Okay, I absolutely LOVED this one 🥰
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Every time I opened it to read more it was like a snuggling under a cozy blanket. The characters were diverse and so full of life. My heart broke a couple times but was promptly mended up in the following chapters. If you loved #anxiouspeople you’ll love #ionaiversonsrulesforcommuting 🚂
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Thank you to @tandemcollectiveglobal for hosting the #readalong and to @clare_pooley and @penguinrandomca for my #gifted copy! 💚

Ahh, this story brought me back to my days of commuting on the train for 60 mins everyday for work. I had the same seat, same train, and saw generally the same people every morning. I always wondered what some people did and this story helped satisfy that curiousity a bit—in a very heartwarming and charming way. Jumping between different POVs, the jumps are very well done and truly add to the story given the cast of characters.

It was also nice to see an older woman, close to retirement, portrayed as the Queen of the train commuters and respected for her years of experience. I want an Iona in my life, and this book is a great reminder not to judge people without getting to know them first, because you never truly know what’s going on. Don’t forget to read the author’s note👌🏼

Simply an enchanting book, quirky and delightful ! I loved every word and all the wonderfully unique characters..

Thank you to @penguinrandomca @vikingbooks for the digital ARC in return for my review.
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My thoughts…
Iona Iverson rules! I just loved Iona and Lulu. And every commuters in carriage number three, especially Sanjay, Emmie, Bea, Piers, Martha and David. Their individual stories came together seamlessly and adorably. Pooley did a great job throwing in humour and laugh-out-loud moments amidst the poignant moments such as emotional manipulation, bullying, homophobia, ageism and mental health. As the stories intertwined, you started to see hope and interconnectedness. Pick this up if you’re looking for a #pridemonth read. Heartwarming.

Are you in a reading slump? If so, look no further...

'Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting' is a heartwarming, unputdownable read. If you are looking for a cast of memorable characters, a little intrigue and a whole lot of feels, then this book is most certainly for you. A brilliant must read!

This book was such an incredibly enjoyable read! So many quirky characters to love and I so enjoyed experiencing the unfolding of each of their stories.

Thank you NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for an eARC of this novel in exchange for my honest opinion.

I. Love. Iona. Iverson. And Claire Pooley for creating her. And Lulu and Bea and Piers and Sanjay and Emmie and Martha and David and ALL the commuters of carriage three! IYKYK.

Having not read the author’s previous work, I was not entirely certain what to expect picking up this title—but the premise intrigued me, so here I am: And it was so worth the leap. This book is entirely character driven, which is absolutely my jam. Throughout, we alternate between 5 different POVs, all ‘commuters’ taking the train from home to work or school and back again on the daily; following as they evolve from complete strangers who would never dare acknowledge each other, to hesitant acquaintances, to proper friends, to…well, I do not want to spoil anything! But the journey is incredible and it all depends on their individual character arcs and how these intertwine and parallel and clash—none of which would happen were it not for the intervention of a single grape.

Another aspect I loved while reading this was the seamless way in which Claire Pooley blended hilarious laugh-out-loud moments with incredibly serious and poignant discussions of mental and emotional health, bullying, homophobia, ageism, manipulation and abuse, financial crises, and the list goes on. There is always a thread of hope running through too, ultimately leaving one with the sense of being a part of something larger—the idea that you are never alone, so long as you leave yourself open.

This was an easy-peasy 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 for me!

Charming

Iona Iversons Rules for Commuting is such a charming book! I thoroughly enjoyed it and identified with the main character. Have now added her previous book to my must read list.

Thank you to the publisher who lent me a time limited e-arc via netgalley with no obligation. This review is optional and my own opinion.

This was such an adorable book, and a pleasant read. I've been focused on psychological thrillers and crime novels for quite a while, and needed a break from them. This was perfect.

I saw a lot of myself in Sanjay, and I adored seeing his character growth. Piers was an excellent antagonist with some wonderful character development in the second half of the book.

It really did remind me of my commutes when I worked in Coventry. I would always see the same people, and we would never talk. I do sometimes.wonder about the people I have nicknames to. Don't we all?

I'll be on the lookout for more from Clare Pooley in the future.

This book brought me so much joy to read. A super quick read but it was a total feel good, happy ending story. I love this author's writing style and will be looking for more of her books for sure (besides the Authenticity Project which I have already read).

