"Everybody lies about their lives. What would happen if you shared the truth?" This is the question that Julian Jessop, an eccentric, seventy-nine-year-old artist, poses within a pale green exercise book that he labels The Authenticity Project, before leaving it behind in Monica's Café. When Monica discovers Julian's abandoned notebook, not only does she add her own story to the book, she is determined to find a way to help Julian feel less lonely.

What will follow is a quirky story of all sorts of different people coming together. A story of love, friendship and real-life experiences.

It took me a really long time for me to read this book (two weeks - which is VERY long for me). I found it was a slow starter, but picked up as it went on. It did have all the important mixes to a good book - a little bit of love, a few lies and a whole lot of journeying. If you are not a fan of a story that changes character, then this will NOT be for you, because the story jumps from character to character. It is a really unique little story and I did really enjoy it. I wouldn’t put up there with my favourite books, but a lovely book!

LOVED THIS BOOK!

This was the absolutely perfect, feel good, uplifting story that I needed. Clare Pooley poured her heart and wisdom into this exceptionally delightful story. I know I am gushing, but this is just one of those books you want to shout from the rooftops about, it really was that good. Julian is a lonely 79-year-old who realizes he has made some mistakes in his life. So he decides to confess his truth in a green composition notebook with the words “The Authenticity Project“ on the cover. Monica is the owner of a café. When she finds the notebook she decides to share her truth about her desire to be a wife and mother and how she’s afraid she will never find real love. She is also touched by Julian story and decides she’s going to bring a little joy and purpose into his life. Monica also leaves the notebook in a bar for someone else to find and continue what Julian has started. As the notebook is passed from one character to another and authentic thoughts are shared, these characters lives begin to intertwine.

Such a lovely story packed with so many quirky lovable characters. I loved how even if implausible this notebook brought this diverse cast of characters together. Each additional character added a little something more to the story. Although I have to say my favorites were definitely flamboyant Julian and Type A Monica. The audiobook was narrated by Anna Cordell Who did a wonderful job with all the accents and this large cast of characters. She gave each character a unique voice and I was never confused as to who’s perspective the story was being told from. This book is absolutely going on my favorites shelf, a definite possibility for my best of 2020.

This book in emojis 📓 ☕️ 🎨 🏖 🍼 📱 🚆

This is absolutely, hands down, the book you need right now. It will reaffirm your faith in humanity, make you cry and laugh in equal measures, and have you hugging your family just a little bit closer.

If it is escapist fiction you are looking for, this has it all-struggles, triumph and complex, involving characters who are remarkable in their ordinariness and struggles. And it all begins with a lined exercise book...

The way that lives cross, intersect and impact upon each other is beautifully conveyed-you have Julian, who at the start originates the Authenticity Project as a way of reaching out. He is tired of being alone and tired of fighting his neighbours and developers who are desperate to snatch away his home. They don't understand that this is his last bastion against a society that would have him neatly tidied away as old, irrelevant-he used to be a well reknowned artist-and not contributing to society. The only way he can make an impact is by giving up. So he writes in this little book, leaves it in 'Monica's' , a cafe he frequents and hopes it will help someone else who randomly picks it up in their attempt to honestly assess their life.

And in the cafe, Monica picks it up. A high flying lawyer who wanted a quieter, more menaingful life, she has opened this cafe with the idea of it being a centre for the community in mind, less like the ten a penny high street branches which are all interchangeable. As she searches for authenticity in her life, and as she writes in the book she realises that her inner self which is desperate to have a baby has been squashed for too long.

She searches out Julian, using the details recorded in the book, at the same time as passing it on to Hazard a man addicted to a lifestyle which is killing him. He finds no joy in life, even though he technically 'has it all'. From there the book leaps to Riley, a free spirited gardener who is looking for meaning and roots,Mrs Wu whose sense of self is being challenged, and Alice , a mother whose online life has no reflection in her real life struggles and feelings.

Is it somehow easier to connect to a stranger who has no emotional investment in you or your life? How quickly can a stranger become a friend? And does being authentic have a huge impact on you and those around you, for better or worse?

