Last year I completely adored The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion and have recommended it to many people who are looking for a cute, uplifting read. It has not stayed very long on the library's shelves which is always a good sign. When I heard about a sequel, I was very excited and couldn't wait to see what happened next in Don and Rosie's lives. Many thanks to Simon and Schuster and Netgalley for the advanced readers copy of this book. Please note that there is no way to write a proper review of this book without spoiling The Rosie Project.
Description: Greetings. My name is Don Tillman. I am forty-one years old. I have been married to Rosie Jarman, world's most perfect woman, for ten months and ten days.
Marriage added significant complexity to my life. When we relocated to New York City, Rosie brought three maximum-size suitcases. We abandoned the Standardised Meal System and agreed that sex should not be scheduled in advance.
Then Rosie told me we had 'something to celebrate', and I was faced with a challenge even greater than finding a partner. I have attempted to follow traditional protocols and have sourced advice from all six of my friends, plus a therapist and the internet. The result has been a web of deceit. I am now in danger of prosecution, deportation, professional disgrace, and of losing Rosie forever.
Review: The Rosie Effect is an enjoyable sequel full of heart and humor but also quite serious than its predecessor, The Rosie Project. Our lovable genetics professor Don Tillman did the impossible in finding the perfect wife for himself, but he is unsure of how to proceed when Rosie announces that she is expecting. Don is uncertain on how to react to Rosie's news and his mixed signals starts a chain reaction of events that leads him to the brink of losing his freedom, his job, and his new life.
Don excels in logic and having a set plan. It is his way to cope with all the chaos in his world. He has a very hard time understanding people's emotions and is aware that he has Asperger tendencies, but Don is never the butt of the joke and the humor is actually how exceptionally observant Don sees the world. As a reader we understand what Don’s family and friends are thinking better than he does. The awkwardness that results, labeled by Don with such monikers as the Playground Incident or the Antenatal Uproar, is both hilarious in its execution and striking when seen through Don’s eyes. My favorite moments of the book is how Don solves his own problems in his unique way though it might not be socially correct.
Unlike Don, I did have several issues with Rosie in this book. She is a lot less likable, but I think that is because she is struggling to keep the wall that she built as a young girl who is terrified of making the same mistake as her parents. She is much more defensive and incapable of compromise. As a result, it takes Don and Rosie time to sit down and effectively communicate with one another. Nonetheless The Rosie Effect addresses all of the excitement, confusion, and fears we all face when reaching a new milestone in our lives. If you liked The Rosie Project, I'm sure you will enjoy this book too.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: There is some strong language and adult situations. Recommended for older teens and adults.
If you like this book try: One Plus One by Jojo Moyes, After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
Marriage added significant complexity to my life. When we relocated to New York City, Rosie brought three maximum-size suitcases. We abandoned the Standardised Meal System and agreed that sex should not be scheduled in advance.
Then Rosie told me we had 'something to celebrate', and I was faced with a challenge even greater than finding a partner. I have attempted to follow traditional protocols and have sourced advice from all six of my friends, plus a therapist and the internet. The result has been a web of deceit. I am now in danger of prosecution, deportation, professional disgrace, and of losing Rosie forever.
Review: The Rosie Effect is an enjoyable sequel full of heart and humor but also quite serious than its predecessor, The Rosie Project. Our lovable genetics professor Don Tillman did the impossible in finding the perfect wife for himself, but he is unsure of how to proceed when Rosie announces that she is expecting. Don is uncertain on how to react to Rosie's news and his mixed signals starts a chain reaction of events that leads him to the brink of losing his freedom, his job, and his new life.
Don excels in logic and having a set plan. It is his way to cope with all the chaos in his world. He has a very hard time understanding people's emotions and is aware that he has Asperger tendencies, but Don is never the butt of the joke and the humor is actually how exceptionally observant Don sees the world. As a reader we understand what Don’s family and friends are thinking better than he does. The awkwardness that results, labeled by Don with such monikers as the Playground Incident or the Antenatal Uproar, is both hilarious in its execution and striking when seen through Don’s eyes. My favorite moments of the book is how Don solves his own problems in his unique way though it might not be socially correct.
Unlike Don, I did have several issues with Rosie in this book. She is a lot less likable, but I think that is because she is struggling to keep the wall that she built as a young girl who is terrified of making the same mistake as her parents. She is much more defensive and incapable of compromise. As a result, it takes Don and Rosie time to sit down and effectively communicate with one another. Nonetheless The Rosie Effect addresses all of the excitement, confusion, and fears we all face when reaching a new milestone in our lives. If you liked The Rosie Project, I'm sure you will enjoy this book too.
Rating: 4 stars
Words of Caution: There is some strong language and adult situations. Recommended for older teens and adults.
If you like this book try: One Plus One by Jojo Moyes, After I Do by Taylor Jenkins Reid
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I liked the Rosie Project more than The Rosie Effect probably because I was angry at Rosie's behavior towards Don. Still I did enjoy this one too and I like how Don is portrayed in both books. Nice review!
"She is much more defensive and incapable of compromise."
That definitely sounds tricky to deal with Rummanah! People who are incapable of compromise drive me crazy, but I'm glad her attitude in this one didn't detract from your enjoyment of the story as a whole. And that cover is so darn cute, I absolutely love it!
I don't recall the first book at all. I am a bit disappointed to hear though that Rosie isn't as fun and likable. I hate romantic drama. Argh!
I still need the Rosie Project. Sorry to hear about Rosie's characterization but I do like that they ended up communicating. Yea, I can deal with a book like that. :)
Oh I don't remember the first book but I think I might have to read them both!! They are out of the age range I normally read but sometimes that doesn't matter.
Loved the Rose Project and I'm looking forward to finally reading this one.
Cheers,
Jen @ The Bookavid
I remember your review for the first book, Rummanah, so I'm glad you enjoyed the sequel as well. I still need to check out The Rosie Project ...