I loved Iona. I mean I adored her so much. Being a woman of almost the same age I was totally cheering her on! I loved all the characters and how the story developed as their lives became more intertwined. What is we took a chance and talked to a stranger on a train (or anywhere actually?). What events could transpire if we were not staring at our phones all the time?

Yes, I knew it would be a feel good story with a happy ending and I was totally okay with that. Occasionally you just need a happy book and story.

Thank you to the publisher, Net Galleyand author for this ARC.

4.8 stars

#ClarePooley, you’re the best! Thank you for your words and the birth of these wonderful characters. Iona and friends brought me much delight as they each emerged to be their better selves. They are characters who experienced the anonymity of silence on their common journey each day until something changes!
This book reminded us that we are better to be honest with each other than to continue hiding our frailties. That we each possess something worthwhile for sharing and to always be brave. Strangers on a train who meet and have the ability to complement and enrich the others’ lives. Such a lovely story about human connection and well worth the read in a world that can always use a little more kindness, compassion and caring,
A book so tender that you should read with a friend.
Thank you #NetGalley for this advance copy, I loved it.

This is by far one of the cutest books I have ever read. Dare I say that Iona (more often than not) reminded me of the great Evelyn Hugo?

If you enjoy a character driven novel, this one is for you. I fell in love with the personality quirks that each of them had to offer. Iona was a larger than life character, I'm sure she could've carried the story completely on her own. I saw a lot of myself in Emmie, her love of reading and her introvert personality really spoke to me! Sanjay was instantly loveable, the author really makes you feel his compassion for this patients. Piers was a great antagonist for the first half of the book, but watching him learn to love his life was pleasant to read. Watching Martha stand up for herself with the support of her train friends had me smiling!

There are many other characters we're introduced to throughout our reading journey, and it helps the story develop into what it becomes, which is a feel-good, found-family, contemporary fiction.

Thank you to Penguin Random House and NetGalley for the eARC of this gem!

Iona Iverson is a force to be reckoned with. She is on the border of middle age and senior-dom. She is well seasoned and loves people. And the fact that she has a dog, named Lulu, who goes with her absolutely everywhere is beside the point. Lulu is simply a constant.

This is an interesting story, very unique and quirky. Iona rides the commuter train every day and becomes familiar with other regular passengers. In today's terminology, she would be a Life Coach.

The characters she meets on the train, Emmie, Sanjay, Piers and Marsha all have issues. Not only does she make sure the characters interact but she is going to straighten out their lives for them. From matchmaking to career counselling to relationship counselling, she does it all.

In real life, Iona would probably be labelled as an annoying busybody. But, reading about her is fun. Besides her “friends” on the train, the other passengers seem to enjoy a certain amount of voyeurism from the surrounding seats.

But everything is not as it seems. And friendship is a two-way street.

I like the writing in this book. It is not a straight narrative. Every character has a chance to be featured and we learn all their backstories. I enjoyed the realistic diversities of their personalities.

This is a heartwarming and reaffirming story about relationships and the innate goodness that exists in people. A feel-good book!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the Advance Readers Copy.

Edited to add: I published my review prematurely. I wrote it before I had a chance to read the Author's Note at the end. I loved how Ms Pooley came to write this book. It is based on her many years of commuting and incidents she witnessed on the commuter train. The name Iona Iverson is a tribute to a very important person in Ms Pooley's life. And, what especially touched me was that much of the attitude and thought processes belonging to Iona were actually an extension of herself. Well done!

I adored Clare Pooley's first novel, The Authenticity Project. (my review) I was very excited to read her second novel, Iona Iverson's Rules For Commuting. And like the first book, it was a fabulous read and is one of my faves of 2022!

Pooley took inspiration from her own experiences on the train. "I also started to wonder what would have happened if I'd ignored the unwritten rule of commuting and had been brave enough to talk to my fellow commuters. What adventures might those conversations taken me on? And that thought became this book." I loved this premise! The story could go anywhere.

Iona Iverson rides the train to work every day, sitting in the the same seat along with her dog Lulu (who also has her own seat), which funnily enough, no one ever questions. But Iona's life and many others are destined for change from the opening line...."Until the point when a man starting dying right in front of her on the 08:05, Iona's day had been just like any other."

