What do you think?
Rate this book
Sidekick: Graeme Simsion's The Rosie Project
THIS IS NOT THE NOVEL BY GRAEME SIMSION. Go to this entry on GoodReads if you wish to add the book by Graeme Simsion.
WARNING: This is an unofficial reading Sidekick designed to heighten your enjoyment and understanding of The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. Do not buy this Sidekick until you first have a copy of the original work. BookBuddy is an independent web learning company with a mission to bring the joy of reading and insightful discussion of today's best novels to readers everywhere. As you read the original work, our Sidekick is the perfect complement, filled with all sorts of fun, insightful goodies to help you get the most out of the novel.
Let the chapter-by-chapter guide in this sidekick help you explore the thought-provoking issues raised in The Rosie Project. You'll also find in-depth character analyses and a breakdown of key symbols.
WARNING: This is an unofficial reading Sidekick designed to heighten your enjoyment and understanding of The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. Do not buy this Sidekick until you first have a copy of the original work. BookBuddy is an independent web learning company with a mission to bring the joy of reading and insightful discussion of today's best novels to readers everywhere. As you read the original work, our Sidekick is the perfect complement, filled with all sorts of fun, insightful goodies to help you get the most out of the novel.
Let the chapter-by-chapter guide in this sidekick help you explore the thought-provoking issues raised in The Rosie Project. You'll also find in-depth character analyses and a breakdown of key symbols.
47 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 25, 2014
24 people are currently reading
703 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
June 22, 2014
If you love the Big Bang theory or have a Sheldon in your life, you'll enjoy this. I wanted a light summer novel as my previous read was very dark. This fit the bill. Kindle store recommended! Good job!
We meet our Aspergers suffering hero as he decides it's time to find a life partner. His language greatly reminded me of the written tone of a very smart friend of mine. Surely a questionnaire will weed out unsuitable candidates? Can the man who eats lobster alone every Tuesday make room in his life for a lady? Let's see!
We meet our Aspergers suffering hero as he decides it's time to find a life partner. His language greatly reminded me of the written tone of a very smart friend of mine. Surely a questionnaire will weed out unsuitable candidates? Can the man who eats lobster alone every Tuesday make room in his life for a lady? Let's see!
August 10, 2014
Love, love, loved this book! It was funny - loved the characters - it was interesting - fun - easy enjoyable read. I am not a fan of rom coms or romance novels. I love stories with imperfect characters and if you can inject humor into them, then I'm sold!
September 17, 2016
Such a cute book.
October 4, 2019
I just loved 'The Rosie Project'. Geneticist Don Tillman slices his days into precisely-timed portions. If his schedule is disrupted, he's thrown into personal disarray. He's schooled himself to take part in 'friendship rituals' and to offer socially appropriate responses in certain situations, although what Don sees as appropriate others often find bewildering or offensive.
Don has never had a second date so when he decides he should have a wife, he draws up 'The Wife Project' and his criteria is very specific. Along comes Rosie, a most unsuitable candidate, but one who has an intriguing problem for a geneticist to unravel. Don's orderly life becomes chaotic, he experiences emotions he cannot explain, finds himself enjoying activities he could not have imagined, and eating outside the hours he's designated for dining.
Don is such an endearing character, and this is a laugh-out-loud read that is also moving and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.
Don has never had a second date so when he decides he should have a wife, he draws up 'The Wife Project' and his criteria is very specific. Along comes Rosie, a most unsuitable candidate, but one who has an intriguing problem for a geneticist to unravel. Don's orderly life becomes chaotic, he experiences emotions he cannot explain, finds himself enjoying activities he could not have imagined, and eating outside the hours he's designated for dining.
Don is such an endearing character, and this is a laugh-out-loud read that is also moving and thought-provoking. Highly recommended.
March 7, 2019
An enjoyable story following on from the previous two books in the series. Amusing while exploring the nature of autism and those in the spectrum.
March 10, 2014
Je tiens tout d’abord à remercier Les Editions Nil pour m’avoir permis de découvrir ce roman en avant-première.
