Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting: A Novel

Funny, comforting, and a unique story with interwoven, vividly drawn characters. Loved it and miss them now that it’s over.

This book is the perfect antidote to the pandemic. A random groups of strangers are forced to open up to each other by a near tragedy. The secrets they are carrying that gradually play out are surprising and make for a deeply enjoyable book. I am totally up for The Return of Iona’ should Ms Pooley care to write it!

This is a feel-good read that made me feel good without it being too schmaltzy or Hallmark-cardy. It has an ensemble cast, all of whose lives become satellites of Iona Iverson, our main character. She's a woman in her late 50s who always rides the train to work in London but never interacts with any of her fellow passengers. Until one day something unexpected happens...and life will never be the same for her or for the rest of her fellow travelers.The story follows predictable lines. The characters are plucked from Central Casting. Yet I really, really liked this. The writing was good. The dialogue was fun. The characters were lovable. I never felt a sugar overdose while reading. I needed this. It was full of kind and tolerant people. If you lived in DeSantistan like I do, you would need it too.

Random strangers meet on a train as a result of a medical emergency. The intersection of their lives reveals how our lives are enriched when we befriend those we might not naturally choose. A light, fun read that is both creative and thought provoking.

This book really pulls you in! The characters are easy to connect with and notice shared parallels. Just a lovely read!