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Review: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Title: The Rosie Project
Author: Graeme Simsion
Year Published: 2013

Genre: Adult fiction (some romance)
Pages: 295
Rating: 4.5 out of 5

Location (my 2015 Google Reading map)Australia

FTC Disclosure: I bought this book with my own money

Summary (from the inside flap of the book):
 Don Tillman, genetics professor, is getting married. Or he will be, when his sixteen-page, scientifically valid survey yields a condidate (see: the Wife Project). Designed to filter out the drinkers, the smokers, the vegans, the later arrivers, Don's questionnaire is, for this socially challenged academic, the most logical method to find the perfect partner.

Enter Rosie Jarman. Don quickly disqualifies her as a potential wife but is drawn into Rosie's quest to find her biological father (see: the Father project). When something like a friendship develops, Don must confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie and the decidedly unscientific conclusion that sometimes you don't find love, it finds you.

Review: I bought this book on a whim and I'll admit that the cover was what drew me in. I don't usually admit that. But I was in the mood for a happy book and this one looked like it would fit the bill and it did.

Don Tillman, the main character, is such an interesting character. He is like so many academics: socially a bit awkward. He is also stuck with routines, doesn't understand social cues, and doesn't have many friends. In fact, he has two. He approaches all of life in a logical and scientific way, not allowing for change or emotion to get in the way. The author has really grasped his voice, giving Don a frustrating, but lovable approach to life. And the cast of characters around him is good fun as well.

The story is not so new: a guy wants to meet the right woman, he does, there are obstacles, and it all turns out alright in the end. I don't feel like I am giving anything away since there is a sequel called The Rosie Effect. But, there were many different aspects to this book that made it a fun read: the Father Project is an interesting twist as is Don's friendship with his best friend and his wife, both of whom "help" Don along the way with their own methods.

I found myself smiling as I read this book and I find it is so rare to read a happy book that I really enjoyed myself!

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