Review: The Rosie Project
Geneticist Don Tillman is socially awkward and lives a very organized, methodical life. He has his schedule and sticks to it. He approaches finding a wife the same way and creates a sixteen page survey to weed out the women with undesirable characteristics.
When one of Don’s colleagues sends Rosie to Don so he can help her find her biological father, Don thinks she’s a candidate for his wife project. Since she has many undesirable characteristics he quickly rules her out but still agrees to help her in her quest to find her father. As they work together, Rosie starts to get to Don but he knows it can’t work because she’s not right for him. Or, is she?
I’m very late to the game, but I finally read The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. It seems that everyone (including my mother) read and loved this book a few years ago but, for some reason, I never picked it up. Now I’m wondering what took me so long because I adored this sweet story.
Don is a nice guy but he struggles socially. He can count his friends on one hand and most of the time he’s okay with that. He’s thinking it’s time to get married, though, and he approaches it the only way he knows how – logically.
Rosie is a firecracker. She’s never known who her real father is and, now that her mother is gone, she’s determined to find out who he is. She’s a little brash, smokes, drinks, and runs late all the time so Don doesn’t think she’s a great wife candidate but maybe they can be friends.
I loved both Rosie and Don and thought the story line was great fun! I almost hate to use this term but The Rosie Project reminded me of good, old fashioned chick lit. It put a smile on my face and made me think about relationships as I read it. Be sure to pick it up!
Mismatches abound in real life too. Work out successfully too! I haven’t read it myself.
Why haven’t I read this yet? I keep meaning to…
I am the 1% that really didn’t like this one. I don’t think I would have liked it even if I hadn’t heard all the hype. The Aspberger’s portrayal, and his friends keeping the fact that they think he is on the spectrum a secret I found very patronizing.
I just got the audio of this. I’m glad to know that you enjoyed it.
I haven’t read this one, but I really want to. Great review.
Isn’t this a sweet book? Every I know loved it!
I enjoyed it, too, Kathy…it was my First Book Read in 2014…so it is definitely memorable. I didn’t love the second book as much, but it is probably a must-read anyway. Thanks for sharing.
I liked it too! We read it for book club a couple of years ago.
I haven’t read this either. But it would be a good pick for a book club I think.
I have not read it either and I know that I should…and I will…someday…soon!
I like chic.lit 😉
This one has been on my Kindle for some time. I really need read it.
need to read it! aaack! I hate those typos!
I’ve had my eye on this one for a while. It sounds like a book I’d also enjoy. Terrific review, Kathy!
I have been reading mostly mixed reviews about this one, and I think your last sentence (that this is more “chiclit”) explains why. I have this one on my Kindle, and it sounds like fun, which is the kind of read I have been gravitating towards lately.
I enjoyed this one too, Kathy. It’s a good “fun read” with some thoughtful insights into human nature. I loved how the author kept Don’s voice so consistent and authentic. I think there’s a sequel?
Don’t feel bad about being late to this book. I haven’t read it yet either and its right here on my kindle. Your post has encouraged me to pull it up and get to it. It sounds like a book I’d love.
when I saw the title I thought, hang on that’s been out a while. Like you I’ve not read it yet. something for the summer me thinks
I read it for one of my book clubs back in May. I liked it – to the tune of 3.25/4. I didn’t love it, but I thought it was well done.
I really loved this one too! I see what you mean when you say it reminded you of good, old fashioned chick lit. I’ve yet to read the sequel though, but it sounds fun too!
I have heard so many great things about this book – I really need to read it!
Don’t feel like the Lone Ranger! Heck, I’d never heard of the book…but now I can’t wait to read it!!
I really have no idea or excuse as to why I haven’t read this one yet. It’s hard to find people who didn’t like it!
We read this one for our book club which was fun and provided a decent discussion too!
I just haven’t been able to drum up interest in this one. I read a book with a eerily similar plot a few years ago and I think that may be why.