Written by Australian author Graeme Simsion The Rosie Project was a much loved and best-selling debut novel of 2013 and poses a great ‘excuse of a read’ for laughs and romance this February. Perfect for Missed Opportunities.

 

For those familiar with this novel, it’s a great excuse to re-read or catch up on the sequel The Rosie Effect and the final instalment The Rosie Result.

 

The Rosie Project is a cute but poignant love story about an intelligent thirty-nine year old genetics university professor, looking for a serious relationship. But we quickly realise Don is ‘different’. ‘Different’ because he appears to identify with Asperger’s Syndrome, a disorder he is asked to lecture on, set up by one of his colleagues and friends. The reader soon realises that Prof Don appears to mirror ‘Aspies’ (Asperger’s), especially as his 'Wife Project' unfolds. 

 

Don devises a scientific questionnaire to find the perfect partner. Enter Rosie - 'the world's most incompatible woman' - throwing his safe, ordered life into chaos. But what is this unsettling, alien emotion he's feeling? 

 

What Don lacks in social skills and emotional traction he makes up in buckets of earnest ambition, desire and determination for company and a relationship. And we are with him and on his side all the way.  

 

The Reading Den thoroughly enjoyed Don’s endearing but alternative approach to relationships and the challenges he has to overcome to woe Rosie. And it’s a perfect and optimistic tonic for any winter blues.  

 

The club unanimously loved this book as a fun read. It also offers scope for those who have read it but happy to read the sequels. If you enjoyed Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine (see review) and craving more, give this a go!