The following review was posted today, Thursday, June 2nd, 5 days before publication. It will be shared on Twitter and Instagram between today and the publication date (Tuesday, June 7th), but the review has already been posted on Goodreads. The blog post includes links to pre-order the books and to its Goodreads page, so readers can add it to their to-be-read books.


“The advantage of boarding the train at Hampton Court was that it was the end of the line, or the beginning, depending, of course, on which way you were traveling. There was a life lesson there, thought Iona. In her experience, most endings turned out to be beginnings in disguise.”

Genre: Fiction, Women’s Fiction
Actual Rating: 4 stars
Content Warnings: Mentions medical emergencies (choking), and deals with homophobia and bullying.

“Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting” follows a set of characters that all commute on the same train—all getting on and off at different stops. After one eventful morning breaks the ice between them, one wonders: what would happen if you throw the rules of commuting away? What if you were to talk to a perfect stranger—who you see every day, through your silent commute? Told through different points of view, we get a glance at different realities, all being tied by their preferred mode of transport.

This book had so many funny, quirky, and diverse characters. Actually, I think it’s been the most diverse cast I’ve read this year. Contrary to what I expected, Iona is, in fact, not a millennial like myself—and that only made me realize that I can’t remember the last book I read where the character wasn’t a young woman. I loved Sanjay, I could relate so much to his inner narrative. I learned to love Piers, or “Smart-But-Sexist-Manapreader” as Iona would call him before meeting him formally. I feel like I am most like Emmie when commuting, always with a book in hand. I think the narrative I enjoyed the less was Martha’s, but even then I wouldn’t change a thing, because all these characters brought together a heartwarming story.

I dread human interaction with strangers but, strangely, this book kind of made me want to talk to a stranger. Connect a little. It made me realize that there are so many different lives being lived all around. It’d be a disservice to only focus on my own.

I would recommend this book to anyone looking for a fun, easy, fast-paced read with different points of view. If you’ve enjoyed books like “Anxious People” by Fredrik Backman, then “Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting” by Clara Pooley is for you.

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ARC provided by NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada in exchange for an honest review.

Publication Date: June 07, 2022

3.5 re: it's more fun than "literary" and I generally reserve 4 stars for excellent ideas and characters as well as reasonably sophisticated writing. Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC. I will definitely buy a copy and pass it to friends. If you liked The Authenticity Project you'll like this book too, and it would make a super cute movie or mini-series. Fantastically imagined characters all connected by a train and the marvellous Iona.

Oh how I adored this book! It was an absolute delight from start to finish.

The characters were perfect, the story was wonderful, and I never wanted to get off the train.

This book was so enjoyable and I cannot wait to read more by this author.

Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting is equal parts funny and heartwarming! It features Iona, an advice columnist for a magazine, who takes the train to work every day. On her commute, she connects with other commuters and their lives quickly become intertwined. The book follows the cast of characters as they navigate the highs and lows of their lives together. The author has struck a wonderful balance, writing a novel that is lighthearted and meaningful.

This story follows the lives of Piers, Sanjay, Emmie, Martha and of course Iona and her dog Lulu.
Iona an “agony aunt” for a local magazine is used to dishing out advice to anyone that needs it. Although she herself is struggling with her own identity as she ages and isn’t in tune with todays youth.
It wasn’t until a crisis happens on the train though that brings this group together with Iona being the center of it all as she shares her wisdom to this group of commuters who soon become fast friends.
This book had a little bit of everything and I was engrossed in each and everyone’s story. Well written and despite the many point of views was easy to follow along. I look forward to reading more from this author.

I haven’t read a book like this in a long while! Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting gave me Maeve Binchy vibes, in the best possible way. I will definitely be checking out this author’s other books.

We follow a cast of characters who commute daily on the train. They are complete strangers, until a medical emergency throws them together.

The character development in this book is phenomenal. At the start, everyone is a kind of cardboard cutout of what the other passengers see, complete with quirky nicknames. Over time the cast opens up to each other, and we get to know the real people, their struggles and hopes and dreams behind the facade. It is so well done.

This book is sweet and heartwarming, but it’s not just a piece of feel-good fluff. There are some serious topics brought up. Everything is discussed and handled in such a kind, compassionate way. Maybe a little too kind. The happy endings for everyone was a bit hard to believe (although was definitely heartwarming).

Overall a lovely read that has restored my faith in humanity for a minute. Actual rating 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for providing the ARC of this book. This review is my honest and voluntary opinion.

