The Rosie Project
By Graeme Simsion
(Simon & Schuster, Hardcover, 9781476729084, October 2013, 304pp.)
The Short of It:
I don’t read love stories too often but this one is a gem! Sheldon Cooper fans will be able to relate to this one.
The Rest of It:
Don Tillman, a professor of genetics, is trying to find a wife. Except, how does one do that when your entire life is surrounded by science and scientific evidence? You create a survey of course! Don’s survey is to rule out incompatible mates. His friends Gene and Claudia are about the only two people who understand him, and they assist him in finding the perfect mate. Not an easy task when your expectations are so high.
If you happen to be a fan of The Big Bang Theory, you’ll immediately fall in love with this book. Why? Because Don is just like Sheldon Cooper. His mannerisms and his lack of social skills make Don endearing and a major pain in the butt, but sort of charming at the same time.
While trying to find the perfect wife, he meets Rosie. She is a far cry from what he is looking for, but helping her find her real father is something he can do with his eyes closed. So, the two pair up to find her real dad.
What a sweet story! Don is one of those guys that is adorable and a pain in the ass at the same time. So much of what he does is totally reasonable if you pick it apart, but to the average person, he’s uptight, too rigid and bordering on OCD. But did I mention that he’s charming? I wanted to shrink him down and carry him around in my pocket. No lie.
Plus, Rosie is pretty cool too. She’s more complex than you think and the interactions between the two of them are GOLDEN. I mean, there really is some good stuff here. This is an honest, witty, funny and sometimes hysterical take on finding that perfect someone.
I read it on one sitting and was so sad to turn that last page. I heard that a sequel is in the works and it’s already been optioned for film. Many have been hearing about the book but not many have been picking it up. Please do! It’s such a gem that I may have to break down and buy my own copy.
Source: Borrowed
Disclosure: This post contains Indiebound affiliate links.
Book Chatter 
I”m glad u enjoyed this one. I listened to the audio and for me it was just ok –not sure if I would have appreciated it more in print.
In print, I read it in one sitting. I probably would not have gotten through it so quickly on audio. I tend to have to wind stuff back because of distractions.
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I am a huge Big Bang Theory fan. Immediately put this on my wish list at Paperback Swap. Will let you know what I think when it comes my way.
Oh! I can’t wait for you to read it! I guess there is a second book coming out and the first book was optioned for film. I just fell in love with this book.
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I kindled this one because you mentioned Sheldon and wound up reading the book in one sitting. I thought it was an okay read – not sure I would pick up the sequel if they write one. Luckily the kindle price was only $1.99, so I didn’t spend too much on it. Glad you enjoyed it 🙂
You just thought it was okay? I think for me, it was the right mix of nerdy and fun AND I was reading it while off and I had nothing to do but sit there and enjoy it. I am sure that played a factor in my swooning.
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I”m with Nadia… I can’t imagine recommending this book to anyone. Glad to see I’m not alone. 😉
You convinced me moving it to top of my tbr pile!!
Move it to the top and you will blow through it in a day. It’s just fun and sweet. Enjoyable.
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I should probably start watching The Big Bang because I loved The Rosie Project. One of my friends just finished it this week as well and thoroughly enjoyed it. Can’t wait to read the sequel!
I’ve seen a lot of buzz for this one — I’ll have to grab it because I do like nerdy and sweet!
This sounds like a winner. I love the Big Bang Theory show, though Sheldon drives me bonkers.
Well, the character in this book is just like Sheldon but maybe a bit more willing to own up to his mistakes.
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I have heard so many great things about this book!
It’s not really about dysfunction and I know how you love dysfunction, but it’s funny and sweet and a nice way to spend the afternoon.
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Well you sold me. I’ve seen this one NetGalley several times and have almost requested it…then didn’t. Thanks for such a great review!
This doesn’t seem like your usual fare so the fact that you loved it speaks volumes to me. I can’t wait to pick it up!
Exactly! Sappy romances are so not my thing but this one is not sappy and it’s cushioned between science and genetics so I was okay with it.
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I didn’t realize there was going to be a sequel for this one. This one was on my radar a while back but then I forgot about it. Need to try get my hands on it.
A few years ago I read a book with a very similar concept–the plots are so close I almost thought they were the same book. I am glad you enjoyed this one!
Can you remember the name of that other book?
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Love At Absolute Zero, if I remember right. I’m sure they are totally different, but the similarity stands out. To me anyway. 🙂
Wow! I just looked it up. This book has speed dating too. VERY similar!
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I recently ebooked it but not sure when yet I will get to it. Books are stacking up screaming “next!” and I have three going already.
You had me at Sheldon Cooper!
I totally didn’t read this as a romance. For me it started with the questions and a guy looking for a mate but quickly moved to a guy helping a girl find her father and becoming ‘allies’. SO much of the book was about finding her dad.
He was attracted to her from the first moment he met her but ignored it because she didn’t fit the profile. But the quest to find her father was really just to keep her around.
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It sounds charming. Will get it on your good words about it.
Amazon had the Kindle book for $1.99 the other day.
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