I downloaded The Authenticity Project for a myriad of reasons, one of which is that a couple of the characters are at least possibly alcoholics. As a recovering alcoholic, I’m always interested in the fictional portrayal of them. Addiction is shown very realistically in this book. What’s maybe not done so realistically is recovery. The definite addict seems to get better on sheer willpower, which in my experience with the disease, rarely works. If this is a pet peeve for you, skip it; otherwise, it really is a delightful read.
Because I listened to the digital audiobook, a note on the narrator: She is fantastic and can read to me anytime. The British accent helps.
The basis of this story is that Julian, an artist, starts the Authenticity Project by writing some hard truths about himself in a notebook, then leaves it for someone to find, instructing them to do the same. We follow the first several people to come across the book as their lives become entwined.
I loved that we really got to see all walks of life through the various characters who came across the notebook. I really enjoyed how their lives coming together didn’t feel forced at all, which it easily could have. There’s romance and postpartum depression and the challenges of small business and hanging out in a cemetery; really something for everyone.
I definitely recommend this book for fans of multiple POVs, Adequate Yearly Progress, and Get a Life, Chloe Brown.
Disclosure: I was provided a free audiobook of this title by libro.fm for my honest review. Some of the links in this blog are Bookshop affiliate links.
3 Boys 3 Billion Books 