Iona Iverson’s second rule for commuting: Never talk to strangers on the train.

Though the rule is unwritten, Iona and her fellow commuters follow it instinctively. They may secretly make up stories and nicknames for the people they see regularly, but they never interact. Then, one morning, Smart-But-Sexist-Manspreader chokes on a grape and is saved through the actions of his fellow passengers. After sharing this brush-with-death moment, the commuters feel obliged to acknowledge each other. Over the course of the story, the characters become friends with the ever-original Iona at the heart of the group.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It’s humourous, at times heartbreaking and always uplifting. The characters felt so real. They were all flawed, but as their stories unfolded, I grew to like each one more – even the ones that seemed completely unlikeable at the beginning. It was delightful to spend time in a world where strangers can become friends, and everyone has a strength they can use to the benefit of someone else.

I highly recommend this story. It would make a great book club pick.

Thank you to NetGalley and Penguin Random House Canada for the advance copy of this title.

Stars: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

PUBLICATION DAY: June 7, 2022

Commuters on the train into London rarely speak to one another, living comfortably in a cone of silence. Until one day a man starts choking and suddenly all members of train car #3 jump into action and are forever bonded. Cone of silence no more, they all become thoroughly involved in each other's lives, and are the better for it.

PROS and CONS:
I simply adored these characters, dynamic Iona, caring Sanjay, successful Piers, self conscious Martha, oblivious Emmie, misguided David - a wonderful cast of characters to care about. I loved watching how their relationships developed as they learn more about what goes on beneath the surface. This book is a ray of sunshine.

READ IT?
It’s a warm and fuzzy read when you’re in need of a pick-me-up!!! Highly recommended.

5 Stars

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The characters are interesting, well-developed and likeable. The setting on the commuter train is interesting and relatable. The book is written from the multiple perspectives of the train passengers which promotes the strength of the relationships as they are built. This book is also known as The People on Platform 5.

The diversity of this group and the bond that grows between them make for a cozy, feel-good read. Like most commuter travel, passengers normally keep to themselves, reading or listening to music etc. Initially, each of these passengers has a nickname for those around them and the reader is given insight into what each of them thought about one another.

When a medical emergency throws each of them together, the group make the effort to begin to learn about one another. The star of this unlikely group is Iona, a middle-aged woman experiencing changes in both her personal and professional life. Throughout much of her work life, Iona has been an advice columnist guiding her readers through some of life’s challenges. Iona is the cog in this train group’s wheel. As a middle-aged woman myself, I love when strong female protagonists are featured in books. We all want to feel like we are contributing and are respected.

There are some serious topics in this book including job loss, identity crisis, chronic illness and toxic relationships. The author does a great job of presenting this subject matter with care and compassion. There are several symbiotic relationships between members of the group which were a pleasure to read. I love how the group members with strengthened by these relationships and the care and support of one another that was built along the way.

Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting is one of my favourite books so far in 2022. It was a lovely read and one I will be recommending over and over again. I look forward to reading more from the author.

4.5 stars

I thought this book was fantastic! I loved the premise of commuters connecting on a train. I used to commute on a train a long time ago, and remember seeing familiar faces every day, but I would have never considered talking to anyone. An emergency situation brought all these characters together, and the book followed how their lives changed once they got to know each other. I liked that each chapter was written from a different character's perspective, so you got to see the story from every point of view. The characters were compelling and I was rooting for everyone to have their own happy ending, which they did. The people who were crappy got what was coming to them, which was very satisfying too. I will definitely be purchasing this book once it is released. I'm all about cozy, happy reads right now, and this one definitely delivered!

I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review.
YOU SHOULD KNOW: Open discussions on married life as a LGBT, drag queens, details on gaslighting.
-Not unlike The Authenticity Project, strangers travel together, help each other, uplift one another and certainly become a clique all in itself. It was easy to feel like you were part of the clique too.
-Good character development. Everyone is better at the end, not at all unbelievable.
-I was glad to hear that I wasn't the only who gave nicknames to people and not just strangers. I have some for my siblings which I did blurted out one time to one of them. At least his was "my best-looking brother"!
-There are three instances where I really got what was going on: 1. Boots cannot be vegan. 2. Personal trainer should not be obese. 3. Relationship counselor should not sleep with a client while trying to reconcile the couple!
-When MK was first introduced in the book, I knew there would be trouble. Toby first came off as a control freak using her as an excuse.
-I laughed out loud when Jake made change with Iona's own coin "I'm so proud. I'm her mentor, you see. I taught her everything she knows."!
-Like in most books, but definitely in Pooley's, read the author's notes. They are interesting and make you see another side to the story. Worth reading.
-The editors should take note that the Heimlich Maneuver is now a copyright and if it's in the book, you owe those fees. Good job on the editing.

