Synopsis
About Graeme Simsion
See more books from this AuthorWith Asperger’s growing visibility in pop culture in recent years, as on CBS’s The Big Bang Theory, this novel is perfectly timed.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel | See more reviews from Publishers Weekly“The Rosie Project,” Simsion’s debut and a best seller in his native Australia, reminds us that people who are neurologically atypical have many of the same concerns as the rest of us: companionship, ethics, alcohol.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel | See more reviews from NY TimesI completely fell in love with the character of Don Tillman and I guarantee anyone else will surely enjoy his well developed personality just as much. Overall, I'd say it's more of a comedy than a romance but definitely worth reading if you want something lighthearted and heart-warming.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel | See more reviews from GuardianWarm-hearted and perfectly pitched, with profound themes that are worn lightly, this very enjoyable read promises to put Don Tillman on the comic literary map somewhere between Mr Pooter and Adrian Mole.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel | See more reviews from GuardianFilled with engaging specificities of character and setting, the professor's struggle to understand the "fundamental, insurmountable problem of who I was" also becomes a poignant universal story about discovering how best to reconcile logic and emotion, head and heart, and connect our lives with others.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel | See more reviews from GuardianThis good-hearted, pacy, thoroughly enjoyable novel takes a significant step towards showing that all human variants are a potential source of life‑affirming comedy.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel | See more reviews from GuardianFilled with engaging specificities of character and setting, the professor's struggle...becomes a poignant universal story about discovering how best to reconcile logic and emotion, head and heart, and connect our lives with others.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel | See more reviews from GuardianThe Rosie Project may be a lighthearted romp to be gobbled up in a couple of sittings, but it is also an important book...
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel | See more reviews from GuardianAs with any first person book, if a reader doesn’t respond to Don, the book is going to be an utter failure.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel | See more reviews from Dear AuthorSharp dialogue, terrific pacing, physical hijinks, slapstick, a couple to root for, and more twists than a pack of Twizzlers — it's no surprise that The Rosie Project is bound for the big screen. But read it first.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel | See more reviews from NPRSimsion has created a strong, singular and consistent voice. Rather than alienating the reader, he manages to use Don to exaggerate qualities that lie in all of us.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel...The Rosie Project, already a success in Australia, seems almost precision-engineered to keep readers turning pages. But unlike its unexpectedly lovable hero, this rom-com is bursting with warmth, emotional depth, and intentional humor.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelDon doesn’t need to be fixed or changed from the appealing unique person he is. But I found myself wanting to shed a few tears for this brave man who logically faces life and slowly starts to open his mind to change.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel | See more reviews from All About RomanceReading this novel, you can’t help casting the film in your head: Who’ll play the lovably awkward (and, the book makes clear, fit and handsome) lead character? Paul Rudd, maybe. Rosie? Jennifer Lawrence, in “Silver Linings Playbook” mode. Definitely.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel...The Rosie Project is extremely funny. The reader is in a privileged position, able to see Don's faux pas when he doesn't, but also has a huge amount of affection for the character, whose dispassionate view of illogical social norms is captured with snort-inducing deadpan accuracy. Warmly recommended.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel...Simsion ultimately undoes his good work by implying that love can conquer all...Simsion persists with the neurotypical assumption that everyone is happier in a couple...Those who already understand the condition may object to the moral that mental difference can and must be erased.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelIt's one of those books that some would say is predictable whichever way it ends but the quality of the writing and the engagement we feel with the characters means that we travel with it every step of the way...
