In "The Authenticity Project" by Clare Pooley, I immersed myself in a heartwarming and thought-provoking journey exploring the interconnected lives of a diverse group of characters. As I delved into the pages, I discovered a narrative beautifully weaving together themes of honesty, connection, and the transformative power of vulnerability.

One of the book's strengths is its ability to create a rich tapestry of characters, each grappling with their insecurities, dreams, and secrets. From Monica, the glamorous Instagram influencer, to Hazard, the talented musician struggling with addiction, Pooley skillfully crafts genuine and relatable characters. Through their interconnected stories, the novel explores the idea that genuine connection arises when we embrace our authentic selves.

The writing style is engaging and humorous, making the novel an enjoyable and easy read. Pooley skillfully navigates between the characters' perspectives, offering insights into their inner worlds. The pacing is well-balanced, keeping the narrative flowing smoothly as it unfolds through the alternating viewpoints.

As I followed the characters' journeys of self-discovery and connection, I couldn't help but reflect on the book's central message about the importance of being true to oneself. "The Authenticity Project" invited me to consider the impact of honesty and vulnerability on our relationships and the potential for unexpected connections when we let our guard down.

Adored this. Read it multiple times in a year, pressed everyone I knew to read it, and will continue doing so for years to come.

I absolutely loved this story. I enjoyed how one person dwelling in his history starts this project that connects so many people. It really shows that you don’t always know someone as much as you think. Everyone has some secrets that they keep hidden to protect themselves. I loved that as the book made its way around, as a reader I got a new story as well and they all end up coming together and helping each other.

I did not finish this one, it was not for me, I couldn't relate to the characters, and just did not care for the story.

I tore through Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting and loved it so dug this off the shelf where it's been languishing far longer than it should have. I definitely preferred Iona but this was a very strong debut. It gave me Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine crossed with The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper vibes.

I thought I would love this book however I read about 40% and found it wasn't for me. Unfortunately I had to DNF this one.

The concept was great, and some of the stories were amazing and the fact a green notebook ends up going to so many people seems kinda of fun.
However it was hard to keep track of each character is i forgot the name of each chapter but sometimes their stories got mixed in my mind. It felt a little slow in the beginning.

This was great I liked the concept of people finding the book and adding to it like a personal/public diary.

Loved all the characters and really liked how they all came together

I read this book early in the pandemic and loved it. The story was charming and moving and reading about being in London was just the mental escape I needed!

I've long been a fan of "multiple-stories-tying-together" tales, so this book checked off every box for me!!

It's all about -- you guessed it -- authenticity, but also how to live your best life, follow your dreams, and shape yourself into a better person. The messages came through beautifully, and each character's story is so rich, I began to wish that I had a little green notebook of my own to write in and pass on!

With heartwarming adventures and just a hint of romance, it's a delightful book to curl up with near the fire through these cold winter months. I absolutely loved it!

A very heartwarming and wholesome book. I don’t normally like books of this genre but I was intrigued by the cover and decided to try it out. I don’t regret it as it made me feel good. Great read!

With a unique charm and endearing characters that readers are certain to adore, “The Authenticity Project” is a lovely read that offers alternate perspectives that all connect in a community like conclusion.

This was a very cute story about how being your true and most authentic self is best for all in the end. Lonely people who find each other and help to be better people by working together through their flaws.

I liked the idea of this story but I found it way too long and was fighting to get through it. It was drawn out and I forced myself to finish it.

I "forgot" to read this book but previous reviews are forcing me to buy a copy online. It is very appealing.

This was a cute new little story. The premise of the book I just loved. The characters are just lovable. I recommend reading this book

It all started with a little green notebook in a neighborhood. Each person listing how they feel and what they are going through. One a widow, one trying to survive a career change, and one trying to get clean. The green notebook tangles in other lives as well.

A delight to read! I enjoyed the perfectly imperfect characters, and was able to relate to each of them in some way. A true-to-life story about what it means to live our authentic lives. Thank you, Clare Pooley, for sharing your talent and to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the advance reader copy.

This was delightful.

It's light-hearted and has Liane Moriarty vibes, is ultimately satisfying, and is an easy read.

The pursuit of authenticity is certainly worthy and there is a lot of value in self-awareness and humility; each of the characters was flawed but charming, and it was really easy to become invested in every single one of them.

Very highly recommended if you're looking for something light and easy but not shallow.

I received a copy of this book for free from NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest, voluntary review.

For me, a solid 4 star read. The characters were likeable, relatable, and unpredictable. It was a story of truths, lies, appearances and assumptions. A laugh out loud, cry real tears sort of feel good story. I dock 1 star because the beginning took a bit to grab me, but once I was hooked, I couldn’t stop. Great read.

The Authenticity Project is a story of how a green notebook weaved together the lives of a diverse group of characters.

Julian, a lonely elderly artist, came up with the idea to put is deepest thoughts inside the notebook, along with explicit instructions for its finders to follow suit. He leaves it inside Monica’s café. From there, the notebook makes its rounds through its various finders and ultimately brings the group of strangers together in person.

This is an interesting concept, but the story did not win me over. The characters are very relatable, as we learn about their struggles and baggage. I found that the story bounces back and forth between characters and time and space a little too much, which didn’t keep a good rhythm for me. At times, it was difficult to follow along with when the events were taking place and whose story was being told.

There were also characters included in as part of the notebook, that weren’t written in with as much depth and background as the first few finders. I felt like they should have been introduced earlier on and given the same depth, or left out completely.

If you’re looking for a light read, this might be for you! It’s a sweet story of friendship and healing that will probably hit you in the feels.

Thanks to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the ARC of this book in exchange for the honest review provided here.