A teeny bit of suspension of belief is needed to accept all that fits together so neatly,in this book, the characters all intersect very neatly, even when they get off to less than auspicious starts. But if that is your biggest gripe then it is a very very small one. If you can overlook how 6 New Yorkers manage to get together so frequently in a coffee shop despite allegedely working full time, then you can overlook that. Whether this would work in real life is unknown, but I love the concept and execution of 'The Authenticity Project' and look forward to seeing it adapted on the tv!

A really heartwarming comfort read, perfect if you're looking for some escapism or delight in a difficult time - like right now! Highly recommended

This story was just wonderful. A heart warming book that makes you feel all mushy inside. It had me smiling, laughing, crying and on a few occasions tutting loudly at the characters.

I love the concept of this book, so much so that I'm even considering starting up my own authenticity project 😊 I love these types of ideas, were people leave random articles around the community for a stranger to find and get happiness from.

Here Julian has left a notebook in Monica's cafe. In the notebook he writes a bit about his life and how he wished he could have changed something's about it. He then asks that the next recipient to write their truth and pass it on.

What follows is a beautiful tale of how each characters life who comes across the notebook changes. Each show that an act of kindness is beneficial to many. And, that some acts of kindness don't have to be elaborate, it's the simple things in life that matter.

I just loved Julian in this book, from his fashion sense to his endless tales of his former life. I wanted to be Julian's friend and while away the time with him drinking by the admiral's grave. (You'll have to read the story to understand the meaning)

I could see this story easily adapted to a film, and be one of those Christmas feel good movies. I can't fault this story really. It was a lovely esacpe from reality and I got deeply sucked into each characters life.

Buy this book it will make you smile. And, if you want buy it for a friend #bekind 😊

What a delightful book! If you're a fan of Libby Page then you'll love this. Julian is 79 and lonely. He has an exercise book; inside he asks the question- 'Everybody lies about their lives, what would happen if you shared the truth?' He leaves the book in Monica's Café. Monica is thirty something and lonely too. She writes in it and leave the book for someone else... And so begins the Authenticity Project. That little book is passed on, filled with the secret desires and hopes of those that write in it. The cast of characters are fab, I got attached to each one. The story is in turn happy, sad, funny, poignant but overall I read it with a smile on my face. I couldn't put the book down and I wonder what's next for those involved. Just lovely. Perfect escapism.

All the stars, wonderful. I did have high hopes for this one as I had been seeing all the reviews flying around and it hasn't disappointed in the slightest.
We start off with only a few characters and then as the notebook is passed on the character list grows and their stories are interwoven so cleverly. I loved all the interaction and all the characters had flaws that were totally believable not all perfect as per some books.
I also loved how some of the character stories were not all tied up neatly in a bow, as per real life some things are left open, parts of it did make me tear up so be warned on that front.
Highly recommend.
My thanks to the publisher for the gifted copy of this book.

What an absolutely gorgeous story! The Authenticity Project is the story of lonely people coming together and being their true selves. It is a story that crosses ages and status and shows that even the most charmed lives have their demons.

The multi-perspective narrative is told by Julian – an old dandy who is utterly miserable who starts the project and benefit greatly from the results. Others who get involved are Monica, Riley, Hazard, Alice and Lizzie. All of their lives are changed because of Julian’s initial impulse.

We follow the cast of characters as we see all of their lives change and watch them grow.
I will admit that as a reader I am unused to new characters being introduced so late in the text however it worked for the purpose of the story.

The Authenticity Project is a wonderful, heart-warming read and is the kind of literary comfort we need at the moment.

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley is available now.

For more information regarding Clare Pooley (@cpooleywriter) please visit www.clarepooley.com.

For more information regarding Random House (@randomhouse) please visit www.randomhousebooks.com.

I enjoyed this book! It was a great read for the current times- light, easy to read and some great witty lines. I loved the theme of the importance of human connection and loved watching all these lonely souls come together. I would have liked a little more depth to the characters but overall I would still recommend this one!

With all that is going on in the world right now, I found this book a breath of fresh air and became totally engrossed in the lives of those involved in The Authenticity Project!

Julian starts The Authenticity Project; a small green notebook containing the truth about his life. He leaves it in a nearby cafe, where Monica the owner finds it. The story then revolves around all the characters who find the book and truth they write about their lives.

Clare Pooley creates such wonderful, vivid characters and I so enjoyed reading their stories and how they all became part of each other’s lives. The Authenticity Project portrays the real them and we see how they evolve as the book goes on, knowing that their real truths have been freed! I love books that switch to different points of view, so this one definitely ticked a box in that’s respect.

