I really, really wanted to like this book. When I read the description back in October, I thought it sound like a book that would be right up my alley.

Since October, I would start The Authenticity Project, then not get wrapped up in it. So I'd put it down and read something else. Then I would come back to The Authenticity Project, and put it down again.

With publication coming up this week, I knew January was the time to finish it. Maybe it would finally grab me.

It never did.

The characters are a bit one dimensional. Even The Authenticity Project didn't seem super authentic. What you think is going to be the major conflict in the book happens about halfway through, then the book does a pivot and ends in a completely other place.

I first heard about this book in a @penguincanada email, and the synopsis reeled me in right away!

I thought this book was such a light, fun read! I loved reading each character's story, and then seeing them grow throughout the book. Some of the characters dealt with some more serious issues, but it was never too dark. I felt like this book was really heartwarming, and highlighted the importance of friendship at every stage of your life. I'm glad I had the opportunity to check out this authors fictional debut, and I can't wait to see what else she she'll put out!

Thank you so much to Netgalley, Penguin Random House Canada, and Viking for an advanced copy of The Authenticity Project in exchange for an honest review.

A group of people meeting and becoming not only friends but important to each other because of a notebook called The Authenticity Project. I felt myself drawn in and wanting to know about these people, who were of many different backgrounds and ages. I found myself rooting for Monica and Riley and then being surprised by Hazard. I enjoyed it very much.

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

Synopsis: Julian leaves a notebook in Monica’s café, detailing his life, encouraging others to do the same. The purpose of the book is to bring strangers together and be your true authentic self. Monica discovers the notebook, writes her story and leaves it at the wine bar across the street where Hazard finds it, and so on and so forth. One notebook brings six strangers together, to form a unique friend group.


Review: A really fun, feel good book to read. I loved the dual narrative, it was refreshing to be introduced to each character so personally prior to mingling the characters together. Anyone reading this book will be able to relate to at least one of the characters, I felt a connection to every character involved. The character development was beautifully written, and so real! The romance aspect was good, I made my assumption of the ending about 1/4th into the book, and I was right. The concept was great, the characters fantastic and relatable, and the overall execution was there!  

 

Thank you @netgalley and @penguincanada for my review copy! Publication date: February 4, 2020.

A deliciously sweet and ingenious book that brings readers to the core of our being..."Are we honest with ourselves? Are we honest with how our lives are playing out? Are we truthful about the choices we made or will make? And... How well do we know the people around us?"

Author Clare Pooley creates characters that are very real; people quite similar to those we know -or think we know, from our daily lives. People we talk with, interact with and yet are more than likely wearing a mask...or at least showing us a side they want us to know.

The Authenticity Project starts with a common green notebook, nondescript in its simplicity, yet it holds the truths of those that find it.
The little green notebook is left behind in a cafe, and begins its journey into the lives of several random people...uniting them in ways that are unexpected, endearing, sometimes painful, but definitely serendipitous.

The "finder" of the green notebook reads about the person before; their fears, wants and truths. Once in your hands, it's now up to you to make a decision, good or bad...but it will be Authentic!

4stars

Thank you to NetGalley, Penguin Random House-Viking and the author, Ms. Clare Pooley for the opportunity to read this Advanced Readers Copy of "The Authenticity Project". The opinions expressed in this review are mine alone.

This is the first novel by the British author of the memoir 'The Sober Diaries'. The plot in this one revolves around a notebook entitled The Authenticity Project. Julian is an elderly recluse who was formerly a fashionista and an artist of some renown. He writes his 'truth' in a notebook and then leaves it in a cafe for others to write in. Monica the cafe owner finds the book and adds her story, then sets out to help Julian. As the book makes it's way from person to person, lives are changed and friendships are made. The book is part romance, but mostly about facing life head on and being honest with both yourself and others. It is a delightful read and a good recommendation for fans of books that are easy reads, but have some depth. It would be a great beach read!

3.25 stars

I thought I needed a light read after reading a few intense novels, but The Authenticity Project, while enjoyable, was a bit too light. The concept was clever. 75 year old Julian, a lonely aging artist, writes about his loneliness in a notebook titled The Authenticity Project which he then leaves in Monica’s cafe. Monica then writes about her desperation for a family, and then passes the notebook on to another stranger. Slowly, all these strangers become connected, and the reader realizes that authenticity is more complicated than it seems. It all had the feel of a Sophie Kinsella novel, with imperfect characters on a road to understanding their truer selves. I actually like the occasional dose of Sophie Kinsella, and I liked parts of The Authenticity Project, but overall it was just a bit too predictable and the characters were a bit to stereotypical for my tastes. Thanks to Netgalley and Edelweiss for giving me access to advance copies.

