Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting

A Novel

by Clare Pooley

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Pub Date Jun 07 2022 | Archive Date Aug 07 2022

PENGUIN GROUP Viking | Pamela Dorman Books

Women's Fiction

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Description

Nobody ever talks to strangers on the train. It’s a rule. But what would happen if they did?

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Authenticity Project comes an escapist read that will transport you, cheer you, and make you smile—and make you, too, wish you had Iona’s gift for bringing out the best in everyone.

“A not-to-be-missed read in the mode of Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.” —Booklist, starred review

     Every day Iona, a larger-than-life magazine advice columnist, travels the ten stops from Hampton Court to Waterloo Station by train, accompanied by her dog, Lulu. Every day she sees the same people, whom she knows only by nickname: Impossibly-Pretty-Bookworm and Terribly-Lonely-Teenager. Of course, they never speak. Seasoned commuters never do.
     Then one morning, the man she calls Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader chokes on a grape right in front of her. He’d have died were it not for the timely intervention of Sanjay, a nurse, who gives him the Heimlich maneuver.
     This single event starts a chain reaction, and an eclectic group of people with almost nothing in common except their commute discover that a chance encounter can blossom into much more. It turns out that talking to strangers can teach you about the world around you--and even more about yourself.

Nobody ever talks to strangers on the train. It’s a rule. But what would happen if they did?

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Authenticity Project comes an escapist read that will...

Advance Praise

“Clare Pooley is the master of writing an ensemble cast. This book tackles so many interesting themes, all with Clare’s trademark humour, wonderful writing, and vibrant, loveable characters - Feel good fiction at its best. It almost made me miss the commute.”

—Sophie Cousens, New York Times bestselling author of Just Haven't Met You Yet

“Sunny, funny and full of heart.”

—Nita Prose, #1 New York Times bestselling author of The Maid

“[A] joyous tale about serendipitous friendship and seizing each day with vigor. The epitome of a feel-good book that is also laugh-out-loud hilarious…In a time when our differences so often divide us, Pooley’s novel is like a reassuring hug, assuring readers that our differences can strengthen relationships and should be embraced and celebrated. A not-to-be-missed read in the mode of Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.”

—Booklist, starred review

“Pooley delivers not only acerbic, enchanting Iona but a compelling, tangled cast of quirky, complicated characters so engaging, it’s enough to make you miss crowded commuter trains.”

—Laurie Frankel, New York Times bestselling author of One Two Three

“Heartwarming, funny, a delicious dive into the profound and ridiculous modern world in which we live. Clare Pooley reminds us why we need each other.”

—Tara Conklin, New York Times bestselling author of The Last Romantics

“Clare Pooley has found a delightful way to bring home the point that we need each other.”

—Kelly Corrigan, New York Times bestselling author of Tell Me More

“Why don't I ever meet people this delightful on a train? This feel-good ensemble story will bring joy to readers who loved Anxious People and Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine—not to mention fans of quirky London-set fare such as Ted Lasso. Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting is a warm, fun pick-me-up of a book.”

—Mary Laura Philpott, bestselling author of I Miss You When I Blink and Bomb Shelter

“Iona Iverson is nothing short of sheer and utter delight. It presents the best of humanity--the sweet and bashful kindness and generosity that lives in all of us. I can't think of a more joyful book and will be buying copies for everyone I know!"

—Jesse Q. Sutanto, bestselling author of Dial A For Aunties

“Very funny and utterly uplifting...Iona Iverson is an absolute delight, and one of the best characters since Eleanor Oliphant.”

—Freya Sampson, bestselling author of The Last Chance Library

“It made me cry, made me cackle—a first-class journey. Just wonderful.”

—Beth Morrey, international bestselling author of The Love Story of Missy Carmichael

“I have enjoyed every minute of this marvellous story. A gloriously entertaining and completely addictive read. Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting will be sure to steal your heart. Clare Pooley's writing is astute, wickedly funny, clever and charming. I adore this book.”

—Hazel Prior, author of Ellie and the Harpmaker