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The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley is such a fun book to review. The characters are quirky and easy to relate to and the concept is really unique. This novel will have you feeling all sorts of emotions.
Title: The Authenticity ProjectAuthor: Clare Pooley
Also by this author: Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting
Publisher: Viking
Genres: Adult Fiction, Contemporary
Publication Date: February 4, 2020
Rating:
The story of a solitary green notebook that brings together six strangers and leads to unexpected friendship, and even love
"Everybody lies about their lives. What would happen if you shared the truth?"
This is the question that Julian Jessop, an eccentric, seventy-nine-year-old artist, poses within a pale green exercise book that he labels The Authenticity Project, before leaving it behind in Monica's Café.
When Monica discovers Julian's abandoned notebook, not only does she add her own story to the book, she is determined to find a way to help Julian feel less lonely.
And so it goes with the others who find the green notebook that will soon contain their deepest selves. It will also knit the group together In Real Life at Monica's Cafe, where they'll discover the thrill and sometime-risk of being completely honest--and, for some, find unexpected love.
With a cast of characters who are by turns quirky and funny, heartbreakingly sad and painfully true-to-life, The Authenticity Project is a novel readers will take to their hearts and read with unabashed pleasure.
❃ I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. ❃
Review: The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
What is so intriguing about this book is its little green notebook that contains its authors’ innermost thoughts and feelings. As one can imagine, it becomes cathartic to the characters that write the truth about their lives. It is when these characters form friendships and try to help one another, the real story starts to unfold.
❀ Eclectic Group of Characters
There are quite a few characters in the novel and many different perspectives to keep track of, however the writing makes it easy to follow. The group of characters is both eclectic and multigenerational, which adds a real flavour to the novel. It is hard to pick a favourite, although Julian is probably the most fun to read about. He has so many layers and is so eccentric that there are some real laugh out loud moments in the book.
❀ Gives the Reader Pause
At first, The Authenticity Project starts off giving the reader lots of pause. It really makes you wonder how truthful we really are with one another. Would unleashing the truth help us to move forward in our lives? Pooley gives some really interesting food for thought in the story that will make you stop and think.
❀ Intriguing Concept
The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley is one of those books that should be on everyone’s TBR this year. It has an especially intriguing concept and a slew of interesting characters to keep you entertained. I am looking forward to reading more from Clare Pooley.
About Clare Pooley
Clare Pooley graduated from Newnham College, Cambridge and spent twenty years in the heady world of advertising.
When Clare realised that she was drinking way too much, she quit, and started a blog called Mummy was a Secret Drinker, which became a memoir - The Sober Diaries.
The Authenticity Project, Clare’s first novel, was inspired by her experience of telling the truth about her life.
About Lori
Avid reader. Contributor to The Candid Cover. Educator.
That sounds so unique and interestingLori!
It is! I loved it so much!
This really does sound like an interesting read. I like the idea of all the multiple POVs involved. I also do think that there is some freedom in releasing your truths and moving forward from them. Great review!
It does sound like a freeing experience, doesn’t it?! 🙂
Books with an eclectic group of characters is always a great one in my eyes! 🙂
Stephanie @ Bookfever recently posted…Review: A Worthy Opponent by Katee Robert
These characters are the best! 😉
Wow! I have to say my interest is piqued. This book is very different and somewhat intriguing.
Yes! That is what drew me to it. It is super unique. 🙂
A few years ago, my grandmother sent me a journal-type notebook where I had to answer questions, include something from my home area, and send it to someone else. It was some high-school kid’s project. I’ve always wondered where it ended up!
That sounds like such a fun project! I did a book blog one a few years ago and I am wondering the same thing. It would be interesting to see where it went.
I love a book that can make me laugh out loud!
Right?! Perfect for winter. 😉
I like the way you break up your review in sections. It gives me an idea on how t post mine slightly different.
Very creative.
Thanks, Lu Ann. I find it helps people see the main ideas without having to spend too much time on it if they are just browsing. 🙂
I ended up really loving this book. I wasn’t super pumped about the very end, though I think it had a point, but the way these lives were woven together and the idea of connection was a winning combination for me.
I can see how you would feel that way. It did weave the stories together quite nicely.