The Rosie Project

An international sensation, this hilarious, feel-good novel is narrated by an oddly charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an unusual quest: to find out if he is capable of true love.

Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been on a second date. He is a man who can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand, whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not wired for romance. So when an acquaintance informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, his first reaction is shock. Yet he must concede to the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver.

Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things. She is also beguiling, fiery, intelligent—and on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie—and the realization that love is not always what looks good on paper.

The Rosie Project is a moving and hilarious novel for anyone who has ever tenaciously gone after life or love in the face of overwhelming challenges.

My opinion: Well, what can I say? This book was just great! The characters are brilliant, the story was well paced and engaging and it is a great love story without being cheesy or too soppy.

The story follows Don Tillman on his quest to find his perfect woman and we get to join him on the adventures he has on the journey. He is very set in his ways and finds social situations difficult, but we see him grow both in confidence and as a person throughout this book.

It is both funny and super cute in places. I also liked that this book is set in Australia as I haven't come across many (if any!) books set down under.

The one criticism I have of the book is that I would have liked to know a little bit more about Don and the reasons he behaved the way he did. Some things are alluded to, but no detail is given and are skimmed over slightly. On the other hand, this is the mark of a good character as I really cared about him and wanted to know a lot more.

A great book and highly recommended as a well written feel good story.

My rating: A fabulous four stars.

I originally reviewed this book at Reading in Progress.