My first book of 2022 has officially been read and what a way to start the reading year! This book had been on my wishlist for a while so after receiving for Christmas, I knew it would be my first read of 2022! So let’s get stuck into my review!
SYNOPSIS –
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 cafe, 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 realise that such small acts of honesty hold the power to impact all those who discover the notebook and change their lives completely.
Found at Waterstones
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From the moment I started this book, I was pulled in by the first character, Julian. His vulnerability and flair made me instantly fall in love with him. The book continues to embrace individuality yet damaged characters that I am sure we can all relate to in some way. Seeing how this little book allows people to not only open up about their true selves, but forms the friendships is does fills me with such warmth. I was rooting for each character and genuinely wanted nothing but a happy ending for each one.
Did I predict one of the relationships very early on? Yes. But I didn’t however see one of the plot twists coming. In fact, my mouth was left agape after reading the wonderful twist. I also didn’t see the ending coming. Although not the ending I think a lot of us would have liked, I actually felt quite content and satisfied with how Clare Pooley decided to round off this wonderful book.
When I really think about the positives and negatives of this book, the positives are endless; the characters, the varying locations, the art classes, Julian’s eccentricity, Hazard’s journey, the joy Monica’s cafe brings…you get the idea. Negatives?! I genuinely can’t think of one. This book was such a joy. None of us are perfect and it’s okay to not be perfect, no matter how much social media makes us feel like we should be.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The Authenticity Project – Affiliate link
Let me know your thoughts on this book and if you have read any other Clare Pooley books!
Love always,
Marie-Clare x
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