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley: Book review

A while back I posted on my Bookstagram asking for book suggestions for reads that are just pure happy, uplifting reads. After reading this book over the last week or so amidst busy shifts and a raging cold, I am pleased to share my own recommendation - this book is cheerful, heart warming and charmingly predictable at times.

Julian, a lonely septuagenarian writes in a little green notebook some hard truths about his life. He leaves it in the local cafe for someone to find, read, and hopefully write their own story in, and continue the cycle. What follows is a genuinely lovely story, where we meet a slew of characters, from an uptight, single cafe owner looking for love, an addict experiencing his first attempt with sobriety, to a new mom struggling with postpartum depression.

I enjoyed the pace of this novel. With shifting points of view, I found it engaging and the story was constantly moving forward as characters discovered truths about themselves and empathized with neighbours they wouldn’t have otherwise gotten to know. I think some parts were a little overdone/repetitive, but I enjoyed the resolution of plots.

Although fairly predictable, and at times a smidge cheesy, I enjoyed this for what it was. It had depth while remaining a lighthearted, easy read. I appreciated the message of striving for authenticity and getting to know people in the periphery of your life beyond face value.
I think it would make a really cute movie I’d absolutely watch on a cozy night with fuzzy socks on.
If you’re in the market for a charming, lighthearted sweet read, I’d recommend The Authenticity Project.

Thank you to Nettgalley and Penguin Randomhouse Canada for access to an e-copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. It comes out on Feb 4, 2020!

I rate if 3.5⭐️

This is a charming witty book which kept me entertained. Full of intriguing characters some of which will definitely pull on the heartstrings. A book about relationships, friendship and loneliness. This is a great beach read.

Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to preview this book. It was enjoyable. Perhaps a little predictable. Still recommended.

Thank you @netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this incredible book. Once I started reading it I found it extremely difficult to put down! It was one of those stories that was so engaging and insightful that I really couldn't wait to find out what happens next.____There was an incredible insight into the complexities of human nature: our willingness and our haste to judge others, and the lies we tell each other and ourselves.____The Authenticity Project started with a forward by Claire Pooley and her inspiration for the story. What amazed me and what I found inspiring is her courage to speak/write about her challenges and struggles. It's truly amazing how those that were facing similar challenges found comfort and guidance in her words._____The story starts off with Monica, a coffee shop owner that comes across a green notebook that's left in her shop. She attempts to return it but couldn't find the owner. She recalls using a similar book in grade school, decorating the cover with hearts and flowers. She opens it up in hopes that the owner had written their name or an address inside. What she found inside were questions that made her think about her life and her story._____"maybe telling that (your) story would change your life, or the life of someone you've not met."____On the next page, there is a story about an artist that with the loss of his wife, lost his life, his world, and is lonely. After reading his story and doing a bit of research on him, Monica decides to help him and then writes her own story in the book.What happenes next is nothing short of inspiring and refreshing. Refreshing in sense that it was nice to read a story about the good in people. That deep down, all anyone wants is friendship, connection and love. Looking for the good in others and spreading kindness can make an extraordinary difference in not only the lives of others but in yours as well.

This book had so much potential. I grabbed the ARC on the premise alone. Unfortunately for me, it didn't measure up to what it could have been. Great idea, wonderful vivid characters, loved the connections but I got bogged down with the depressing lives of the characters and the writing. Plus the formating was a mess. I'm sure it will be fixed before release day though.

I absolutely LOVED this book! The concept is one I have not come across before and I love the web the story weaves! The group of characters the reader gets to know are such a great group of true opposites. They are very easy to relate to and it is easy to fall into their lives and the things they are experiencing.
The writing is excellent and the voices of each character are obvious and there can be no confusion as to who is telling their story.
I had a really hard time putting this book down. I wanted to know what was going to happen next and it was definitely a case of “just one more chapter” and staying up much later than planned!
I would definitely recommend this book to someone who is looking for a fun, unique story that has interesting characters, brings people together, and there is some great character growth.

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.

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 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.

•”Everyone lies about their lives. What would happen if you shared the truth instead?”•

The Authenticity Project is a story about chain story; one where each chapter is autobiographical, revelatory and anonymous to the authors who preceded it. It starts with the instruction to tell the truth about oneself. You can think of it as a modern fairy tale where serendipitous readers play fairy god mother/father to contributors of the Project.

I usually rate a book on its overall performance but The Authenticity Project was much more of a journey than most. At the start, it seemed tangential and a little dull. I stopped and started multiple times and was sure this was shaping up to be a 2 star read - I wasn’t sure I could relate to or even like some of the characters. And then there was the writing style. I get a little annoyed when writing lacks transitions, which is definitely the case here. This writer likes to skip temporally from one spot to the next very abruptly, in a manner that can be either annoying or quirky depending on your perspective. I’ll admit I started with the former and fought hard for the latter.

