Name: The Rosie Project
Rating: 4.136363636363637 (11 reviews)
ISBN: 9781443422666

Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project

Edwin Lang

This is a very simple story of a man who is wired differently, because of his Asperger’s, an autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Apparently asperger traits make it difficult for children to function well in school and for adults to find and keep employment. I guess in the case of the main character, Don was one of the individuals with Asperger’s that was able exhibit extensive knowledge of a in this case, genetics and had been capable of quite major accomplishments and obtaining University tenure. Simsion created a fine and interesting character in Don. And an intriguing but frustrating one in Rosie, the beautiful woman who came into Don life at the philander, Gene, advice, from which began the Father project and introduced the once-virtuous Don to something of a life of crime. Gene, in the book – or movie – is that supporting character who’s part scoundrel and clown, but one that makes such secondary characters so interesting and vital to the overall story. The story is peppered with individuals and incident that reveal and affect Don’s life, and throughout, the book remained readable and enjoyable. I learned a lot about the syndrome and the story created in me a sensitivity and empathy to those affected by the disorder. Although having read the Rosie Project, I an uncomfortable to even call Asperger’s a disorder. There seems something judgmental and limiting to categorize it so, as if prima facie, we say that such a person is unworthy. I liked the analogy used frequently throughout the story of Don being wired differently, not broken, not faulty, not in need of fixing, but different. I feel more comfortable with that stance because it says something of the diversity that exists among us all – that our differences are not just those of race, or colour of religion but that our very mental and psychological functioning creates a uniqueness, that at the end of the day is precious. The story was also satisfying. It’s about Don of course, and it is about friendship and about love. If there was for me anything endearing it was the prevalence of friends and the perseverance with which these relationships remained standing in spite of blips and misunderstandings. In the best of friendships there is generosity and expectation (e.g. of availability, of being there for you when you’re in need) and that each does to the other what is good: so in this the book was satisfyingly idealistic – Graeme Simsion created a world in which goodness prevailed for the most part and the people were there for one another. We live in a world that does always reach this standard and after a hard day I found the book fun and rewarding, in spite of the seriousness of the topic and the constant threat of disaster. Edwin

Briar's Reviews

The Rosie Project is a sweet, contemporary romance book that will knock your socks off!

I've been hearing about this book in my little circle for years. Everyone was raving about it but I never picked it up (or found it where I frequent, for that matter). I was hesitant to pick it up since it was a beloved best seller and I wasn't sure if I would like. Boy, was I wrong!

This book is sweet and very quirky. We follow Don Tillman, a professor who has Asperger's but is not aware of this fact. It is clear that almost everyone else seems to recognize his quirkiness, but he does not. He is getting frustrated because he can't keep a woman! He can get them to go out and spend time with him, but then nothing. Suddenly, a brilliant idea comes to him - The Wife Project. He makes a brilliant questionnaire that he passes to hundreds of women to try to find his perfect wife. And then in walks Rosie. She's NOTHING like what he wants, and is actually the complete opposite! On top of that, she's trying to figure out who her Father is, so it helps that Don has studied genetics. So, do opposites attract? I guess you'll have to read to find out!

My positives:
1. Rosie is the type of female romantic lead I want in a book. She felt very real - she has flaws, she has quirks (yay red hair!), she has wants and needs and goals and isn't perfect. She doesn't want to fix Don's Asperger's or any of his weird quirks. This woman exists in his bubble and enjoys his company, and him for who he is. 

2. Don also felt very real, and peeking into the way his mind worked was one of the major pluses for me. He had reason for everything and liked things a certain way. Don also grew as a character over the novel and didn't just sit in a stand-still. His development was excellent. Also, no one tries to fix him. I'll keep saying this over and over - I have to respect this.

3. The cover is pretty.

4. Gene and Claudia are very intriguing characters and I would love to follow them in a spin-off. I've seen characters like them before but I still wanted to hear more from them. How do their lives work? Are we certain Claudia doesn't know about Gene's antics? 

5. There's drama, romance and comedy all packed up into one book. There are times where I feel strongly for Don, and then there's times I'm laughing at his wild antics. I fell in love with Rosie and Don's relationships and felt for them. It was truly beautiful.

6. The quote about wanting to spend the rest of your life with someone as soon as possible WAS SO ROMANTIC OH MY GOSH.

My negatives:
1. The first half of the book moved fast and kept me totally entranced and addicted. The second half of the book slowed down and I began to lost interest. I don't know what exactly changed, but there was an obvious change in the style. 

2. I've yet to meet a real scientist who sounds as hot as Don. I'm glad this is a fictional book.

3. Gene wanting to have sex with one of every nationality... Eek. Me Too vibes guys! 

Overall, I found this book to be enjoyable and I binged it in a day. It is totally worth the read if you love unique romantic comedies! I can totally see this book becoming a movie and I hope it does. This book was totally charming and sweet.

Four out of five stars.

Erwin Lemuel Oliva

The most entertaining novel I have read in years. It is also one of my fastest reads. The story was that good. I thought I was watching a rom-com. Written as a screenplay initially, the Rosie Project was a big surprise. Every chapter kept me wanting for more. It is funny and found some scenes hilarious. Don is a lovable character. Now, I have to read the next set of books.

The Rosie Project

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