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelWith The Rosie Project, Simsion has created a wacky, wonderful love story that is just plain fun to read. The ways in which Don and Rosie challenge and complement each other is downright inspiring—not to mention hilarious.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelSimsion'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 into a tragic turn of events, Simsion creates a heartwarming story of an extraordinary man learning to live in an ordinary world, and to love.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThis is a witty, entertaining novel, all the funnier for being told by Don in a deadpan, first-person narrative. The reader is always a step ahead and yet Don has a few surprises up his sleeve.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel...he has provided a clever satire on modern, internet-led dating, demonstrating that finding the right partner is not about the ticking of boxes, but something else: chancing upon something flawed and intangible and great, which burns like a mysterious fire.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelDisappointment about the very end of the novel aside, The Rosie Project is compelling. I read the nearly 300 pages of this book in short order...It’s that likeable and readable of a novel, which would be a strong commendation if not for the sudden change of heart in the last 50 or so pages.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelHis developing relationship with Rosie is beautifully charming, full of originality and deeply witty. The Rosie Project is an utterly compelling modern-day love story that is hugely enjoyable.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelFilled with humor and plenty of heart, "The Rosie Project" is a delightful reminder that all of us, no matter how we're wired, just want to fit in.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThe first third of "The Rosie Project" opens as strongly as any comic novel I've read in a long time. The middle slice wobbles occasionally, perhaps in keeping with Don's own wobbly attempts to integrate what he's learning from Rosie. The book roars at high speed to its conclusion. It's a comedy, so we know where they're going.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelWhat makes this funny rather than tragic is that Don’s condition is more a literary device than a serious study of the syndrome — and as such it presents recognisable aspects of what virtually all men secretly know they could be like without women to humanise them.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelWhile the premise is a little contrived Simsion overcomes this by writing about what he knows – academics and the academy - with great conviction, and he combines this with a finely tuned sense of humour...
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThe book is both engaging and hilarious, even if the love angle is a little predictable. Don develops into an endearing hero and Rosie a surprising delight - the perfect foil for him.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThere are times when Simsion gets too hung up on the detective work that throws his odd couple together, but he manages to avoid serious mind-drift by ensuring that another Don faux pas or nerd-fuel factoid is only a few paragraphs away. While you probably wouldn't want to meet him on holiday, having Don in your bag will be no weight to carry.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelIf you’re looking for something that has a serious message about Asperger’s Syndrome this is not the book. It sets out to be a cute-and-quirky love story and it delivers just that.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelI absolutely loved reading THE ROSIE PROJECT, and I can't wait to see it on the big screen! Highly recommended!
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelWatching him fall in love with the most unlikely Wife Project candidate is absolutely adorable. The Rosie Project is indeed an excellent, charming, feel-good story.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThis book really did have it all: humour, touches of sadness and a truly unique pairing. What I really love is that this book isn’t about Don changing to find love, it’s about love finding him the way that he is, even when it seems unlikely.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThe Rosie Project is at its strongest whenever Don and Rosie are together. Their chemistry jumps off the page and the gentle progression of their relationship is sweet and heart-warming. While the search for Rosie’s father becomes a little tiresome, every scene with Don and Rosie offers a lovely emotional pay-off.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThe Rosie Project was absolutely wonderful and beguiling and just a really, good heartwarming, read. Think The Curious Incident of the Dog in The Night-Time meets The Unlikely Pilgrimage of Harold Fry.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelIf you like conventional women’s romantic fiction then ‘The Rosie Project’ may not be for you, but if you want unique, ambitious, love-with-a-twist then give Don and Rosie a try.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelIf you're looking for something a bit different in contemporary romance, with a unique perspective and a fascinating set of characters, you will like this book.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThis is a great, fun read: a book to turn to when your club needs a good laugh...along with some thoughtful discussion about the nature of the human brain.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelI had problems understanding who her father was, it wasn’t made very clear. In my book group we discussed this and some others also weren’t sure who it was. One or two people also had issues with the last chapter, when everything went really fast and maybe a little unbelievable.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelSo we have an unpredictable, generic and stereotypical plot; does that leave you with any good points? Not really, just that it was entertaining and there was some decent comedy but in the end I was glad to be done with the book.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelMany have been hearing about the book but not many have been picking it up. Please do! It’s such a gem that I may have to break down and buy my own copy.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThe Rosie Project is sure to have you laughing as it did me. Don is truly funny in just how awkward he is. The things he does and says, while making perfect sense to him, come off as hilarious to the reader...
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThe Rosie Project is a really sweet story and I enjoyed it a lot. These two characters that you would never think could work out together both found their way into my heart. It’s fun, quirky, and like I said before, so utterly charming.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelFunny, poignant and sweet The Rosie Project is a feel good, entertaining novel about love, friendship and self discovery.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelYou, the reader, will laugh at the subtleness of the jokes that are peppered throughout and how Don and Rosie might be “that someone,” that Daphne was talking about after all.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel...I wanted to linger a little longer in Australia and spend more time with Rosie and Don, watching their general uncertainty melt into love. It was sweet and real and endearing and just . . . great. Really great.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel...the long flight between Australia and the U.S. brought back happy memories for me, as did Don’s love of New York’s Museum of Natural History. Honestly, the whole book made me super happy. Don’t miss this one.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelDon Tillman is described as being a dead-ringer for Gregory Peck, circa Atticus Finch. *le sigh*...I would actually love a follow-up to ‘The Rosie Project’ because when I got to the last page I immediately missed Don Tillman and wanted him back!