But then, the characters changed. Or rather, they turned out to have more depth and soul to them than their own confessions belied. By a third of the way in, I was liking it and thinking “this will probably end up being 3 stars after all”. But even more characters were added and by their addition, the old characters also grew as well. The little club of authentic subjects were shaping up to have a unique and eclectic bond. Two thirds of the way through I was as convinced this was going to get 4 stars. Adjectives like “clever”, “memorable”, “thoughtful” and “heartwarming” were beginning to attach themselves to this review.

So how did this book end up with a 5 star review? Well, it really is more than a great story. It’s exceptional. It turns out that I do have empathy for these people and I do like them. I feel as if I am part of the chain. This book has made me a part of the Authenticity Project and has changed me as well. I hope you will pick it up, give it a chance and become part of it too!

(This book was reviewed as a NetGalley ARC.)

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the copy of this book.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading about the lives of the characters in this book. They were a motley crew that came together all over a notebook, but in the end it was as though they had always been the best of friends. I think the author touched on an important theme of things are not what they seem in this book. What one sees on the outside is not necessarily what is there on the inside of people. I think this book with end up being quite a hit!

I loved the concept of this book, that of someone writing their authentic truth in a book and leaving it for others to find and do the same. In an age of social media and comparing our lives to what other people present, this idea is appealing.

And the book does a great job of delving into it!

I loved the cast of characters and how they were woven together all because of the little green notebook -- which is almost a character itself -- and how it made them want to connect and help and be authentic. The characters were fun and their stories were compelling. They make mistakes, they take chances, they help and look out for one another. I wanted to wander down the street and stop for tea at Monica's coffee shop myself.

I received an ARC of this wonderful book, courtesy of Penguin Random House Canada. I'm so glad that I read it; now I can highly recommend it to all my friends. The Authenticity Project is the title of a green notebook that travels from London, UK to a small village in Thailand and back, via the people who have written their very personal stories in it. By sharing their truths and reading those of others, the characters learn how to accept and live comfortably with their own authentic selves. I loved the way the notebook connected these strangers by chance and served as the glue that ultimately bound them together as close friends. .

P.S.. I think that one of the movie studios should option it!

The Authenticity Project is one of those books that will stay with me a long time, for many reasons. If you've read the blurb, you know that an elderly man, Julian, leaves behind a notebook in a cafe. In it, he's written his story, and he challenges the next person to write their truth. Monica, the cafe owner, finds the notebook, and adds her story. In total, six people put their stories in writing in this notebook.

So first, I love the structure of the novel: It's told through the eyes of six different characters and as each person adds another little bit, the story begins to build. It's not told in a strictly linear fashion. Characters come in and out of each others' stories, and some questions that are raised in one person's story are answered later in another person's story. Not every person is given the same amount of time to "speak," and in fact one character who comes in a bit later adds only a few paragraphs to the notebook. Writing in this style cannot have been an easy feat to pull off; done well, as it is here, it's fascinating. As a bonus, each chapter is short so this is a very easy read.

Secondly, the characters: I found myself reading more and more slowly as I neared the end, just because I didn't want to finish this book. Not to sound terribly needy or anything, but I think the characters are all people I have elements in common with, and I wanted to continue hanging out with them just a little longer. Julian, the elderly man, starts things in action. Monica, the cafe owner, is the touchstone of the book. Alice is a new mom and influencer whose life is nothing like she presents it to be on Instagram. These characters, plus three more who write in the notebook, all have quirks and foibles that resonated with me on some level.

Third and very importantly, the writing is stellar. The more I read, the more invested I became in the story. I started rooting for characters, and being disappointed when they let me down. I hoped the romantic pairing that I wanted to happen, would happen. Some of the stories unfolded the way I wanted but there were definitely surprises, including some I didn't like. Some of the ways in which the notebook made its way into the hands of the next recipient stretched the boundaries of belief ... except that I totally bought into it because the author persuaded me with her writing that it could have happened this way.

I'm thrilled to have discovered author Clare Pooley, and I hope we'll be hearing a lot more from her in the future.

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NOTE: I've included links below to reviews on Goodreads, to my blog and to Instagram. On Instagram, my review is in the Books section of my Stories. I can't post a review on Amazon.com until the book is released but I'll do that as soon as I'm able to.

I wasn’t sure if I was going to like this book, however within the first chapter I was hooked.
I liked the idea of the notebook being secretly passed around for others to find and how the characters felt comfortable telling their stories- hopes, fears and dreams.

It’s a heartwarming story of how small and connected the world truly is and how people from all walks of life are interconnected.