The Authenticity Project

The green notebook is the physical artifact that connects six strangers through a serendipitous connection. It is a symbol for human connection and self-honesty because it is only in the pages of the notebook that the characters be upfront about their fears. Even so, the irony of the green notebook is that many characters are not fully authentic in their entries. Julian outright lies about his wife’s death, and Monica focuses on her loneliness of being single instead of the issue of her mother’s death. Furthermore, Lizzie uses the journal to expose Julian’s lies to Mary and indirectly, the rest of the group. In this way, the notebook is also a symbol of risk. It is possible to use the notebook to make profound connections with others, but it is also possible to use the notebook to invade people’s privacy and boundaries. This highlights the power of writing. It can be difficult for people to be upfront and honest in their conversations with one another, and it can be equally difficult to be honest with ourselves in the narratives of our own minds. Anonymous writing can offer a way to process struggle.