Ce livre est un ovni littéraire ! Il est inclassable, et absolument génial. C’est un vrai délice !
Les premières lignes :
J’ai peut-être une solution au problème épouse.
Elle semble évidente à posteriori, une caractéristique fréquente des découvertes scientifiques majeures. Mais je ne l’aurais probablement pas trouvée sans un enchaînement d’événements qui n’étaient pas prévus à mon programme.
Dès les premières lignes, nous faisons la connaissance de Don, un quarantenaire très intelligent, généticien de profession, mais complètement handicapé socialement. Il a très peu d’amis, ne fréquente pas ou peu sa famille, et il est bien sur célibataire. Mais voilà, sa solitude lui pèse, et il aimerait trouver une compagne.
Le problème, c’est que Don est maniaque. Il est très organisé, et vit selon des règles qu’il s’est fixé à lui-même. Il faudra donc que sa future compagne, rentre dans sa vie, tout en respectant ses règles, il ne veut pas se compliquer la vie. Mais s’il n’y avait que ça. Le problème, le plus grave de Don, est qu’il est complètement perdu face aux autres, il ne sait pas comment réagir, ou plutôt, il réagit de façon complètement absurde, le plongeant régulièrement dans des situations grotesques et ridicules.
Il va donc établir un plan d’attaque et surtout un questionnaire, pour trouver la femme idéale.
Les premières rencontres ne seront vraiment pas un succès pour Don, et puis, il y aura Rosie !
Rosie, qui est complètement à l’opposé de la femme qu’il attend, Rosie pour qui il va s’investir totalement, en acceptant de l’aider à retrouver son père. Pour elle, il va commencer à changer, à modifier sa façon d’être, de vivre, et enfreindre toutes les règles, mais en toute amitié bien sur !
- Alors grouille-toi ! Ça fait un moment que je poireaute pour prendre mon petit déj, moi !
- Tu veux que je vienne en tenue de gym ?
- Non, Don, pas en tenue de gym. Prends une douche, habille-toi. Tu as dix minutes.
- Mais je prends toujours mon petit déjeuner avant ma douche.
- Tu as quel âge ? a demandé Rosie agressivement. On dirait un petit vieux.
Ce livre m’a énormément fait rire et sourire, Don est un personnage très attachant, et je suis complètement tombée sous son charme. Il n’y va pas par quatre chemins et délivre directement le fond de sa pensée, sans réfléchir aux conséquences, d’ailleurs, il a du mal à imaginer ce que les autres peuvent ressentir.
Comme j’avais sauté le petit déjeuner, je suis allé directement prendre un pot de yaourt dans le réfrigérateur. Sucré ! Pas étonnant que Gene souffre de surcharge pondérale.
Ce n’est pas encore le cas de Claudia, mais il ne m’avait pas échappé qu’elle avait pris un peu de poids ces derniers temps. J’ai signalé le problème et fait remarqué que le yaourt était peut-être responsable.
J’ai complètement adhéré à l’écriture de Graeme Simsion, l’ensemble est fluide, avec une jolie plume. Les personnages sont pour la plupart attachants. Je l’ai d’ailleurs déjà souligné pour Don, mais c’est également le cas de Rosie ou Claudia. En ce qui concerne Gene, je suis plus partagée. C’est un coureur de jupon invétéré, et il n’hésite pas à se servir des questionnaires de Don pour rajouter des conquêtes à son tableau de chasse.
En bref, un roman qui nous parle de la différence et de l’acceptation de l’autre, un sujet qui m’a énormément plu, d’autant plus qu’il est abordé de manière tout à fait plaisante, voir même bien souvent comique. Un énorme coup de cœur !
Un dernier extrait, car je ne peux pas m’en empêcher…
- Il te faut un pseudonyme. Esler risque de reconnaitre ton nom à cause de l’enquête Asperger.
J’y avais déjà pensé.
- Austin, ai-je dit. Comme Austin Powers. Spécialiste international du mystère.
…..,
- Tout va bien, Don ? a demandé Isaac (Esler) d’une voix inquiète.
