In Focus

This month’s book club book was The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley. I liked this one. 

The book reminds me a bit of Angry Housewives Eating BonBons as it follows people in their daily lives and the secrets they hold. 

Julian Jessop, an elderly artist struck by loneliness, started the Authenticity Project in a notebook, sharing his story about his career as an artist and the loss of his wife. He asked the simple question, “Everybody lies about their lives. What would happen if you shared the truth?”

The notebook was left behind in a cafe, where its owner, Monica, found it. She wrote down her desires and was truthful and left it in a wine bar. There, it was picked up by another, Hazard. He made it his mission to help Monica. The notebook continues to make its rounds, bringing together a motley crew of people who become friends with Julian, who no longer feels alone. 

It’s a great book. While it seems to center around a love story, it also discusses addiction, trauma, embellishing over the truth, strained relationships, post-partum depression, and many other topics.

The book takes place in London, which I enjoyed because of the addition of the colorful language.

While the characters’ truths may be revealed or even changed, the bonds formed from their coming together are strong and supportive. 

The book was a page-turner for me. Each chapter follows another character who progresses the story without giving you whiplash. It’s the type of book I wouldn’t normally pick up, but I greatly enjoyed it and highly recommend it.

The next book we will read is Rebecca Skloot’s The Immortal Life of Henrietta Lacks. It is the true story of a woman whose cells have been used in research worldwide. I will share my thoughts after the club discusses the book.