Iona Iverson's Rules for Commuting: A Novel

Very cute story lines that overlap. Funny and endearing!

Predicable but cute story

A delightful story about bringing people together and creating community. The author weaves stereotypes, ageism, bullying, personal uncertainty, coercive control, and toxic masculinity in a natural way as we become involved in the commuters’ lives. It’s the perfect time in our history for a story of hope. Enjoy!

Everyday lona takes the same train to work and encounters the same people. Her second rule for commuting is "Never talk to strangers on the train." She, and it turns out the other main characters, build opinions and preconceived notions about each other's lives and even have nicknames picked out for each other because none of them have asked each other their actual names. On a seemingly ordinary day an event takes place that makes lona, and the rest of the soon to be train gang, form a connection, throw out the rules and build unlikely friendships when they all need them the most. I liked this book. It was a quick, easy read, which is refreshing at times. I was in a bit of a reading rut and needed a feel good story where human connection is the theme. It reminds the reader not to make assumptions about other people's lives and that you truly do not know what people are going through unless you take the time to ask. Unless you break your rules occasionally, you might miss out on a connection that can bring out the best in everyone. Take a chance on people.

I grabbed this book based solely on the cover and title, and it was everything I hoped it would be and more. It's funny and touching, and one of those books that highlights the goodness of humanity while acknowledging the flaws of people and struggles they face. I loved the train gang. I listened on audiobook, and the narrator did a fantastic job.