The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley | Book Review

[AD/Gifted - I received a copy of this book in order to take part in a readalong with Adventures With Words. This post contains affiliate links.]

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley - 5/5

Blurb:

"Six strangers with one thing in common: their lives aren't always what they make them out to be.

What would happen if they told the truth instead?

Julian Jessop is tired of hiding the deep loneliness he feels. So he begins The Authenticity Project - a small green notebook containing the truth about his life.

Leaving the notebook on a table in his friendly neighbourhood café, Julian never expects Monica, the owner, to track him down after finding it. Or that she'll be inspired to write down her own story.

Little do they realize that such small acts of honesty hold the power to impact all those who discover the notebook and change their lives completely."

Review:

I love this novel so much! It's like a hug in a book.

A green exercise book is left at Monica's Café with The Authenticity Project written on the front of it. Upon opening, Monica sees a letter written by 79-year-old Julian Jessop who states that he has been lonely since his wife Mary died 15 years ago. The finder of the book is then encouraged to write their own message and pass the book on.

Monica can't get Julian out of her head and after learning that he is an artist, tries to get him to teach an art class in the evening at Monica's Café.

The Authenticity Project book is passed along and we meet other characters such as Hazard; a 38-year-old addict, Riley; a 30-year-old Australian gardener, Alice; a 26-year-old new mum and influencer and Lizzie; a 65-year-old nanny.

All of their stories come together in different ways and it is just a joy to read. We see each character come to terms with where they are going wrong in life while making new friendships and connections. The book changes all of their lives.

I love every single character in this book. They are developed exceptionally well and I especially love Julian and his eccentricity! I can relate to Alice a lot too.

I 100% recommend this book but maybe have tissues for the end!