I knew from Pooley's first novel, that the plot would be character driven. Oh my, Pooley has again created the most wonderful, eclectic, quirky group of players. They're a mixed bunch - different ages, jobs, social strata, personalities, joys, problems and more. But what they have in common is the train - and Iona.

Each of the train riders is given a voice with their own chapters. They're so well drawn, detailed and relatable. Slowly but surely, with every new chapter, their lives become enmeshed. I came to care for them all and honestly couldn't stop reading. I needed to know what was going to happen with everyone!

Pooley's writing is so easy to read, flows so easily and is utterly addictive. If you're looking for a warm, feel-good, uplifting, unexpected, just be yourself tale, this is one you'll want to read. After I turned the last page, I wondered - what would happen if someone actually did this?

An absolute five star, must read!

Iona is a stickler for rules, and the Second Rule of Commuting is ‘you never, ever talk’ to other people on the train. When, however, a fellow passenger begins choking to death on a grape, she springs into action. This traumatic incident precipitates a series of developments that leads to the formation of friendship between a group of the passengers, and it proves vital in helping them deal with their own personal problems.
By shifting point of view between members of the ‘train gang’, as they call themselves, the author reveals the insecurities that fester behind the image each presents to the world. Furthermore, the need they feel to preserve that image often hinders them from acknowledging they even have a problem. Though the resolution may strike readers as overly optimistic, it nevertheless points out the value of a strong mutual support network for dealing with the challenges that are all too familiar in contemporary society, such as corporate downsizing, controlling partners within relationships, internet harassment, and ageism. And all presented with wit, humour, and a sympathetic cast of characters.
Strongly recommended.

What a wholesome story !

Everyday, Iona - the obsolete magazine therapist, Emmie - the dreamer who wants to make a difference, Pier -the number savvy investor, Martha - the student and Sanjay - the nurse, share their morning commute with other passengers of platform 5. They don't talk, of course. That would go against Iona's Rules for commuting #2 - Don't talk to strangers. Everything changes one Monday morning when Pier chokes on a grape and almost dies in front of Iona. This is just the first of a series of interactions between them from which an unlikely friendship will emerge as we follow each of their story lines via multiple point of views.

This was light quick read that put a smile on my face for a couple of days. I recommend this book to fans of Anxious People!

I really enjoyed this one! It was such a fun read with great characters. I loved all of the character's stories but particularly enjoyed Iona and Emmie's storylines. I liked how one event changed how this group of commuters interacted with each other and how they all developed a friendship that changed their lives for the better.

Thank you Tandem Collective and Penguin Canada for a copy to review!

A feel-good story about a group of strangers who get to know one another during their commute. Iona is a formidable senior who takes no shit and I loved that about her. Dealing with a partner who is suffering from dementia and being pushed out of her job as a newspaper columnist, Iona embraces the young people she meets on the train and along with her dog, helps them with their problems.

Told from multiple POVs, we get to know each character well and what sorts of things they're dealing with in their lives. Perfect for fans of books like The authenticity project (the author's previous hit debut), The secret life of Albert Entwistle or All the lonely people. Some characters got more attention than others but over all I really enjoyed this story and found the audiobook easy to listen to. Much thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my advance review copy!

This book mainly centres around a woman named Iona, who is an advice columnist for a women's magazine. She takes the subway into work everyday and has familiar faces who usually take the train with her. One day one of the regulars starts choking on a grape, she yells out for a doctor, a nurse comes to help. It leads to Iona start to talk and slowly meddle into all the regulars lives.

This is a great story of found family, quirky characters, and the realities of life. Everyone in this story is going through something, some are in denial, some are lying to keep up appearances, and some are drowning and don't even realise it. This book is heartwarming, and really shows that people are always willing to rally together and help you.

Pooley, who is from London, England, had a career in advertising before writing her memoir "The Sober Diaries". This is her second novel, her first being "The Authenticity Project". It features a group of people who met on a train after a man nearly choked to death on a grape. The cast of characters include Iona who is a advice columnist at a magazine, Sanjay who is a nurse, Piers who is an unhappy business man, Emmie who is living with a man who wants her to quit her job, and Martha who is a high school student whose ex-boyfriend posted a naked picture of her. The story is told with humour and follows them as they help each other overcome obstacles and find happiness. This is a delightful read and I really enjoyed it.