The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley
Strangers become friends, when they dare to
share their innermost thoughts in a simple,
traveling notebook, called The Authenticity
Project.
Julian Jessop is an old man, whose once glittering
star has faded. There was a time when his art work
graced prestigious galleries, and the rich and famous
flocked to his side. But those days are gone, and he
now struggles to find a reason to get out of bed in
the morning. His body may be ravaged by time, but
vivid memories are not forgotten, especially those of
dear Mary.
As Julian reflects on his life, he wonders how
different things could have been if he'd told
the truth over the years, rather than living
a lie. So he writes poignant words in an unadorned,
green journal, and leaves it at his favorite cafe, hoping
the next curious person will be inclined to write
their own deeply private musings.
Cafe owner, Monica, finds the journal as she ends
another frenzied day in her struggling business where
the usual dirty cups and leftover crumbs wait to be cleaned
by her capable hands. A glass of wine, and a few
moments of silent reading are about to change Monica's
regimented life in ways she never imagined.
Julian's words leave an imprint on Monica's soul. Perhaps
it's time to express her hopes, fears, and disappointments
on the next pages for a stranger to read. For too long, she's
hidden her desire for a family because she feared acknowledging
the truth. Now, remaining anonymous, Monica feels a new-found
freedom.
The little journal travels to faraway places, finding its
way into the hands of an array of characters who
take pleasure in telling the truth, ugly as it may be.
You'll meet an alcoholic addict running from his past, an
overwhelmed woman with a precious baby, obsessed with
social media, and a gossipy lady who seems to have a knack for
knowing exactly what to do in trying circumstances.
Interwoven in the story are a gay couple who long
for acceptance, and a handsome Australian in love with
the idea of romance. Together, all their stories intertwine
in a most fascinating way.
At a time when we are experiencing a global pandemic,
I can't think of a better selection than this one. It exemplifies
what the world needs right now, such as kindness, reaching out to
others, forgiveness, honesty, and some much-needed humor. The
inspiring plot offers a ray of sunshine in uncertainty.
And be sure to read the author's acknowledgements at the
end of the book, to further understand the heart of the story.
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift".
I think we can all agree on that.
Strangers become friends, when they dare to
share their innermost thoughts in a simple,
traveling notebook, called The Authenticity
Project.
Julian Jessop is an old man, whose once glittering
star has faded. There was a time when his art work
graced prestigious galleries, and the rich and famous
flocked to his side. But those days are gone, and he
now struggles to find a reason to get out of bed in
the morning. His body may be ravaged by time, but
vivid memories are not forgotten, especially those of
dear Mary.
As Julian reflects on his life, he wonders how
different things could have been if he'd told
the truth over the years, rather than living
a lie. So he writes poignant words in an unadorned,
green journal, and leaves it at his favorite cafe, hoping
the next curious person will be inclined to write
their own deeply private musings.
Cafe owner, Monica, finds the journal as she ends
another frenzied day in her struggling business where
the usual dirty cups and leftover crumbs wait to be cleaned
by her capable hands. A glass of wine, and a few
moments of silent reading are about to change Monica's
regimented life in ways she never imagined.
Julian's words leave an imprint on Monica's soul. Perhaps
it's time to express her hopes, fears, and disappointments
on the next pages for a stranger to read. For too long, she's
hidden her desire for a family because she feared acknowledging
the truth. Now, remaining anonymous, Monica feels a new-found
freedom.
The little journal travels to faraway places, finding its
way into the hands of an array of characters who
take pleasure in telling the truth, ugly as it may be.
You'll meet an alcoholic addict running from his past, an
overwhelmed woman with a precious baby, obsessed with
social media, and a gossipy lady who seems to have a knack for
knowing exactly what to do in trying circumstances.
Interwoven in the story are a gay couple who long
for acceptance, and a handsome Australian in love with
the idea of romance. Together, all their stories intertwine
in a most fascinating way.
At a time when we are experiencing a global pandemic,
I can't think of a better selection than this one. It exemplifies
what the world needs right now, such as kindness, reaching out to
others, forgiveness, honesty, and some much-needed humor. The
inspiring plot offers a ray of sunshine in uncertainty.
And be sure to read the author's acknowledgements at the
end of the book, to further understand the heart of the story.
"Yesterday is history, tomorrow is a mystery, today is a gift".
I think we can all agree on that.
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