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelI often caught myself smiling, laughing, tearing up, and clapping my hand over my mouth in surprise...I already want to re-read it.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelIn romance, the two potential lovers have to change in order to become a couple. Don has to see that no one is perfect and Rosie needs to accept people as they are. The fun of The Rosie Project is watching them get there.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelIf you can forget the author’s references to autism, you might see awkward actions as charming...Although I laughed at times at Don’s misadventures as he searches for the perfect mate and finds one in the imperfect Rosie, I felt uncomfortable doing so.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelIt’s good fun, and amusing. I admit that I don’t feel all that confident about the long-term prospects of the relationship that ensues...but hey, women will take on all kinds of blokes when the magnetic attraction strikes.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelLove cannot be controlled, and it is rarely, if ever, predictable. And neither are people. The Rosie Project is a tremendously enjoyable book that makes those facts immensely compelling.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelI was disappointed that it wasn't snort-milk-out-your-nose funny. There was only one scene -- when Don and Rosie take over making cocktails at an event -- that made me actually laugh out loud. But I did smile a lot.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelI really did find The Rosie Project a feel good novel, even if at times I squirmed in my seat and felt uncomfortable at Don's unflinching honesty. Other times I found Don’s viewpoint refreshing and unique from all the other ‘looking for love’ stories I’ve read. I can’t wait to see this one made into a movie!
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelAt last we have a Rom-Com with a brain as well as a heart, a story about loving people for who they are, not who we want them to be. Perfect for the book-a-week reader as well as a great gift to the friend who should read more.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelIt comes across initially as a light read, but I think readers will remember Don Tillman for quite a while.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThe Rosie Project is a delightful romp of a first novel. It was originally conceived of as a screenplay, and I'll bet it'll become one soon. Congratulations to former IT consultant Graeme Simsion, and I hope he keeps on writing.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel...Don's voice, so beautifully dull, dry and monotonous, is a treat to read because it so perfectly captures his personality. I thoroughly enjoyed spending so much time in his company and can understand why other readers claim to have fallen in love with him.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A Novel...the end seemed long, and really dragged out. I hated Don’s one and only male friend (he cheated on his wife incessantly). An ok read but not in my top 10 for the year at all.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThis book has the right combination of humour, mayhem and sweetness to appeal to a broad audience. Reading this book is fun, but it’s also filled with bits of science and observations that challenge conventional thinking.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelI highly recommend The Rosie Project. It’s quick and fun and definitely has its faults, but it is also highly pleasurable, as Don might say. Correct?
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThis story was predictable, a bit over-the-top and somewhat unrealistic but it was as charming as hell and I fell in love instantly with both Don and Rosie.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThis is probably one of the sweetest, most light-hearted books I’ve read this year. I would definitely recommend it because they characters are well-rendered and the plot is fun.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelI am sure this book will sell very well, an ideal holiday read, nothing too much serious, but thought-provoking in it’s own way. Pick it up if you have a long train journey or a flight to a distant place coming up and you won’t be disappointed.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelWhen I closed the book, I was saddened to leave Rosie and Don behind, but these well-crafted characters and their incredible journey to love will stay with me always.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThe Rosie Project is a moving and hilarious novel for anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming challenges.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThe moral of the story is that there is no right way to find love (and it certainly can’t be done with a survey*) and I can’t argue with that. I’ll be recommending this one to quite a few people, as it’s easy to love (even if that’s not the first reaction I had).
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThis is a wonderful presentation of two very different people developing a relationship and how they accommodate each others uniqueness...This book was funny and had my laughing out loud at parts and credit to the author, that it was always the situations I was laughing and never at the person involved.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelThis is just such a sweet book. It is funny and quirky but it is the tenderness with which Simsion treats his narrator that makes it so special. As I said, I’ve already read it twice this year and you can be sure that I’ll be rereading it many times in the years to come.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelDon is a wonderful character, who maintains his consistently original persona throughout...This book is funny, witty and intelligent – I finished it with a smile on my face.
Read Full Review of The Rosie Project: A NovelSimsion’s novel is a lot of fun, and is a great light read for curling up in the sun with. It reads much like a rom-com film...While it’s not the kind of book I would have picked up without the hype, I am glad that I did.
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