- Oui, bien sûr. Que s’est-il passé ?
- Ce qui s’est passé, c’est que vous avez répondu quand je vous ai appelé Don, Austin.
Ce livre sera disponible aux Editions Nil dès le 13 mars 2014 !
Ce livre est un ovni littéraire ! Il est inclassable, et absolument génial. C’est un vrai délice !
Les premières lignes :
J’ai peut-être une solution au problème épouse.
Elle semble évidente à posteriori, une caractéristique fréquente des découvertes scientifiques majeures. Mais je ne l’aurais probablement pas trouvée sans un enchaînement d’événements qui n’étaient pas prévus à mon programme.
Dès les premières lignes, nous faisons la connaissance de Don, un quarantenaire très intelligent, généticien de profession, mais complètement handicapé socialement. Il a très peu d’amis, ne fréquente pas ou peu sa famille, et il est bien sur célibataire. Mais voilà, sa solitude lui pèse, et il aimerait trouver une compagne.
Le problème, c’est que Don est maniaque. Il est très organisé, et vit selon des règles qu’il s’est fixé à lui-même. Il faudra donc que sa future compagne, rentre dans sa vie, tout en respectant ses règles, il ne veut pas se compliquer la vie. Mais s’il n’y avait que ça. Le problème, le plus grave de Don, est qu’il est complètement perdu face aux autres, il ne sait pas comment réagir, ou plutôt, il réagit de façon complètement absurde, le plongeant régulièrement dans des situations grotesques et ridicules.
Il va donc établir un plan d’attaque et surtout un questionnaire, pour trouver la femme idéale.
Les premières rencontres ne seront vraiment pas un succès pour Don, et puis, il y aura Rosie !
Rosie, qui est complètement à l’opposé de la femme qu’il attend, Rosie pour qui il va s’investir totalement, en acceptant de l’aider à retrouver son père. Pour elle, il va commencer à changer, à modifier sa façon d’être, de vivre, et enfreindre toutes les règles, mais en toute amitié bien sur !
- Alors grouille-toi ! Ça fait un moment que je poireaute pour prendre mon petit déj, moi !
- Tu veux que je vienne en tenue de gym ?
- Non, Don, pas en tenue de gym. Prends une douche, habille-toi. Tu as dix minutes.
- Mais je prends toujours mon petit déjeuner avant ma douche.
- Tu as quel âge ? a demandé Rosie agressivement. On dirait un petit vieux.
Ce livre m’a énormément fait rire et sourire, Don est un personnage très attachant, et je suis complètement tombée sous son charme. Il n’y va pas par quatre chemins et délivre directement le fond de sa pensée, sans réfléchir aux conséquences, d’ailleurs, il a du mal à imaginer ce que les autres peuvent ressentir.
Comme j’avais sauté le petit déjeuner, je suis allé directement prendre un pot de yaourt dans le réfrigérateur. Sucré ! Pas étonnant que Gene souffre de surcharge pondérale.
Ce n’est pas encore le cas de Claudia, mais il ne m’avait pas échappé qu’elle avait pris un peu de poids ces derniers temps. J’ai signalé le problème et fait remarqué que le yaourt était peut-être responsable.
J’ai complètement adhéré à l’écriture de Graeme Simsion, l’ensemble est fluide, avec une jolie plume. Les personnages sont pour la plupart attachants. Je l’ai d’ailleurs déjà souligné pour Don, mais c’est également le cas de Rosie ou Claudia. En ce qui concerne Gene, je suis plus partagée. C’est un coureur de jupon invétéré, et il n’hésite pas à se servir des questionnaires de Don pour rajouter des conquêtes à son tableau de chasse.
En bref, un roman qui nous parle de la différence et de l’acceptation de l’autre, un sujet qui m’a énormément plu, d’autant plus qu’il est abordé de manière tout à fait plaisante, voir même bien souvent comique. Un énorme coup de cœur !
Un dernier extrait, car je ne peux pas m’en empêcher…
- Il te faut un pseudonyme. Esler risque de reconnaitre ton nom à cause de l’enquête Asperger.
