We all make snap judgements about each other, and often they’re wrong. What incorrect assumptions do The Authenticity Project characters make about each other? So The Authenticity Project, what is it? Well, Julian is an elderly man who has kept to himself for a very long time. He thinks people aren't honest with one another so he decides to write the truth about himself in a green notebook and he leaves it in a local cafe for someone to find. The owner of the cafe, Monica, comes across the notebook and decides to write about some of the things she is most vulnerable about in her life and then she leaves the notebook in a bar so another person can have their chance to spill their guts. And eventually some of the people who have written in the notebook get a chance to meet, and you'll just have to read the book to find out what happens next. A green notebook, entitled “The Authenticity Project” is left at Monica’s cafe for someone to find.. Hannah’s new novel is an homage to the extraordinary courage and endurance of Frenchwomen during World War II. I thought The Authenticity Project was a really sweet and wonderful book, so perfect for being in the midst of this crazy world. I love the idea of paying it forward and really found many of the characters and their relationships with one another so enjoyable. (I totally see Bill Nighy playing Julian in the movie version of this book, even if Bill isn't quite so old.)

Little by little the notebook finds its way into the hands of those who need to say things they can’t tell others. At the same time, it forms a community of sorts, kindred spirits in need of some kind of support or comfort. The Authenticity Project is a rich roast of great characters, even better relationships, wonderful entanglements, and a few surprises along the way. If Monica’s Cafe were a real place, I’d stop by every day.” Monica, the cafe’s owner, is a little dubious about unburdening herself in a notebook that will be read by strangers, but she has feelings she can’t express to anyone else. In addition to telling her secrets and leaving the notebook for someone else to find, she sets out to try and make a difference in Julian’s life.

Imagine you are walking down a deserted path and you come upon a bench and there is a journal left behind. No one is around. You can’t help yourself but feel invited to sit on this bench. Put down your phones, quit sitting in front of your computer screens, get out of your house, and enjoy the faces and company around you... The Authenticity Project has a very YOLO ( 'you only live once') vibe. It's a very sweet, cutesy, if somewhat implausible, story told from multiple perspectives.

I don't have many books that I couldn't finish, but there have been a few. This one now rests among their number. Julian calls his notebook The Authenticity Project. Do you think people are increasingly searching for authenticity in today’s world, and if so, why? Each of their words, trigger an action by the next person who reads them, eventually connecting all of the characters to one another.Overall, I did enjoy this one and recommend it to anyone looking to read something that has heart and also restores your faith in humanity just a tad. This was an adorable book that kept me smiling throughout. It really reminded me of the impact we can have on those around us and how kindness always wins. The other thing that annoyed me was the reference to Koala bears. When are people going to realise there is no such thing? They are simply koalas. No relation to a bear at all. With the internet these days, it is not that hard to get facts right. I disliked this ridiculous feel-good novel, stuffed with clichés and implausible caricatures of people, situations, and dialogue, and presumably sponsored by Apple *. But two friends recommended it as enjoyable, uplifting fun. I fancied something light, and the premise had promise. One of them lent me a copy, so I felt obliged to read the whole thing. I did. But I wish that I hadn’t. This is an honest review of my feelings about the book. I will say less, and be rather gentler when I return it.