The Rosie Project is a great book with lots of humour. It’s a story about a socially challenged scientist called Don who’s setting on a quest to find a perfect wife for himself. Don perceives the world in his own very special way, so his methods of looking for a wife are also very peculiar. During his search he meets Rosie who’s an absolute opposite of what he’s looking for, but Rosie is interested in Don for her own reasons. They team up and set off on a series of different adventures from little ones, like organising a crazy cocktail party, to huge, intercontinental ones.

If you are familiar with The Big Bang Theory TV show, Don will definitely remind you of Sheldon, the only difference is that Don is smoking hot.

What I liked about the book

The style of the narration

Don is the narrator of the story. You get to see the whole world through his eyes. His way of perceiving and interpreting things is unexpected and often heartwarming. Even the most banal things become curious and funny.

The book is very funny

In fact it’s so funny I constantly startled people with my sudden laughter. It was almost inconvenient but I couldn’t help myself.

Adventures

Don and Rosie constantly come up with ideas, one crazier than another. I was (almost) never bored.

What I didn’t enjoy so much

Too much drama at some point

The relationship crisis is inevitable and expectable but I think it is still slightly overstretched in the book. I would prefer there to be less drama.

The resolution of the mystery

I found the answer to the main mystery a bit disappointing.

One silly phrase

When Don is about to take some sleeping pills, Rosie gets surprised. Don explains to us that she’s surprised because “She thought I would have some objection to chemicals”.

No real scientist would EVER say such a phrase. The word “chemical” as something negative or opposed to “natural” is used by people who are far away from science. Any scientist would tell you that EVERYTHING in life (including nature) is chemicals. That gaffe yanked me from the story for a moment, reminding me that Don is just a product of someone’s imagination.

Final thought

If you are looking for something light, funny but not primitive, you should definitely read The Rosie Project.

1. The Seven Sisters by Lucinda Riley

The Seven Sisters is my first attempt to get into some series. I picked up The Seven Sisters because it sounded dynamic and adventurous.

It’s a story about several sisters who were separately adopted by a rich man. Their childhood passed on a private island in a castle-like house. They grew up very different, each with their own talents and aspirations. When their father dies, he leaves them letters with clues on how to discover more about their ancestry and history. The Seven Sisters is the first book in the series, and looks like it is focusing on the eldest sister only. Thus, my guess is, there is a book per a sister.

The Seven Sisters is indeed full of action that takes you through different countries and different epochs. It’s slightly too romantic for my liking, but I’m quite enjoying the overall story.

(An update: I finished the book, so you can now read my review of The Seven Sisters.)

2. H. P. Lovecraft

I’m also going through Lovecraft’s short stories right now. They are truly, high-class scary. They are also quite thought-provoking. I like it when there’s a higher purpose to being scared. I’m quite enjoying the stories so far.

3. The Little Stranger by Sarah Waters

The Little Stranger is very atmospheric, dark, beautiful and gothic. It’s about a noble family living in a grand but quickly dilapidating house. A local doctor befriends them. Together they start witnessing horrible mysterious events happening in the house. I’m listening to the audio version of the story. The narration is perfect! There’s a lot of feeling and intonation in the voice but nothing is overplayed.

(An update: here’s a link to my review of The Little Stranger)

4. The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

When I want a break from everything gothic I read The Rosie Project. It’s hilarious and kind. It is about a man with Asperger’s syndrome who’s looking for a wife. Whenever I read it, I hear the voice of Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory. If you are a fan of Sheldon you will also like this book. (An update: my review of The Rosie Project.)

There are samples of a few more books on my Kindle. Besides almost all the books with beautiful covers have arrived. Thus, I’m in no lack of books for November. I’m aiming to be even more selective with my books this month, so that in the end I can recommend the most of them to you. How is your November going on? Are you reading anything?