J’y avais déjà pensé.
- Austin, ai-je dit. Comme Austin Powers. Spécialiste international du mystère.
…..,
- Tout va bien, Don ? a demandé Isaac (Esler) d’une voix inquiète.
- Oui, bien sûr. Que s’est-il passé ?
- Ce qui s’est passé, c’est que vous avez répondu quand je vous ai appelé Don, Austin.
Ce livre sera disponible aux Editions Nil dès le 13 mars 2014 !
September 9, 2015
The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion examines the forming relationship between a genetics professor on the hunt for a wife (and who wouldn’t understand irony if you held up a sign) and a Bartender who by all counts is completely unqualified for the position. Don, the professor, has come up with the perfect process to pick an optimal wife: he would create a 16 page long questionnaire that would single out the ideal mate. Seems like a great plan doesn’t it? Though as Don soon discovers, his methods are inefficient. The real testimony to this inefficiency is Rosie. She’s an utterly sarcastic bartender who has no sense of timeliness and smokes on top of it all. Even though she is anything but perfect, Don finds himself fervently helping her with a personal project.
Don’s geekiness is pretty obvious throughout the book. For starters he follows a strict standardized meal plan consisting of dishes suitable for at least a four star restaurant. By far the most entertaining to prepare is the lobster which he stores in his bathtub every Tuesday night. He also holds the firm belief that restaurants are minefields for the socially inept. Then he proceeds to demonstrate this fully by failing to understand the reasoning behind having to wear a suit jacket to a fancy dinner. What ensues is a hilarious attempt by the restaurant’s staff to switch the jacket and Don passionately fighting them off. This nerdiness and failure to understand normal social situations is endearing. Instead of merely finding his quirks weird, they draw the reader in. The reader can’t help but laugh at him but feel empathy as well. Simsion did a wonderful job of making an admittedly odd character relatable.
One of the messages that this book emphasizes is the importance of change. Don’s life starts out scheduled to the second. He could tell you without pause what he’d be doing three weeks from now on the Tuesday night at 5:00. The introduction of Rosie begins to change that in a beautiful way. He slowly, only slightly reluctantly, moves away from the standardized meal plan. Rosie’s perpetual lateness affects Don’s normal timely habits. And somehow by the end of the book, Don feels an actual feeling that actual normal people feel. These changes in Don demonstrate how one should not be utterly resistant to change. Change can be good. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion was a hilarious novel that I would recommend to anyone with a slight geeky side.
Don’s geekiness is pretty obvious throughout the book. For starters he follows a strict standardized meal plan consisting of dishes suitable for at least a four star restaurant. By far the most entertaining to prepare is the lobster which he stores in his bathtub every Tuesday night. He also holds the firm belief that restaurants are minefields for the socially inept. Then he proceeds to demonstrate this fully by failing to understand the reasoning behind having to wear a suit jacket to a fancy dinner. What ensues is a hilarious attempt by the restaurant’s staff to switch the jacket and Don passionately fighting them off. This nerdiness and failure to understand normal social situations is endearing. Instead of merely finding his quirks weird, they draw the reader in. The reader can’t help but laugh at him but feel empathy as well. Simsion did a wonderful job of making an admittedly odd character relatable.
One of the messages that this book emphasizes is the importance of change. Don’s life starts out scheduled to the second. He could tell you without pause what he’d be doing three weeks from now on the Tuesday night at 5:00. The introduction of Rosie begins to change that in a beautiful way. He slowly, only slightly reluctantly, moves away from the standardized meal plan. Rosie’s perpetual lateness affects Don’s normal timely habits. And somehow by the end of the book, Don feels an actual feeling that actual normal people feel. These changes in Don demonstrate how one should not be utterly resistant to change. Change can be good. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion was a hilarious novel that I would recommend to anyone with a slight geeky side.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 26, 2017
Just started and find it a little tiresome and close to home....I am surrounded by Aspie's (related, all). I will persist as it was recommended as a "damn fine and funny read"
Finally finished...and agree the book got better and more entertaining for me. I particularly resonated with the line about Don concerned he would not be a good father as the children would find him embarrassing . From experience: the kids will love him anyway and enjoy his quirks....whether it be genetics or in my case bugs!!!
