to be storytellers and not necessarily story subjects; and to decrease so that Christ might increase.”
“But maybe the way we best do all those things is by accepting at the outset that our call is to be servants, not heroes; to be storytellers and not necessarily story subjects; and to decrease so that Christ might increase.”
January 24, 2026
“I did not save the world today, Or change the course of history, I walked the small and quite way, The life that God has given me.” - song Allen Levi wrote about his brother Gary.
I loved this book. Honest look on death and dying but full of hope of what is to come. The gospel is soaked in the words and actions of Levi family during Gary’s last year of life together.
I loved this book. Honest look on death and dying but full of hope of what is to come. The gospel is soaked in the words and actions of Levi family during Gary’s last year of life together.
February 18, 2026
By the author of Theo of Golden. I loved getting a glimpse of this author's life with his dear brother. So sweet and inspiring.
April 27, 2026
This book was so sweet - the memories Allen has of his brother Gary are descriptive, thoughtful, and tender. His brother was portrayed in such an honorable and loving way. I wish I had known Gary and have come away with many tidbits of wisdom, encouragement, and inspiration! I highly recommend this book!!
The author, Allen Levi, wrote one of my most favorite books “Theo of Golden” and Gary is who he based the character Theo off of.
Both Allen and Gary never married, this book has given me a new perspective on how to steward and view my singleness as a Christian.
The last chapters had me in tears- you must read!
The author, Allen Levi, wrote one of my most favorite books “Theo of Golden” and Gary is who he based the character Theo off of.
Both Allen and Gary never married, this book has given me a new perspective on how to steward and view my singleness as a Christian.
The last chapters had me in tears- you must read!
September 15, 2025
Such a tender testimony of the bond between two brothers, namely how one cared for the other during his final days. The perspective the author's brother had on life was humbling and encouraging, a living witness of meekness in God's kingdom.
". . . . a life well-lived meant doing small things well over a long period of time. He was heroically unheroic, at peace with his obscure place in a very big picture. This does not mean he didn’t want to be impactful. He did, and precisely because he took his small role seriously, he was.
. . . . the unheroic life of secret generosity and radiant goodness."
". . . . a life well-lived meant doing small things well over a long period of time. He was heroically unheroic, at peace with his obscure place in a very big picture. This does not mean he didn’t want to be impactful. He did, and precisely because he took his small role seriously, he was.
. . . . the unheroic life of secret generosity and radiant goodness."
February 11, 2023
This is a book about a man named Gary. It is, of course, also a book about death. Allen Levi walks us into that shadowy valley with an oxymoronic combination of seriousness that knows the weight of death well and hope that seems to be unimpressed with its limitations.
This book is orients us towards the Kingdom, both on earth and in heaven.
“The best is yet to come”.
Maranatha.
This book is orients us towards the Kingdom, both on earth and in heaven.
“The best is yet to come”.
Maranatha.
November 13, 2024
Better the second time :)
March 18, 2025
Precious. Encouraging. Inspiring.
February 2, 2026
One of the most hope filled books I've ever read. I fear I've highlighted the whole book. Phenomenal, moving, beautiful. This one left a mark. I promise you'll be enriched by reading it.
" I tell people, to their obvious surprise, that the year you and I shared with cancer was the best year of my life. Difficult and hurtful, yes. But by any measure that really matters—depth of purpose, intensity of focus, freedom from triviality, honesty of affection, genuineness of love and joy and peace, reliance on and trust in God—it was “The Year” for me. To be with my favorite person every day, to relive so much shared history, and to be free from the petty cares that so often clutter my life added up to something for which I can find no words. I wish, of course, that I’d never experienced it, especially knowing how difficult it was for you, but I’m grateful."
"And so a sunrise was simply beautiful. A beehive was simply fascinating. An old friend was simply wonderful. God good. Christ enough. And all that he saw, everything he read, every mystery that presented itself to him, and every human achievement or failure that he observed pushed Gary Christ-ward somehow."
" I tell people, to their obvious surprise, that the year you and I shared with cancer was the best year of my life. Difficult and hurtful, yes. But by any measure that really matters—depth of purpose, intensity of focus, freedom from triviality, honesty of affection, genuineness of love and joy and peace, reliance on and trust in God—it was “The Year” for me. To be with my favorite person every day, to relive so much shared history, and to be free from the petty cares that so often clutter my life added up to something for which I can find no words. I wish, of course, that I’d never experienced it, especially knowing how difficult it was for you, but I’m grateful."
"And so a sunrise was simply beautiful. A beehive was simply fascinating. An old friend was simply wonderful. God good. Christ enough. And all that he saw, everything he read, every mystery that presented itself to him, and every human achievement or failure that he observed pushed Gary Christ-ward somehow."
April 15, 2026
I read this book because Allen Levi’s book Theo of Golden was one of the best books I have ever read. I was really disappointed in this book. We know from Theo of Golden that Levi is a Master at providing details needed to understand his characters and the reasons they were the way they were. He skimps on information that would have helped us understand him, his brother and family. He states early on in book that maybe it should be kept to family and close friends and it is obvious that he and his brother had deep affection and love for them. If writing the book as a thank you, it should have been kept at that. If the book was written to bring people to God through Christianity, it should have stated that too. I think the antidotes about the things done for others, especially the one about taking the school student to a Nascar race, were more reflective of dedication to God than the incessant Bible references. Although Levi admits that being life long childless, un partnered men, allowed them to travel and work minimally, he should have fessed up to having quite a bit of privilege. Both of them living on the huge family “farm”. Having no televisions or not. I guess all in all I didn’t buy into it.