This book really focus on community and looking out for those who need it. Despite their flaws and weaknesses, everyone in the book is accepted by each other and a few lonely hearts are mended along the way. A story that truly warms the heart; something that is very much needed in society today!

The concept of this book is fascinating. Strangers being brought together via a notebook to become friends.
This is such a beautiful book which is character driven. The characters in this book were lovely and gave me a warm glow.

This book is so cute and heartwarming. It is filled with sweet and humorous moments. An amazing book

The Authenticity Project; the perfect feel good novel

With everything happening at the moment, I like many people have been really struggling to read. Although I’ve been desperate to escape real life more than ever, I’ve really grappled with my anxiety and concentration. However last week I was thankfully sent an advance copy of Clare Pooley’s debut novel The Authenticity Project, giving me exactly what I craved – escapism and that lovely warm, fuzzy feeling (something I definitely haven’t had in recent weeks). Believe me, this book proved to be just the ideal tonic that I needed. And you can have it too as it’s published today – Thursday 2nd April!

This is a captivating read all about connection, community and hope. And lets face it, we all need this more than ever at the moment. I would have absolutely loved this book at the best of times, but with everything going on recently, this authentically warm story struck a special cord with me.

Based on and around the Fulham Road in London, the novel opens with café owner Monica finding an exercise book titled The Authenticity Project. Trying to find clues to its owner so she can return it, Monica opens the book to read the following:

Everyone lies about their lives. What would happen if you shared the truth instead? The one thing that defines you, that makes everything else about you fall into place? Not on the internet, but with those real people around you.

Perhaps nothing. Or maybe telling that story would change your life or someone you’ve not met. That’s what I want to find out.

These are the words of flamboyant, ageing artist Julian Jessop who continues with his own very personal and painful story. This is the onset of The Authenticity Project which Julian discarded on purpose in the hope that the finder would also be compelled to reveal their own truth in these pages, and pass it on for someone new to discover – a bit like a chain mail based on authenticity.

Monica, moved by Julian bravely revealing his vulnerabilities is also inspired to write her own secret truth. And so as the exercise book is passed from stranger to stranger, friendships are made and a small community connects.

With the origins of this clever plot growing from authentic roots, and exploring themes such as drug addiction, loneliness, obsessive compulsive disorder and the social stigma of being single and childless, this is a clever, thought provoking novel that is written in such a warm, engaging manner.

I simply couldn’t put it down; especially as it really boosted me when I desperately needed a boost. It made me smile all the way through, made me laugh and most importantly, it gave me hope.

Thank you Clare Pooley for that! 🙂

Believe me, The Authenticity Project is such an uplifting but real read. With a mix of very human, flawed but likeable characters, this is a book you can’t afford to miss. Especially with everything going on at the moment.
Yes, I know book shops aren’t currently open, but I’ve got it on very good authority (Clare Pooley’s Instagram) that you can grab your very own physical copy of this fab book from Amazon, Waterstones.com, Tesco and Asda. And for all you Kindle readers out there, you can purchase it in less than a minute. Wey hey! 🙂

Believe me, this book makes the ideal lockdown read.

I really enjoyed reading this book and found it a real tonic at this strange time. The characters and locations jump off the page and I found myself immersed in the book straight from the very beginning.
We meet a variety of characters, and I mean variety!, through a note book titled The Authenticity Project. Started by Julian a 79ish year old living a lonely life since the departure of his wife Mary. He writes a little about himself then leaves the book in a local cafe for someone else to find. That cafe belongs to Monica, late 30's, still living on her own and extremely uptight!
Using separate narratives from each character we meet, we learn about them as an individual person and as the book progresses, as a group and for me this is where the story shone the best. They were fantastic together, with all their different personalities clashing with one another, but at the same time coming together and helping each individual hopefully to lead a better life. Even the smaller characters were so well thought out, like that of Mrs Wu! I found them so vivid that I couldn't wait to get back to the book to read more. It was like I was beginning to get to know them myself and would have loved to if i'm honest.
Talking of honesty I did need to suspend a little bit of realism when reading this. Yes they were all realistic people, and it covers realistic and hard subject matters, but because of their financial security they all had the comfort of not having to worry so much about that on top of everything else.. But saying that it then wouldn't have been the nice escapist read that it was.
It had a good ending without being too sweet, but one that befitted the characters well.
I found it funny, light, joyful and a read that left behind such a warm feeling, I was really glad I'd read it.