Finally finished...and agree the book got better and more entertaining for me. I particularly resonated with the line about Don concerned he would not be a good father as the children would find him embarrassing . From experience: the kids will love him anyway and enjoy his quirks....whether it be genetics or in my case bugs!!!
June 9, 2014
First time I've ever read a book for a book group and made it to the end... and in one sitting, too. It was obvious that the author had a screenplay in mind - as I read I could imagine the film -and once I got into the style of writing and gentle humour I really enjoyed it. It's an easy and pleasant read and the social awkwardness of Don is easy to recognise. Found myself feeling quite proud of him!
December 6, 2015
I really enjoyed this book.
We probably all know a Don Tillman, or have met someone like him.
It was light, easy, witty...
I'll admit there was a time or two where I wanted to slap Rosie and tell her to stop feeling sorry for herself... But her determination / desperate need to find answers helps crack open the hard shelled lobster that is Don Tillman...
We probably all know a Don Tillman, or have met someone like him.
It was light, easy, witty...
I'll admit there was a time or two where I wanted to slap Rosie and tell her to stop feeling sorry for herself... But her determination / desperate need to find answers helps crack open the hard shelled lobster that is Don Tillman...
January 5, 2016
This is a One-joke story; read just a couple of chapters, then we have the whole book, speaking frankly.
It is interesting, and it captured my attention. It is a very interesting idea, to see things from this character's point of view. I am glad I read it.
It is interesting, and it captured my attention. It is a very interesting idea, to see things from this character's point of view. I am glad I read it.
March 18, 2014
Nice idea - it wasn't overly funny (or hilarious as on the cover reviews) but had its share of moments - very predicable ending!
July 3, 2018
Fiction. Don Tillman, a socially-challenged (think Sheldon Cooper) professor of genetics, sets up a project designed to find him the perfect wife, starting with a questionnaire that has to be adjusted a little as he goes along. Then he meets Rosie, who is everything he's not looking for in a wife, but she ends up his friend as he helps her try and find her biological father. This book was very funny & enjoyable. Well written.
January 30, 2018
I am sorry but what book are others reading that give it such great reviews? I couldn't stand the main character and the way he "talked" from the get go, so I tried to give it a chance, but by the time he mets up with Rosie, I had it...also he has very strange friends...a no go for me all the way..
And there is a sequel for me to skip too!
And there is a sequel for me to skip too!
Read
March 3, 2021I Really loved the book, before I started reading this book, I reviewed the comments, there was a comment, "it you liked Sheldon in Big Bang Theory series, you would love Don in this book", and it was correct, completely comparable and in some ways different, but overall, I enjoyed reading the book , and I finished it as soon as possible.
April 29, 2024
It was a cute read after my last few books were very sad and heart-beaking. This would make a great beach read. Loved the character development, the quirkiness and fun of the storyline was entertaining.
January 2, 2019
Smiled through it all!
April 20, 2019
I really enjoyed Graeme Simsion’s, The Rosie Project about Don Tillman’s search for a wife.
September 3, 2019
Loved this book, there where moments when you wanted to shake Rosie and Don but there where also laugh out loud moments. A really interesting insight into autism spectrum.
September 7, 2019
Loved it... a sweet read
January 31, 2020
Great! Very different!
March 10, 2020
Absolutely loved this book. Very unique, planning on reading the sequel Rosie Effect. Not laughed so much reading a book!!!! Highly recommend.
June 16, 2020
Funny and hard to put down.
January 10, 2021
I loved it! Interesting, easy-to-read and with a good ending :)
March 31, 2018
I listened to the audio version of this book and it was laugh-out-loud funny! Seriously, talk about a quirky character. In addition to a great main character the supporting characters were also great! I read this book because of a couple of people were reading it together and it looked interesting so I jumped in. I'm not sure I would have found this on my own.
