Dear readers,
Checking my progress today on the Book by Book reading challenge. Our prompt for August’s selection was to ‘revisit an old favorite’. Which I adapted to suit me…read something that will become a new favorite. Of course, when I started The Rosie Project, I had no idea it would become a favorite. But I can usually get a pretty good feel for how much I am going to like a book just in the first few paragraphs. Often times, I will read just that much, then close the book. If I find myself thinking about what I read in those introductory sentences, it is bound to be a book I’ll enjoy.
Felt a kinship with the main character Don Tillman instantly. He loves a good routine…like eating lobster every Tuesday. With no exception. I could do that. And he has a schedule for everything. That’s what has been missing in my life since I retired! Like me, he can often be seen with his foot in his mouth. Or wearing a quizzical expression on his face because someone’s sarcastic comments have been lost on him. But see for yourself. I give you The Rosie Project.
The Rosie Project
[source]
The Fine Print
- Paperback: 295 pages
- Publisher: Simon & Schuster; Reprint edition (June 3, 2014)
- Language: English
- ISBN-10: 1476729093
- ISBN-13: 978-1476729091
- Amazon average customer review: 4.4 out of 5 stars
- Goodread’s average customer review: 4.01 out of 5 stars
Editorial Reviews
“Funny, touching, and hard to put down, The Rosie Project is certain to entertain even as readers delve into deep themes. For a book about a logic-based quest for love, it has a lot of heart. . . . [an] immensely enjoyable novel.” ~ “Booklist” (starred review)
“Simsion’s attention to detail brings to life Don’s wonderful, weird world. Instead of using Don’s Asperger’s syndrome as a fault, or a lead-in to a tragic turn of events, Simsion creates a heartwarming story of an extraordinary man learning to live in an ordinary world, and to love. As Don would say, this book is ‘great fun.’” ~ “USA Today”
Summary
The art of love is never a science: Meet Don Tillman, a brilliant yet socially inept professor of genetics, who’s decided it’s time he found a wife. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which Don approaches all things, he designs the Wife Project to find his perfect partner: a sixteen-page, scientifically valid survey to filter out the drinkers, the smokers, the late arrivers.
Rosie Jarman possesses all these qualities. Don easily disqualifies her as a candidate for The Wife Project (even if she is “quite intelligent for a barmaid”). But Don is intrigued by Rosie’s own quest to identify her biological father. When an unlikely relationship develops as they collaborate on The Father Project, Don is forced to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie―and the realization that, despite your best scientific efforts, you don’t find love, it finds you. ~ Amazon
Favorite Quote
I wish I could quote the entire book. Because I listened to it through Audible, I wasn’t able to highlight my favorite parts, which in actuality would have been the first word of the book to the last.
Restaurants are minefields for the socially inept.
(Don) ‘But I’m not good at understanding what other people want.’
‘Tell me something I don’t know,’ said Rosie for no obvious reason.
(Don) ‘I quickly searched my mind for an interesting fact.
‘Ahhh…The testicles of drone bees and wasp spiders explode during sex.’
My Review
This book has it all. It’s a love story. A mystery. Has a happy ending. Features a quirky character. Or 2 or 3. It’s funny. And yet, sad in places. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion is probably one of the most enjoyable books I have read (with my ears) in a very long time. Mostly listened to it during my morning walks. It’s not short of a miracle that I haven’t been committed for walking around the neighborhood holding a phone to my ear, stopping occasionally to double over in laughter. On those days when I couldn’t get my walk in, I really missed my time with Rosie and Don.
My virtual book club was looking for a light read after reading two pretty heavy-duty page turners. I put together a list of humorous possibilities, The Rosie Project among them. The club selected a different book which I started while also starting The Rosie Project on my own.
I had to set the other book aside, predictable story line, meh characters. But The Rosie Project was a pure delight. From the first chapter, I felt a connection to the quirky main character Don Tillman. Was it his OCD? His probable Asperger’s? His need for a routine and daily schedule? His social awkwardness? His inability to “get” sarcastic humor?
A resounding YES! To all of the above.
But even if you aren’t a perfectionist with OCD and Asperger’s tendencies, you will find yourself falling in like with Don as he implements The Wife Project in search of his soul mate and perfect match.
Can’t decide whether to read the sequel, The Rosie Effect, or to just remain completely satiated by The Rosie Project. What if it isn’t anywhere nearly as good? But then what if it is as good or better? It has less favorable reviews on Amazon and Goodreads which makes me think I should just leave great enough alone.
Apparently, Jennifer Lawrence was signed in 2014 for movie, then backed out of the deal. Seems the movie has been in limbo since but there is a release date of spring 2019. Will it happen?
Your Turn
What book comes to mind when you think of a light, humorous story? It isn’t a genre I tend to read but if The Rosie Project is any indication, I have been missing out. Would probably be a great idea if I interspersed something fun between the Holocaust/World War II/historical fiction I gravitate to. Might make me a more balanced reader!
Looks like the prompt for next month’s read might require some work to find the right book.
See what I mean? My birth year is 1958. Suggestions welcome!
Thank you, sweet potatoes, for stopping by today.
Hugs and kisses,
Daenel T.
Why does this sound like a movie that I saw a few years back? I remember liking it and thinking the premise was kind of quirky. There’s nothing like a book that makes you want to list the entire thing as a favorite quote. Great review.
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you for your kind words about my review of The Rosie Project. How I enjoyed this book. Several people have told me that the sequel is fun but not as good as the first book so I am thinking I will quit while I am ahead. The movie was in the works several years ago and then tabled for a bit but I think it is planned for 2019. Hope it is wonderful!
Debbie
Hi Leslie, I really enjoyed this book ages ago and like you the characters really appealed to me. I love the picture I now have in my mind of you out walking and stopping to double over with laughter! Great review. By the way, I read the next book and while it was a good read it wasn’t up to the same standard as Rosie. If you know that before you read it, then at least you won’t be disappointed 🙂
Leslie Roberts Clingan
Thank you for letting me know about the sequel to The Rosie Project. Not sure whether I want to read it or just continue to love this first book and leave well enough alone. I hope the movie will be well done and true to the book.
Dara
This sounds great! I have definitely heard of it but I guess I never read it, because it sounds familiar but I don’t recall reading it!
Leslie Roberts Clingan
If you are looking for a fun read, The Rosie Project is it. Love that everything is wrapped up neatly with a bow and a happily ever after.