The Rosie Effect - Graeme Simsion

Graeme Simsion's first novel, The Rosie Project was a runaway international bestseller. I adored it. Then, I heard that Simsion had written a sequel....The Rosie Effect is newly released. And I got a little bit worried - would it measure up to the first book?

Don and Rosie have relocated to New York City. And things are about to change for the Tillmans......

"Then Rosie told me we had 'something to celebrate', and I was faced with a challenge even greater than finding a partner. I have attempted to follow traditional protocols and have sourced advice from all six of my friends, plus a therapist and the internet. The result has been a web of deceit. I am now in danger of prosecution, deportation and professional disgrace. And of losing Rosie forever."

The fun, of course, is following Don on his well meaning, but bumpy journey......

I've read some mixed reviews of this follow up. Yes, some of the plot machinations are a bit fortuitous and contrived, but hey, this is meant to be a fun read. For me it was - I quite enjoyed it. I was eager to follow Don on his latest Project, to experience The Incidents, The Misunderstandings, The Uproars and more. I laughed out loud numerous times in the lunchroom (as did a co-worker also reading it) But there were also heartstring tugging moments as Don attempts to understand and cope with the changes happening in his carefully ordered life. The supporting cast is back from the first book with some new additions. One new character was Lydia - she's really quite awful and while I understand why she was in the book,  I just didn't like her. Rosie is a bit different in how she treats Don as well, and I found her somewhat cold, but that could be the hormones talking.

I do love Don and his view of the world. His scheduling, his routines, (which are thrown into turmoil this time 'round),his reaction to the rest of the world - and theirs to him. It's impossible not to root for Don, to hope that things work out the way we want for him. Don narrates the whole story and never breaks character. It is truly eye opening to see the world through a 'different' filter. Simsion dedicated The Rosie Project to his friend Rod and his wife, noting that Rod is the inspiration for Don Tillman.

The Rosie Effect is fun and quirky take on the rom com genre. Definitely recommended - but read The Rosie Project first. Read an excerpt of The Rosie Effect. I wonder if there will be a third book?