February 22, 2017
Laugh outloud funny with a touch tears now and then. A great story of human vulnerability and the surprising changes we can make when we fall in love.
January 15, 2015
A recommendation from a friend, and I'm glad she did... this book was great!
Don Tillman is a professor with Aspergers syndrome who only has two friends. His life is regimented, he has set plans and routines, that he doesn't like to stray from. However, he wants to find a wife...
He makes a questionnaire in which to vet women to find his perfect date, from whether they smoke, to their interests, this survey is strict and only women who answer the majority of the questions correctly will make their way through his strict criteria.
However, he meets Rosie, who is very different, doesn't fulfil his criteria and messes with his life... but she needs help finding her father, and Don finds himself very drawn to her and her problem.
Over the course of the book, they work together on The Father Project, and inevitably get closer...
This book was warm and funny, a real page turner and a really good look at people with Aspergers. I found the theme of the Aspergers was well written, and from what I know, it seemed pretty accurate, although I do not know much about the subject... It looks at relationships in a very realistic way, I never felt that the book was cliched at any point, the characters seemed very real. Well worth a read, very entertaining and interesting.
Don Tillman is a professor with Aspergers syndrome who only has two friends. His life is regimented, he has set plans and routines, that he doesn't like to stray from. However, he wants to find a wife...
He makes a questionnaire in which to vet women to find his perfect date, from whether they smoke, to their interests, this survey is strict and only women who answer the majority of the questions correctly will make their way through his strict criteria.
However, he meets Rosie, who is very different, doesn't fulfil his criteria and messes with his life... but she needs help finding her father, and Don finds himself very drawn to her and her problem.
Over the course of the book, they work together on The Father Project, and inevitably get closer...
This book was warm and funny, a real page turner and a really good look at people with Aspergers. I found the theme of the Aspergers was well written, and from what I know, it seemed pretty accurate, although I do not know much about the subject... It looks at relationships in a very realistic way, I never felt that the book was cliched at any point, the characters seemed very real. Well worth a read, very entertaining and interesting.
August 2, 2015
This is ultimately a feel good book about a guy who sees himself as a misfit, finds himself facing personal challenges, and learns to adapt his world view while learning also to accept himself. The novel is somewhat banal and does have a typical too neat and tidy ending, but it also has characters who are intriguing and relatable. It has moments of laugh out loud humor for the reader. I don't know how plausible the genetics project that is central to the story is, but the relationships that develop are believable and touching. I do recommend this book for anyone who has ever felt like he or she is a misfit and is wired differently from everyone else.It reminds us in a light-hearted way that sometimes the words and actions of others that may seem clueless, mean, or bizarre may in fact be rooted in the most benevolent of intentions.
July 17, 2014
Described by the Sunday Times as 'exuberantly life-affirming' The Rosie Project is a pleasant read but isn't exactly life altering. The socially inept geneticist Don is looking for love in all the wrong places, he devises a questionnaire to find a 100% compatible Mrs. Tillman and isn't quite prepared for the disorder that ensues when he comes across the capricious Rosie. The narrative caused the story to drag a little near the end but I enjoyed Don & Rosie's kooky relationship. As a debut novel it's enjoyable but I felt the secondary characters lacked definition. I'm a bit lukewarm about this one. But before I go.... Do you know why the geneticist went to dental school? He was looking for an oral high gene!
July 30, 2014
Yes, I know... it's taken me ages to get around to reading this one!! I knew the premise of this story before I started reading it - Don, a middle-aged University Professor with Asberger's is on a mission to find a wife, via dating sites and his impossible list of must-have attributes.... and he also needs to find someone who can tolerate his behaviour. He meets Rosie, who is a likely candidate, but she has some questions about her own life that she wants answers for and Don decides to make finding these answers his new "Project".
I enjoyed this story - certainly a very light read, but I also found it a little predictable - nevertheless, worth reading.
I enjoyed this story - certainly a very light read, but I also found it a little predictable - nevertheless, worth reading.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews