30. The Rosie Project
Rating: ☆☆☆1/2
Recommended by: Katy Fassett
Author: Graeme Simsion
Genre: Fiction, Romance, Humor
Info: 295 pages, published October 1, 2013
Format: Book
Summary
Don Tillman, professor of genetics in Australia who falls somewhere on the autism spectrum, is a social misanthrope who has never been on a second date. He decides that there is someone for everyone starts The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She must be both punctual and logical and cannot be a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or late. Rosie is all of these things, but is also charming, smart and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that Don, as a DNA expert might be able to provide some assistance. Don’s Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing Don to realize that love is not always what looks good on paper.
Quotes
“But I’m not good at understanding what other people want.’ ‘Tell me something I don’t know,’ said Rosie for no obvious reason. I quickly searched my mind for an interesting fact. ‘Ahhh…The testicles of drone bees and wasp spiders explode during sex.”
“How can you tell if someone is a vegan? Just wait ten minutes and they’ll tell you.”
“Why do we focus on certain things at the expense of others? We will risk our lives to save a person from drowning, yet not make a donation that could save dozens of children from starvation.”
“Fault! Asperger’s isn’t a fault. It’s a variant. It’s potentially a major advantage. Asperger’s syndrome is associated with organization, focus, innovative thinking, and rational detachment.”
“I haven’t changed my mind. That’s the point! I want to spend my life with you even though it’s totally irrational. And you have short earlobes. Socially and genetically there’s no reason for me to be attracted to you. The only logical conclusion is that I must be in love with you.”
“Research consistently shows that the risks to health outweigh the benefits of drinking alcohol. My argument is that the benefits to my mental health justify the risks.”
“I asked you here tonight because when you realise you want to spend the rest of your life with somebody, you want the rest of your life to start as soon as possible.”
“You know what I like about New York?” he said. “There are so many weird people that nobody takes any notice. We all just fit right in.”
My Take
The Rosie Project was a fun, delightful book. Don Tillman is a sweet, original character and I found myself rooting for him to find happiness. A light, amusing book that is worth a read.
