The Authenticity Project

A Novel

By: Clare Pooley

Narrated by: Anna Cordell

A New York Times bestseller

A WASHINGTON POST “FEEL-GOOD BOOK guaranteed to lift your spirits”

“A warm, charming tale about the rewards of revealing oneself, warts and all.”—People

The story of a solitary green notebook that brings together six strangers and leads to unexpected friendship, and even love

Clare Pooley's next book, Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting, is forthcoming

Julian Jessop, an eccentric, lonely artist and septuagenarian believes that most people aren't really honest with each other. But what if they were? And so he writes—in a plain, green journal—the truth about his own life and leaves it in his local café. It's run by the incredibly tidy and efficient Monica, who furtively adds her own entry and leaves the book in the wine bar across the street. Before long, the others who find the green notebook add the truths about their own deepest selves—and soon find each other In Real Life at Monica's Café.

The Authenticity Project's cast of characters—including Hazard, the charming addict who makes a vow to get sober; Alice, the fabulous mommy Instagrammer whose real life is a lot less perfect than it looks online; and their other new friends—is by turns quirky and funny, heartbreakingly sad and painfully true-to-life. It's a story about being brave and putting your real self forward—and finding out that it's not as scary as it seems. In fact, it looks a lot like happiness.

The Authenticity Project is just the tonic for our times that listeners are clamoring for—and one they will take to their hearts and listen to with unabashed pleasure.

©2020 Clare Pooley (P)2020 Penguin Audio

Critic reviews

“The Authenticity Project is an enjoyable read that is cozy–or as its British characters would have it, cosy–in the best sense of the word.”—USA Today

“A well-suited subject for the Instagram era, this book makes you realize that no one's life is what it seems.”—Good Morning America

"It all feels like a warm hug."—The Washington Post

Just plain enjoyable

A cute story about people. It took me away from the monotony of day to day and reminded me of the basic need for human to human interaction.

Great story and delightful listen

The reading of this story by the voice actress was very well done. There are many unique voices and she managed to keep the characters separate and printed by accent and tone.

The story itself is a delightful
tale of humanity, community, friendship, and love.

If you enjoy a good happy ending story you will love The Authenticity Project.

accents were a miss but overall story was great

I liked the concept of the book and liked the growth of the characters because they decided to show reveal the depths of their characters.

but i had to really move past some of the bad accents. Riley, and Aussie, was the worst interpretation I've ever heard. I'm Aussie so maybe it was more obvious to me, but it was physically painful to hear. Benji who was meant to be Scottish ....wasn't. sometimes i feel like it's best to just not do the accents because it takes away from a story unless you're really good

lovely

well imagined characters. I wanted some of them to be my friend. yes, I recommend.

Vignettes of People Finding Their True Selves

The story was a little contrived to bring all the characters together. Otherwise, it's entertaining to get to know them like new friends. Each chapter switches to the perspective of another character. Slowly, the vignettes of what each character is feeling, thinking, and experiencing unfold.

Good Listen !

I really enjoyed this book - there are a lot of characters that we get to know so need to pay attention as the story gets going. I don't think this would really play out as well in "real life" but I sure would love if it did. Maybe I should put it out there and find out? If you're looking for something uplifting this is it !

A tapestry of characters

I enjoyed every part of this book! The author brilliantly introduced and developed each character with colorful and intriguing skill, and the book’s premise wove their stories and ultimately their lives together. The narration was excellent and so easy to listen to! If you need a “feel good” read try this one!

Great story!

I liked all of the characters and the reader is excellent at changing between accents.

Wonderful story

One of the books you don’t want to put down. Great story line of each character. Highly recommend.

Perfect - except for the ending

The story was interesting and held attention as there were several storylines going at the same time. Masterful character building. The performance was outstanding; I will purposely look for other books performed by this narrator. The ending was a disappointment.