Reviews with content warning for Emotional abuse - Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting

I adored this book and all of the characters in it. Even though they all started off as random strangers each character had their own development arc and I loved how they all went from strangers to friends. Sanjay and Emmies relationship was expected but the important themes of a controlling partner and anxiety were really well covered. Piers started out as an arogant banker but when the outer shell crack it was lovely to see him fulfill his dream and help Martha along the way. Martha's story of how difficult it is growing up in a world where everything stays on the Internet yet still having the confidence to follow your passion. Iona is iconic and I think there needs to be plenty more Ionas in the world who continue to pave the way for equality and not being afraid to speak the truth or stand up for strangers you don't even know. I loved the idea of this book and how they all became friends and were there for each other in their darkest times yet it still had elements of light hearted humour in the mist of serious issues.

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brookes_bookshelves's review against another edition

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emotional 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

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burnt_milk's review against another edition

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emotional funny hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

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

3.75

I bought this book in Heathrow coming home, and after floundering about on public transport it seemed very apt to pick this up. Mostly I quite enjoyed it! Some writing I didn't love, as well as needless body shaming but it's very palatable, optimistic, and predictable, in a nice way. You have to go in with a suspension of disbelief about how entrenched in each other lives these people get, in the end it's a little silly but very sweet. Pooley obviously believes that literally everyone you see has a rich inner life and sees the beauty in the mundane. and I LOVE books written in multiple point of views. I liked that Iona was kind of a mess !! I would love to have a cup of train tea with her.

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