The Authenticity Project

by Clare Pooley
The Authenticity Project cover
Good Books rating 4.0
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Waterstones
Paperback • £9.99
Amazon
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Technical
  • ID: 51
  • Added: 2025-08-21
  • Updated: 2025-09-10
  • Formats: 34
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Shalzmojo · 2025-08-21
engaging 4.00

An engaging novel where strangers' truths in a shared diary lead to chaos, help, and ultimately harmony and self-discovery.

The Shalzmojo review appreciates how Clare Pooley cleverly links diverse characters through a shared diary, inviting them to reveal their inner truths. The story evolves from initial helpfulness to chaotic interactions, finally settling into a balanced communal rhythm as the characters grow and support each other. This journey highlights how helping others can lead to personal strength and better decision-making. The reviewer personally enjoyed this book, especially as a fan of Pooley's earlier work, and looks forward to reading more from her.

Quick quotes

    "One by one, each player comes into the mix and they enrich the story with their eccentricities."

    "While helping others, each one discovers strengths of their own which lets them make sensible decisions for themselves too."

    "In the beginning it’s help which later becomes chaos and finally settles down into a gentle rhythm of communal harmony."

Beverley Has Read (blog) · 2025-08-21
touching 4.25

A touching and timely story about lonely people whose confessions in a shared notebook lead to friendship, kindness, and hope in a divided world.

The reviewer from Beverley Has Read was moved by how the book portrays the raw loneliness of its characters and the power of vulnerability to build human connections. Through the notebook, strangers reveal intimate fears and dreams, which gradually bring them into each other's lives in meaningful ways. This story emphasizes the best of human nature—kindness, love, and the importance of community—especially relevant in today's fragmented society. The reviewer found the book thought-provoking, encouraging reflection on personal limitations and the potential for growth through openness.

Quick quotes

    "By doing so [confessing their fears], they loosen that weight on their shoulders."

    "What follows is a book which showed the absolute best of humanity, the kindness and love that we are capable of and the importance of connection in a increasingly divided world."

    "This book felt very timely and made me really think about the sorts of limitations I put on myself and what I am capable of."

Goodreads · Melissa780 · 2025-08-21
heartfelt 3.75

A heartfelt story of six strangers connected by a green notebook that reveals their deepest truths, sparking unexpected friendships and personal growth.

Melissa780 highlights the novel's unique premise where a green notebook becomes a catalyst for six lonely individuals to confront their truths and form a supportive community. The narrative delves into themes of loneliness, honesty, and self-discovery as each character writes in the notebook and faces their personal challenges, ultimately learning the value of authentic connection. The story is told from multiple viewpoints, providing intimate insights into the characters’ struggles and transformations. While some elements, such as the resolution of addiction, felt a bit too neat to the reviewer, the overall emotional impact and the message about the importance of honesty in relationships resonate strongly.

Quick quotes

    "Little by little the notebook finds its way into the hands of those who need to say things they can’t tell others."

    "Ironically though, it’s not long before some realize that in order to be truly authentic you need to be honest—with yourself and others."

    "The story is told from the POV of the six characters who wrote in the green notebook. They are all looking for change in their lives."

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