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Come join our book group for a discussion of Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting by Clare Pooley. Loved the book? Hated the book? Couldn't finish it? Come join us anyway! Newcomers are always welcome!
Pooley’s second novel, following The Authenticity Project, is another joyous tale about serendipitous friendship and seizing each day with vigor. The epitome of a feel-good book that is also laugh-out-loud hilarious, it centers on the titular Iona, an indomitable middle-aged woman, and the eclectic cast of characters she encounters each day on the train. Her fellow travelers range from an awkward teenage girl to an obnoxious manspreader in a suit, but they all have one thing in common, they’re strangers who never, ever speak. But that changes the day the manspreader chokes on a grape, bringing this ragtag group together. The chapters shift among various points of view, providing a look into each commuter’s life and thoughts and a reminder that there is so much more to each of us than our outward appearance. Each person’s history is slowly unraveled as the bonds between the unlikely inter-generational group grow stronger. In a time when our differences so often divide us, Pooley’s novel is like a reassuring hug, assuring readers that our differences can strengthen relationships and should be embraced and celebrated. A not-to-be-missed read in the mode of Gail Honeyman's Eleanor Oliphant Is Completely Fine.
This is hybrid meeting, we will be meeting in person, but there is an option to join us virtually if you would like. Email mccref@slcolibrary.org for information.