The Authenticity Project: The feel-good novel you need right now

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The notebook contains a story – an authentic story – of one person who admits he’s very lonely – Julian, an artist who used to be quite famous. Julian challenges the person who has found the notebook to add their story. Of course, Monica can’t resist adding her story and she wants to help Julian be less lonely. The notebook journey continues, drawing more people into the circle. Along the way, there is social media, some hurt feelings and sadness, and ultimately contentment for most of the characters. These are some of the words written on the inside of the green notebook titled The Authenticity Project. Julian, a lonely 79-year old man started the project by writing his truths in the notebook and passing it on by leaving it a cafe. The finders of the notebook are invited to write their own truths in it and pass it on. iPhones were the worst, with at least six gratuitous and unidiomatic mentions. My phone happens to be an iPhone, but like every Brit I know, I just refer to my “phone” or my “mobile”, regardless of brand (unless specifically making comparisons). Other product placement broke the flow, either because it didn’t ring true (Insta woman and After Eights) or because it was unnecessary (a list of six well-known relationship books, where one or two would make the point). Clare Pooley graduated from Newnham College, Cambridge and spent twenty years in the heady world of advertising before becoming a full-time mum. The story is told from the POV of the six characters who wrote in the green notebook. They are all looking for change in their lives. Through their actions and encounters, we see the effect facing their truths has on their own lives as well as others'.

This was an adorable book that kept me smiling throughout. It really reminded me of the impact we can have on those around us and how kindness always wins.Things can't be all sunshine and puppies though so you know conflict and drama are coming to tear it all apart. I was a bit sad to see the friendships built in the first part of the book break down. You would think that with everyone baring their souls in the notebook that they wouldn’t be hiding too many secrets from each other but this is absolutely what happens and anguish ensues. In the end everyone has some sort of a conclusion to their story and it is for the most part positive and happy, but also bittersweet. I became emotionally attached to these characters and I admit I was a bit teary.

There are too many other books out there that move me to force myself to read something I don't enjoy. Image: A cat using a mirror to paint a self-portrait - of a tiger. “Self portrait” by Sarang Bhagat ( Source)

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How well do you know the people who live near you? How well do they know you? Do you even know the names of your neighbors? Would you realize if they were in trouble, or hadn’t left their house for days? Some people withhold the truth about their lives. What would happen if you shared the truth about you? The one thing that defines you, that makes everything else about you fall into place? Would you be willing to share openly with those real people around you? Maybe telling that story would change your life, or the life of someone you’ve not yet met. That’s what I want to find out.” Let me just throw this one out at you.. and then you decide whether this is a book you would like to read... This book will create waves, I'm so sure of it. It wouldn't surprise me that it would be made into a movie, too. We all make snap judgements about each other, and often they’re wrong. What incorrect assumptions do The Authenticity Project characters make about each other? Little by little the notebook finds its way into the hands of those who need to say things they can’t tell others. At the same time, it forms a community of sorts, kindred spirits in need of some kind of support or comfort.