The Authenticity Project: The feel-good novel you need right now

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Monica scanned the tables as she walked through the cafe, pausing to pick up a large crumb of red velvet cake from table twelve. Good things about the book were that it was easy, quick to read, the author showed us well how what we see is often different from the true, and how we define ourselves with one or two things we put most focus on, when in reality we are more then that. The story starts with Monica, a café owner, finding a small green note book titled The Authenticity Project with the date. 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. We collaborate with authors across all adult fiction genres, and also handle children’s books, young adult and cross-over fiction.

You would think that with everyone baring their souls in the notebook that they wouldn’t be hiding too many secrets from each other but this is absolutely what happens and anguish ensues. Julian Jessop, an eccentric, lonely artist and septuagenarian believes that most people aren't really honest with each other. Julian Jessop, about thirty years old, slicked-back blond hair, razor-sharp cheekbones, slightly sneering mouth, and those penetrating blue eyes.The references to famous people of the eighties Julian used to hang out with, his designer wardrobe and old LP collection, add plenty of colour and I loved the Fulham setting. Through their actions and encounters, we see the effect facing their truths has on their own lives as well as others'.

When I did finally emerge from my cocoon, about five years later, neighbors had moved, friends had given up, my agent had written me off, and that's when I realized I had become unnoticeable. I thought I needed a light read after reading a few intense novels, but The Authenticity Project, while enjoyable, was a bit too light. I thought The Authenticity Project was a really sweet and wonderful book, so perfect for being in the midst of this crazy world. I think most of us at the core are decent human beings who enjoy helping others and I loved seeing that play out in this book with all of these strangers coming together and looking out for one another.

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.

Her plan is to weasel him out of his cave by advertising for an artist to teach drawing at her café.

I disliked this ridiculous feel-good novel, stuffed with clichés and implausible caricatures of people, situations, and dialogue, and presumably sponsored by Apple *. Inside Julian describes his loneliness since his wife died, and how he lost friends and relationships, now going days without talking to anyone. 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. I actually like the occasional dose of Sophie Kinsella, and I liked parts of The Authenticity Project, but overall it was just a bit too predictable and the characters were a bit to stereotypical for my tastes. Secondary characters, including an interracial gay couple, appear with their own nuanced parts in the story.