Reviews tagging 'Toxic relationship'

Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley

47 reviews

bookcasey's review against another edition

funny 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

5.0

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Content Warnings

Minor: Ableism, Cancer, Domestic abuse, Homophobia, Toxic relationship, Medical content, and Lesbophobia

laheath's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful 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

4.5

Such a great cast of characters! When Iona manages to get people talking to each other on the train, they each learn that everyone is dealing with problems in their lives. As they get to know each other and get a lesson in empathy, they begin to help each other, often with mutual benefit. The book tackles some big issues, but has so much heart and humor, I didn't want it to end.

Apparently, there's an author's note at the end of the book. I wish it had been included in the audiobook. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying, Emotional abuse, Panic attacks/disorders, Sexism, Toxic relationship, Dementia, Gaslighting, and Sexual harassment

Minor: Homophobia, Infidelity, Suicidal thoughts, Vomit, and Stalking

loganjana's review

funny hopeful fast-paced

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

3.25

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Content Warnings

Minor: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Stalking, and Gaslighting

isabell's review

adventurous emotional hopeful lighthearted reflective fast-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Toxic relationship, Suicide attempt, and Gaslighting

sleeson's review

adventurous emotional hopeful inspiring lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.75

I like that Clare Pooley’s novels come with an array of lovable characters. When I need a distraction with what is happening around me, I know I will find comfort in Pooley’s writing. There’s no pressure or nail biting emotions in her stories. This novel almost reminded me of a female version of The Authenticity Project. Another novel I was happy to read. Mild swearing. Mild sexual content. 

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Bullying, Panic attacks/disorders, Toxic relationship, Dementia, and Gaslighting

Minor: Cancer, Cursing, and Stalking

purplepenning's review

emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

4.0

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Content Warnings

Graphic: Bullying, Hate crime, Homophobia, and Lesbophobia

Moderate: Body shaming, Cancer, Emotional abuse, Mental illness, Panic attacks/disorders, Suicidal thoughts, Toxic relationship, Violence, Blood, Vomit, Medical content, Dementia, Stalking, Gaslighting, Abandonment, Alcohol, Injury/Injury detail, and Classism

Minor: Animal death, Cursing, Infidelity, Racism, Sexism, Death of parent, and Sexual harassment

what_heather_loves's review against another edition

emotional funny hopeful inspiring lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

4.0

"The faces surrounding Piers all wore various shades of glum. It occurred to him that they were each individual spokes of a wheel, but Iona was the centre, the axis, and without her, the group of them had no purpose at all, and very little in common."

Present day London and formidable, middle-aged, 'magazine therapist' (agony aunt) Iona travels by train for work. Despite her years of experience, eccentric Iona she is bullied at work by younger colleagues for being 'a dinosaur', so she decides to enlist the help of regular train passengers (whom she has given funny names, like 'Smart-but-sexist-Surbiton') after one of them has a near death experience in their carriage one day. With nothing in common but their commute, they begin to get to know one another. Meeting nurse Sanjay, PR advisor Emmie, school pupil Martha, banker Piers and solicitor David opens each of their eyes to their assumptions about one another. All of them are struggling with imposter syndrome and all of them turn to inspiring Iona for help. Will she turn to them when she needs help too?

As with The Authenticity Project, this is a wonderfully uplifting novel about the power of friendship and community when times are tough. I thoroughly enjoyed getting to know each of the characters through their perspectives (although I was concerned Iona's wife Bea didn't have her own narrative). All of the main characters are well drawn, with their own lives and Iona, in particular will stay with me #WhatWouldIonaDo This is a warm, funny and poignant tale that makes for a great read.

"'When I'm feeling unsure about anything,' said Martha, 'I just ask myself, what would Iona do?' 'Me too,' said David. 'Who'd have thought I'd end up basing my life choices on an eccentric lesbian? But it seems to work.'"

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Toxic relationship and Gaslighting

Minor: Suicide attempt and Lesbophobia