Books

(this book has so many wonderful covers that I wanted to share them all with you! Images via the publisher)

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion was a delightful read. Quickly paced and full of moments where I really did laugh out loud, it was an enjoyable romantic comedy of a book that was perfect for a sunny Saturday morning with a cup of coffee in hand.

Don is a genius – a genetics researcher who is beyond intelligent and just as socially awkward. He reminded me on nearly every page of Sheldon Cooper, one of my favorite T.V. characters. Don is in search of a life partner, and creates a questionnaire to help him find the perfect woman, commencing “The Wife Project.” He does this entirely without hubris: he wants a wife who is compatible, who doesn’t smoke, exercises moderately for her health, and will be able to relate to him on a intellectual level. But even though his intentions are mostly pure, hilarity ensues as he discovers love can’t really be found in formulas and data.

Favorite Quotes:

“… I enjoyed a rare moment of not feeling like the least socially competent person in the room.” – p. 30

“I consider my own decision making in these areas to be more rational than that of most people, but I also make errors of the same kind… Responding to complex issues that we cannot perceive directly requires the application of reasoning, which is less powerful than instinct.” – p. 98

“Feel! Feel, feel, feel! Feelings were disrupting my sense of well-being.” – p. 134

“[people say] that I should be more ‘in touch’ with my emotions. What they really mean is that I should give into them. I am perfectly happy to detect, recognize, and analyze emotions. This is a useful skill and I would like to be better at it. Occasionally an emotion can be enjoyed… but we need to be vigilant that emotions do not cripple us.” – p. 134

“This was worse! She wanted me to love her. And I was incapable.” – p. 270

What make this a good story? The story rolled along at the perfect pace: it was light and funny with plenty of conflict and memorable characters. We feel for Don as he discovers new things about life, rooting for him as he gets closer to falling in love. It really is just a delightful read.

What could have made it a better story? It opens a bit abruptly, introducing character without a lot of back story to them, tossing names into the text. If the author had taken a little bit more time situating the characters in the text, I would have been happier. But that’s a rather minor request on my part. :)

Would I recommend this? Yes – If you like a love story with a lot of laughter and don’t mind some swearing/mention of sex in the text.

I read this book for the first meeting of a new book club, and it was the perfect pick to get everyone talking about some really fun topics.

Have you read The Rosie Project? What did you think?

P.S. There’s a sequel!