Clare Pooley has done it again with Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting. Like her previous novel, The Authenticity Project, the author has written a wonderful, warm, feel-good read. From the first few pages, I just knew I would love this story and the warm and cozy feelings that the author’s words created. The characters were very likeable and relatable, and having the story told from their various perspectives really worked and served to let the reader get to know each of them. Iona, the heart of the story, offers many interesting observations on society and, in particular, on the way in which older women are seen and treated. The plot was well-paced, the story charming, and the ending satisfying. Highly recommend!!! Can’t wait for this author’s next novel!

Thanks to Penguin Random House Canada and Netgalley for the advance reader copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Iona Iverson is out on June 7.

I really enjoyed this book! There were a few moments close to the beginning where I found myself questioning certain plot points or characterizations, but then I was swept away into this delightful world where strangers morph from two-dimensional stereotypes to multifaceted, engaging, interconnected community.

What a balm for the soul, I'll be recommending it wholeheartedly. I was already a Clare Pooley fan, but this one clinched it: I will definitely read anything and everything she writes in the future.

Thanks very much to NetGalley and to the publisher for the chance to read this in advance of publication.

This heartwarming story with a diverse set of characters is one that will stay with me for a while. Days after finishing it, I find myself continuously reflecting of the events that transpired.
Iona’s second rule for commuting is to never talk to strangers on the train - it’s London, it’s just not done. However, one morning someone chokes, has his life saved and Iona starts talking to people on the train. Told in multiple points of view, we follow five characters on different journeys in their lives. Iona, an eccentric middle aged lesbian; Piers, high roller banker in his late thirties; Martha, high school student being bullied for a poor decision that she (and others) made; Emma with her seemingly perfect boyfriend; and Sanjay, a male nurse pining for the girl on the train. The story is lovingly told as each character goes about their lives and encounters obstacles. The characters begin to rely on one another’s presence on the train as they come to trust and become friends. There is something in this book for everyone. This book will hold a special place in my heart for a while yet - not a story easy to forget.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting me a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

Clare Pooley’s novel really captures the essence of modern commuting, familiar and recognizable travellers are distant and closed-off from each other until a medical emergency shatters that barrier. I found the characters delightful and engaging (including Lulu, the French bulldog) and really wanted to know how each of their situations sorted out. The story is beautifully paced and I feel many readers will enjoy the optimistic tone that this story strikes. I will be recommending this novel to rom-com readers, anyone going on holiday and wanting to take a book with them, and, indeed, commuters who have the option of reading during their travelling times.

I am sorry but I did not finish this book. I believe I was on chapter two. The characters and the story did not grab me the way I wished it would. Thank you!

I really enjoyed this one and will go back to read her previous novel now. It reminded me of Beth O’Leary or Mhairi McFarlane. A great story for anyone looking for a easy read that still has some meat to it.

Make way for Iona Iverson! This is going to be the next hit summer read, I can just tell. I loved this character driven book, it’s hard to choose a favourite when everyone was just so lovable. I found myself laughing at Ionas antics and cheering for the whole group. Thank you to the publishers and author for the advance review, this is one you don’t want to miss.

I loved this novel. It reminded me of my commuting days for six years on the train into Toronto. I too met people who became friends and we met every morning and night to discuss our day and lives.

The characters in this engrossing tale are all too real and we become involved and invested in their lives. It is a wonderful story about the human spirit and love. I would recommend this to anyone who wants a novel that makes you feel good.

To say I was stoked for Iona Iverson’s Rules for Commuting was an understatement. I absolutely loved The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley. Clare’s novels are now a MUST read for me. Where do I start to describe this novel? I adored the characters, and found myself reminiscing of the Pre-covid life of commuting, and seeing strangers and coworkers on the daily (in a good way!). This novel made me laugh; tear up; and gave me all the feels. The characters were an absolute delight. One of my top reads of 2022. This is necessary read for anyone who loves a character driven book with all the feels. It’s fun, and perfect for a summer read. Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher, and Clare Pooley for providing me an advance copy of this novel.