Book Review: The Rosie Project
9 years ago by
One of the books of the year.
I’m calling it, even though we’re months away from the year ending. This book by Australian writer Graeme Simsion is one of the most intelligent and humorous books on romance that I’ve ever read. I’m not a huge rom-com fan, especially when it comes to books — but this is so good. A book that anyone couldn’t help but love (even my boyfriend, whose favorite writers include William Blake and T.S. Eliot, loved it)(seriously, everyone from your younger sister to your surly uncle will like this one).
Don is a socially inept though intellectually brilliant university professor, who becomes an unlikely hero. His search for a life partner encourages him to start The Wife Project, though his approach to romance is more like a strategic research project. Seriously funny, awkward moments and the craziest (but believable) scenarios ensue. But what I really like about this book is that it stumbles across romance, rather than drives for it. For me, it was so revealing about the human condition, and how we expect so much of ourselves and of others, when we should really just embrace who we are — and then maybe happiness will follow.
Ok, so that might sound a little cheesy, but I promise it’s anything but. The Rosie Project is hysterically funny, and I honestly wish I could read it for the first time all over again… Lucky for me, there’s a sequel: The Rosie Effect (and, yes, I’ve already ordered it!). And there’s also a film in the works, which already has Richard Linklater signed on to direct and Jennifer Lawrence to play the female lead, Rosie.
Have you read it yet? What are some of your favorite books to come out this year?
You may also like
Features
Career / Jamia Wilson
Lifestyle
One for the Books
Lifestyle
M Train by Patti Smith
Lifestyle
Ready, Set, Hibernate
Lifestyle
Fall Book Club
Features
Obsessions / Suzanne Koller
Features
Milk & Honey
Lifestyle
So You Say You’re a Feminist
seems like a great read
http://hashtagliz.com
I read this book in April 2014 though? I agree that it is brilliant. The book I’ve most enjoyed this year is Us by David Nicholls.
I’m thinking the same thing as Bella, this book was published in 2013. I agree though, both this and the Rosie Effect are great!
Love that book–read it last year. My favorites this year are All the Light We Cannot See and The Martian.
I just finished The Rosie Effect and loved it! Don is such a sweet guy. He’s so charming in his own way and tries so hard to overcome his social inabilities. He’s so serious and ambitious about everything he does but at the same time stays true to himself. I found the two books to be very special and different from all the other novels I’ve read before.
Thanks for this recommendation–I will definitely check it out. I read My Brilliant Friend, based on your recommendation, and I am now hooked on those books and everything else seems to pale in comparison!
My interest has be picked!!
Btw- this statement of yours is so true!!: “we expect so much of ourselves and of others, when we should really just embrace who we are — and then maybe happiness will follow”.
Thought you might enjoy this podcast. It’s about how an economist would go about the world of online dating:
http://freakonomics.com/2014/02/06/what-you-dont-know-about-online-dating-a-new-freakonomics-radio-podcast/
Lu et adoré, en français il s’appelle “Le théorème du homard”. S’il y a une adaptation cinématographique, il faut absolument que le rôle masculin soit joué par Benedict Cumberbatch !
Ohhh j’ai adoré ce livre! Je suis carrément d’accord avec toi au sujet de Bella!
http://WWW.BONNIE-BANDIE.COM
I loved the Rosie Project but didn’t enjoy the Rosie Effect at all! I was so disappointed.. But RP will make a great film.
The Versions Of Us by Laura Barnett is my book of the year so far… but Patti Smith’s new memoir is out in October so who knows, really?? xxx
Thanks for the new section! I’d like to read more book reviews :)
For me, my favorite book of the year is On the Move, by Oliver Sacks.
My heart echoes when I read it.
I have not heard of this one, I will look into it.
My Summer favorites to date are “Always Pack a Party Dress” by Amanda Brooks and ” My Paris Dream” by Kate Betts
I just started “The Paris Key” and am excited for Garance’s book!!
I read The Rosie Project a few years ago. It is one of the funniest books I have ever read. It is a laugh out loud kind of book. The scene where Don and Rosie are running the bar at a function is hysterical. I hope they get this scene right in the movie. I think Jennifer Lawrence would be good as Rosie but if the sex of the characters where reversed she would make an even better Don(na).
Great review! Thanks for sharing!
xx
Mademoiselle Coconath
http://mllecoconath.com
I really liked the Rosie Project. Not a fan of the Rosie Effect, but it is still worth the read if you enjoyed the first one!
I recently finished Elizabeth is Missing by Emma Healey and I loved it.
I must read this! Sounds like a great book. xo
Also – I have a blog – http://www.bymybedside.com
I would really appreciate it if you checked it out, you’re an absolute GEM for doing so :) xxx
(I’ll even give you an invisible gift hehehehe)