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

Interesting and engaging

I thought the performance was really well done. Just enough variation between the varied persons, perfect amount if expression,not over or undone. Very enjoyable!

I liked how the story conveyed a variety of points of view, different generations, different backgrounds, classes, etc without a ton of judgment as to which was the One Right Way to think, feel and BE. Obviously you got some impression of what the author's opinion was on certain social issues, but she let you like ALL of her characters. Rare in modern media, and very pleasant.

Masterful storytelling

Very creative format. Love the in-depth discussion of the characters. You really end up caring about the people involved.

Fully Enjoyable

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It was a very easy and light listen. Each character in the book, with their own personality was able to come to life for me. No judgements from the others regarding the life and experiences of anyone, just a tale of people with enough courage to be themselves and support each other, with no apologies.

Lovely story

I found this book very enjoyable. The story was entertaining, engaging and the great performance made the characters come alive in a unique way. I had a hard time putting it down.

terrific lite & entertaining read. very good narr

easy listening, great weekend indulgence, terrific book to take on a trip.
enjoyed the characters 👌

something foe everyone:)

This was an amazing listen!! I highly recommend this tale of friendship, life and marriage.

Great audiobook

The plot is entertaining, the characters relatable. The voice is pleasant, I enjoyed the British and Australian accents.

Smitten

I loved this book. It kept me on my toes, all the characters were so endearing and clever. Cleverly written and read. Thank you for such a beautiful story.

Sweet story that kept me engaged!

A very clever concept that should be adopted worldwide! I love the idea of The Authenticity Project, and a book bringing people together to share their authentic selves. Some of the characters seemed predictable but overall I enjoyed them all. I was upset with the ending, it threw me for a loop for sure, but was a good listen!

Lovely story- perfect for book club

If you strive to live authentically, this story challenges that notion. A wonderful opportunity for discussion amongst friends for a deeper understanding of each other. Do you know the fears, secrets and struggles of your closest loved ones. Can you reach out past them and know your community?