This is the story of a little notebook.

Julian feels a bit jaded by life, he’s frustrated that no-one seems to be truly honest with each other any more. So he writes the truth about himself in a little notebook and leaves it in a cafe for someone else to find.

It is found and read by Monica, who adds her own thoughts and does the same….gradually a few people add their own worries and truths one by one.

With the anonymity comes a real honesty, but is there a cost? As these people gradually meet, friendships are made.

I found this to be a charming tale of home, dreams and friendships, with a gentle humour, great characters and some emotional moments too. A lovely, uplifting read and just what’s needed in these troubled times.

Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this for free. This is my honest, unbiased review.

If ever a book came along at the right time then it is this one! I'll say right off the bat Claire Pooley's debut novel The Authenticity Project is a warm and soothing balm for the soul - just what I needed to help me get my reading mojo back amidst all the stresses and strains of lockdown, home-working, and social distancing!

The premise of The Authenticity Project is a simple one - what would happen if you told the truth about your life? Your hopes, your dreams, and your regrets?

When Julian Jessop leaves the truth of his lonely life in a notebook on a table in a local cafe, he isn't sure if anything will come of it. But for Julian, Monica, Hazard, Riley, Alice and their assorted friends and family, Julian's 'Authenticity Project' might just lead to some surprising results. New friendships, new jobs, new lifestyles - and some home truths both pleasant and difficult - all come out of each person's contact with the unassuming notebook. But will each of them get what they are really seeking? 

I had an absolute blast reading The Authenticity Project. The characters, even those who initially come across as somewhat unpleasant (I'm looking at you Hazard...), are a huge amount of fun to spend time with and, by the end of the book, it really does feel like you've got to know them all. I genuinely wanted things to turn out for the best for them! They're an eclectic bunch as well - from the flamboyant but isolated artist Julian to new mum and Instagram influencer Alice, each of the characters bought a fresh perspective to the story and Pooley has done a fantastic job of making each voice feel distinct.

The book is definitely a slice of 'up-lit' - expect to get all of the warm fuzzies from reading it - but that doesn't stop it from tackling some difficult subjects as well. From grief, loneliness and the struggles of old age, through to childlessness, addiction, the pressure of motherhood and the gap between expectations and reality, there's a lot of ground covered in The Authenticity Project. But these darker subjects are treated with warmth, sensitivity, understanding, and a dash of humour to create a novel that focuses on the things that connect us rather than those that drive us apart. 

All in all, The Authenticity Project is a warm and uplifting read that is perfect for fans of Libby Page's The Lido and A J Pearce's Dear Mrs Bird. With bags of heart and plenty of humour, it's a novel packed brimming with humanity - perfect for those moments when we all want to feel a little more connected.

Sometimes you just need a book to take you out of your daily routine, to offer a glimpse of something else, and The Authenticity Project definitely does that.
The book focuses on an unusual group of characters living in London, brought together by a rather interesting project. We have artist Julian, cafe owner Monica, addict Hazard, Australian traveller Riley, an Instagram influencer and a number of other characters. They are brought together by Julian’s attempts to be honest and reveal a little of himself to others.
Like a number of readers, the core group established at the start of the book are the ones we get more invested in. While the premise itself may be most unlikely, the sentiments explored are going to resonate with many. In such busy times it’s all too easy to lose sight of our connections with those around us, and the book shows what can happen if we take time to open ourselves to new experiences and take a risk.
As you might expect, things are not always quite what they seem. I was not entirely surprised by the twist regarding Julian, but I did feel a little sentimental by the closing scene.
A huge thank you to NetGalley for allowing me to read this prior to publication.

