Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

The Authenticity Project by Clare Pooley

6 reviews

rachelpacz's review against another edition

emotional hopeful inspiring reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction and Grief

Minor: Death, Drug use, Panic attacks/disorders, Drug abuse, and Toxic relationship

alyssasullivan's review against another edition

emotional hopeful lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? A mix
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Drug abuse, Alcoholism, and Addiction

Moderate: Toxic relationship

Minor: Homophobia

therobinjoyce's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted reflective relaxing medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

I loved the multiple POVs that we got to follow and how diverse in age, gender, nationality, sexuality and background each character was. Watching the relationships grow between them all and the found family emerge throughout the pages of the book was just wonderful and Clare Pooley’s writing style just tickled me sometimes, really adding life and soul into these characters.

I will say, I wasn’t a fan of Julian even from the start, but the whole cast together was just lovely. I especially adored Monica, Hazard, and Betty Wu. Alice’s story really struck me on a personal note and just made the whole experience that much more touching.

I would definitely recommend this read to anyone who loves a cosy contemporary fiction.

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Death, and Addiction

Moderate: Death of parent, Terminal illness, Cancer, Alcohol, Alcoholism, Drug use, Drug abuse, Grief, Infidelity, Emotional abuse, Misogyny, Cursing, Sexism, and Mental illness

Minor: Homophobia

ginge_reads's review against another edition

hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? Yes
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

What a fabulous book! Such a brilliant concept which is expertly written😍

Clare Pooley has created such an original and heartwarming story in The Authenticity Project, which from start to finish will have you feeling the whole spectrum of emotions. It’s as clever as it is honest, full of characters who capture your heart and could quite easily be living next door.

Yet this book isn’t as simple as all fluff and rainbows. In fact there are a whole load of complexities and twists that raise it above the standard soft fiction. A burnt-out addict, a lonely old man, and a stressed out ‘yummy mummy’ are just some of the people whose lives become entangled and forever changed. It’s also important to recognise that the author herself experienced addiction, so this aspect is expertly handled.

The trials of the six main characters really anchor you to the story, and although having six different perspectives might make some books lengthy and difficult to track, to this it just adds that extra intimacy. 

It was also lovely to have so many references to amazing artists and fashion designers, which really painted a picture of Julian’s world (the old man who kick starts everything). Pooley has managed to transform a story which on the surface is quite unbelievable, to one that will stick with you and keep you smiling😊

An easy page-turner with a beautiful message😍 You’ll absolutely fly through this one!

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Toxic relationship

wanderingtales's review against another edition

emotional reflective medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? It's complicated
• Loveable characters? No
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, Drug use, Emotional abuse, Toxic relationship, Infidelity, and Death

Moderate: Death of parent and Homophobia

kp_writ's review

funny hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Addiction, Alcoholism, Drug abuse, and Drug use

Moderate: Death

Minor: Homophobia, Infidelity, Misogyny, Sexism, and Toxic relationship