April 6, 2026
Reading is more of a discipline for me than an enjoyment. I read to refine my thinking more than for pleasure. This book offered me a better reason to read. Now I want to read to be changed, to be inspired, and to be transformed.
This book is Allen Levi's memoir of his brother Gary's life, a man who lived faithfully, single-mindedly for the Kingdom of God in his ordinary life! I cried through the book, not only because of sadness, but more because of the beauty, joy, and hope I see in the midst of sadness! I am convinced that the most beautiful, joyful, and hope-giving thing is also the most sorrowful thing; the cross is the proof of that!
My favorite quote from the book:
“Increasingly, I am convinced that the Kingdom of God moves forward most enduringly when ordinary people do small things kindly and well over a long period of time”
This book is Allen Levi's memoir of his brother Gary's life, a man who lived faithfully, single-mindedly for the Kingdom of God in his ordinary life! I cried through the book, not only because of sadness, but more because of the beauty, joy, and hope I see in the midst of sadness! I am convinced that the most beautiful, joyful, and hope-giving thing is also the most sorrowful thing; the cross is the proof of that!
My favorite quote from the book:
“Increasingly, I am convinced that the Kingdom of God moves forward most enduringly when ordinary people do small things kindly and well over a long period of time”
May 6, 2026
I’m not for sure where to begin other than that this book will stick with me for a while. I decided to read more from the author after reading Theo of Golden. I’m pretty sure Theo was based off of his kind & loving, Spirit filled brother Gary. That’s who this book is about, his brother Gary Levi. He was many things to many people. He lived well, loved well, and will be remembered by those whose lives he touched. He has surely touched mine. This book walks through Gary’s life, their shared brotherhood, funny stories, & again how a life can & should be well lived. I will reread this book again and soon. I feel so encouraged to go out & love others with kindness & have eternity on my mind. Perhaps today….
April 2, 2026
Going into this I was EXCITED as I had just read his other book Theo of Golden which I absolutely loved with all my heart. This was an ode to his brother who died of brain cancer similar to my own dealings with my brother. He explains how his brothers Christian faith shaped his life as a person and missionary and he even added multiple times that he wasn’t trying to impress his brothers religion onto anyone. I made it to 65% putting up with the constant biblical scripture recitations and then he full blown makes it know it’s his religion as well and just starts preaching. I was sooooo saddened and upset that it literally became proselytizing and I got the IMMEDIATE ICK!!! I felt literally duped! It went from a loving tribute to his brother to a full blown Christian sermon which I’m not here for!
April 2, 2026
This was a good one. I’m a huge fan of hearing and learning about good people as not many exist these days (just my half glass full perspective). It brought me happiness to see all the love that was given to others and received. Such an impactful story that allowed me to connect and reflect. I underlined or starred lessons that I plan to reference down the road. Great reminder that we should continually grow as good people.
February 11, 2026
By the author of Theo of Golden - I LOVED this book. I will read it again. And maybe again after that.
April 5, 2026
I so look forward to meeting Gary in Heaven! What an example he set, and what a strong, loving family he was a part of.
December 15, 2025
5/5 Stars. Real, encouraging, edifying, and a lovely tribute from one brother to another. The way Gary glorified God in the “small things” of life is inspiring. Looking for a good and godly role model? Read this book and learn of Gary, but more importantly learn of Gary’s God, the Lord Jesus Christ.
February 1, 2026
What a beautiful, loving tribute to a life well lived. This story contains the love of a brother, the loss of a beloved brother, and all the waves of joy and sorrow that come with the ultimate separation of death. I just lost my sister to Alzheimer's last month, so much of this story was poignant and current for me. Losing that "secret language" is a visceral loss and oh my, the loss of shared laughter. Whether you're Christian or not, you can feel the devotion of Gary and his unending pursuit of bringing the divine into every day life. You can feel the kindness and love of his actions. You can find hope in his faith. You can dream of Heaven. A beautiful memoir. And now we know who is at the heart of Theo of Golden.
November 21, 2025
Beautifully written book. I loved everything about it. It challenges me and encourages me to live a life where loving Christ is my highest priority, coming in close second is loving others with His love. Gary’s life was inspiring simply because he sought to imitate Jesus. Laughter & tears both occurred. I’d recommend to anyone!
October 25, 2025
Synopsis is a bit misleading
I was intrigued to read this book when I first read the summary however I found the book to very different than how it is described. This is less a book about 2 brothers and their relationship after receiving a terminal diagnosis and more of a book about their relationship with Christ. The author does warn in the beginning that there will be a lot of talk about religion but I did not realize how much. A majority of the book is written in detail specific passages from the Bible and how this family lived their lives following the words of Christ. It was done in a beautiful way but as a reader, this book was very different from what I was expected based on the synopsis.
I was intrigued to read this book when I first read the summary however I found the book to very different than how it is described. This is less a book about 2 brothers and their relationship after receiving a terminal diagnosis and more of a book about their relationship with Christ. The author does warn in the beginning that there will be a lot of talk about religion but I did not realize how much. A majority of the book is written in detail specific passages from the Bible and how this family lived their lives following the words of Christ. It was done in a beautiful way but as a reader, this book was very different from what I was expected based on the synopsis.
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