The Rosie Effect (The Rosie Project) (Don Tillman, #2)

by Graeme Simsion

[Leah]

When Graeme Simsion published his first novel The Rosie Project in 2013, I LOVED it. I loved it so much. I am a massive, massive fan of The Big Bang Theory and I very much believe that Don Tillman is the Sheldon Cooper of the book world. And why is that a great thing? Because I love both Sheldon Cooper and Don Tillman, and suspect I am a little bit like the two of them, but on a much, much smaller scale.

The Rosie Effect brings back the fantastic Don Tillman and this time Rosie has a bit of a surprise in store for Don in the shape of a visit from THE STORK. Yes, a baby Tillman – can you imagine? And it’s as hilarious as you would expect; as Don struggles to come to terms with the fact he’s going to be a father, leading to many a hilarious situation like sitting in a park watching kids (which apparently you can’t do unless you have a kid, would you believe?).

I very much enjoyed being back in the world of Rosie and Don. Yes, it’s tough at times as you can see Rosie and Don’s relationship beginning to fracture, and you’re never quite sure if they’re going to make it (eek!!!) especially since if they can’t make it, two people who are so blatantly perfect for each other, then there’s clearly no hope for anyone else. Ever. But it’s also amazing, because Don just happens to get himself into awkward situation after awkward situation and it’s so embarrassing but so amusing, and you can’t help but love Don and hope he can get himself out of his scrapes.

I really, really, really hope Simsion is working on a third “Rosie” novel. They’re just so delightfully warm and funny and considering that’s not how most people see Don Tillman, is a huge compliment. You forget how much you love characters when you’re not with them, but as soon as you’re back with them it’s like they were never gone and whereas many sequels simply don’t live up to their original, this one does, and then some! It’s delightful!