Audiobook Review: The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

Title:  The Rosie Project

Author:  Graeme Simsion

Narrator:  Dan O'Grady

Unabridged Length:  7 hrs, 34 mn.

Here is a summary of the book from the Goodreads website:

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 Review:
Let me start by saying this is the most sweet and delightful story I have read, or listened to, in a long time.  I thoroughly enjoyed this story about Don Tillman, as we embark on a journey with him as he discovers feelings and emotions that are totally new to him.  Dan O'Grady was a perfect narrator for this book as he brought the character of Tillman to life for me.

Tillman is a quirky college professor who has made the best out of his life as he lives with Aspberger's Syndrome.  He has had a few relationships that just haven't seemed to work out, but a fellow colleague and friend seems to have found the logical solution for finding Don Tillman a suitable mate.  One cannot be considered for the Wife Project until they pass the first assessment of course.   

After the Wife Project is underway, Don is introduced to Rosie, who is looking for help in finding her biological father.  Being a DNA expert, Don looks favorably upon the challenge, knowing he should be able to help this young lady.  He briefly considers Rosie as an applicant in the Wife Project, but after realizing she doesn't possess the qualities needed as an applicant, he quickly crosses her name off the list.

As Don and Rosie search for her father, Don finds himself in unknown territory.  He is willing to put himself in uncomfortable situations, even changing his schedule at the last minute or learning something new.  He doesn't understand the feelings that develop for Rosie as she isn't even a qualifying applicant in the wife project.  He knows the two of them could never have a future together.

This was such a fun book to listen to that left me laughing out loud many times.  With themes of love, challenges, and secrets you will probably enjoy this novel as much as I did.  I'm sure it would make an excellent book club selection and I don't hesitate in recommending this novel.

My Rating:  4/5

Disclosure:  This audiobook was provided to me by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.