"The Authenticity Project" is a story of one notebook and people connected through it. The plot evolves around strangers sharing stories of their truest selves (or, what they think their truest self looks like) on the pages of the exercise book started by Julian Jessop, a seventy something lonely artist, who wonders how much others are hiding from the world. This is the Authenticity Project, which turns out to be an opportunity for people to make a small acts of kindness and change lives. It's a perfect read for turbulent times, when you want to believe that people can be good and caring. Clare Pooley's book is a charming, funny and uplifting story - told in short chapters by people who are getting involved in a story of the notebook. We learn how the characters see themselves, we learn about their secrets, worries and hidden thoughts, we see them reflecting on their own lives, revaluating their lives and those of others There are dramas, love, friendship and humour, there are people who are trying to live their lives as best as they can and who learn that asking for help is not a weakness. Pooley's book is perfect antidote for the current rose-tinted world of instagram and our obsession with perfection. It is a book that makes you think about yourselves as well as about book characters and it has this funny, fuzzy feel-good warmth about it. A great uplit story.

The authenticity project radiates feel good vibes with an eclectic cast of characters that brought a smile to my face.
Reading this charming and quirky debut, I was reminded of Juliet ashton’s latest offering ‘The rise and fall of Sadie Mcqueen’ which I also thoroughly loved. It’s so easy to become immersed in the life of Monica and her cafe where a chance discovery of a notebook left behind by a customer sets off a chain of events that celebrates human kindness. In fact #in a world where you can be anything be kind should be the motto for this tale as it would seem that everyone who comes into contact with this notebook (titled the authenticity project) benefits from the positive impact it has on their lives. Julian Jessop, an ageing lonely artist is the customer who has ‘inadvertently’ left this book behind. It is Monica who conjures up a plan to reignite his passion for life upon reading his words. Her world suddenly opens up to include some wonderful characters, as the book falls into the hands of random strangers, proving that one good deed leads to another. Almost everyone in this novel has their crosses to bear but coming into contact with strangers who quickly turn into friends shows how people can enter our lives for many different reasons and at a time when we need them most. We all have something to offer our fellow humans and in turn we can learn from them and possibly enhance our lives. That’s certainly the case for Monica who really blossoms under the spell of this project, embracing new experiences and using her cafe as a centre point for the community. She’s the ultimate Good Samaritan and such a lovely character, full of warmth. Kindness and compassion are at the heart of Monica’s story as she embarks on her journey of self discovery.
It’s hard to choice a favourite since the author’s brilliantly conjured up a diverse group of people from instagrammer yummy mummy Alice, to Hazard (?)ex city whizz kid addicted to drugs and alcohol but Julian probably wins this contest in my opinion. He has so many fascinating stories from his younger days, which you may or may not believe since he does like to embellish the truth! He’s an ageing fashionista who misses his wife Mary but underneath all the pretence he has a heart of gold. Aussie gardener Riley and Hazard provide the romantic element, a necessary addition to the storyline so we can wonder (but not too hard!!) which one of this handsome fellas will win Monica’s heart.
In turns this quirky romcom of a read is funny, touching and uplifting with characters that you can easily warm to so that eventually they feel like they could be your friends. Towards the end I did think the storyline verged towards overly sentimental but that is a minor criticism.
Well written and most definitely worth a read if you love a romantic comedy. This author is one to watch!
My thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read in exchange for an honest review.

A beautifully written heart warming story. I loved this book. I loved the characters and the events that bring them together. This story is about finding the good in people, making friends, new beginnings and about being honest with yourself.

Thank you to Netgalley for my copy.

This book reminded me just how complicated life can get sometimes. You've had those conversations with your friends, right? Those you-won't-believe-what-just-happened-to-me chats. We find ourselves in situations that sound crazy but are true. And we find ourselves in situations where we end up hiding our truest thoughts from those who deserve to know them. Through those experiences though, we can also find ourselves forming a new path. The Authenticity Project creates these situations for its characters and binds them together in a beautiful way.

Monica, a cafe owner, finds a notebook that's been forgotten in her cafe. After reading what was written inside, she realises it wasn't forgotten but left behind on purpose. Inside the notebook, she reads a note from Julian. He's realised that people aren't as honest as they should be so he decides to write his truths in a green notebook, hoping to encourage others to do the same.

Following in Julian's footsteps, Monica decides to divulge her deepest yearnings in the notebook too and leave it in a local wine bar for the next person.
The story continues with this notebook being passed around, affecting the lives of all who come into contact with it.

What I loved about this book is how well written the characters are. They felt so real; as if they could be people I know. In fact, I felt everything they felt! I laughed when they laughed, I was sad when they were sad and I was happy when they were happy. If you're looking for something uplifting and easy to read, you've found it right here.