The Rosie Project: Chapters 1-12

[Megan]

Just finished chapter twelve and am loving the writing! Quite funny, with unique content. I know someone very similar to Don who is oblivious to his social awkwardness. Love it so far!

[Evangeline]

I've never read a book from the perspective of someone socially awkward. It makes you look at human interaction differently. Love the book so far. Does Don remind anyone else of Sheldon from The Big Bang Theory?

[Audrey]

So more than 12 chapters in now and still not really caring much for it. My biggest problem with it is the language used. I guess it is common in today's culture to speak so crudely but it is something I am not accustomed to and I prefer not to read books containing such inappropriate language. I will complete this book however because I find Don to be a very interesting character. I know several people who he reminds me of in my inner circle.

[Jackie]

Sheldon was exactly the person I thought of Evangeline! This book is very fresh and I read through the first 12 chapters in one sitting. Loving it so far.

[❦Dawn❦]

In my line of work, Director of Special Education, I get to interact with many children, and adults diagnosed with Asperger's Syndrome. I found it fascinating to have a character with scripts he uses to navigate the world. This is one area we work on often with our children in a school setting. The one scene in the book that included children I found hilarious. This hooked me to the book.

[Ian]

I was hooked right from the start. and yes I think Don is just like Sheldon. did anyone pick up on whether Don is aware of his asperges? as I went in kbowing, but realised a bit of the way through that maybe he didn't?

[Kathryn]

Ian wrote: "I was hooked right from the start. and yes I think Don is just like Sheldon. did anyone pick up on whether Don is aware of his asperges? as I went in kbowing, but realised a bit of the way through ..."

I don't think he did, Ian. When he was talking to someone about the Asperger's talk he did for Gene (I think it was Gene's wife), she asked him if the Asperger's symptoms reminded him of anyone - and he agreed they did, but it was someone else - not him!!

[Sydney]

I really like the book so far. I knew from e beginning that Don was socially awkward but I thought that it might have just been from his intelligence and spending most of his time researching or by himself and not doing much social interaction. But I did notice that he is very incapable with many social interactions. It's great to see how he's been doing so much better since he met Rosie

[Ian]

Yeah I think it must have been that my prior knowledge of the book made me unsure

@Kathryn - It was the same conversation with Claudia that made me think he probably didn't know, that and all the talk of how its difficult to diagnose Asperger's in adults.

[Jenn]

So I immediately thought of Sheldon when I started this book, but now that I'm into it I've come to see Don as his own character. I really like him! I love books that draw you in and get you to care about the characters - this one does it successfully!

(view spoiler)[ I'm a little concerned about whether the relationship with Rosie is going to develop into a romantic relationship. While I'm not sure the wife questionnaire is the right way to find love, I also think Rosie and Don are way too different for a long-term relationship to work. I guess we'll have to keep reading to see where it goes! (hide spoiler)]

[Courtney A.J.]

I'm kind of surprised that I like this book as much as I do but I'm completely wrapped up in it. That's never a bad thing though.

@Jenn - Totally agree with your "spoiler" comment. We'll see!

[LynnB]

I've worked in Special Ed with several students who were as literal as Don. It can be a very puzzling world to them (thinking of slang and sarcasm). I find this to be a very enjoyable read.

[Alissa]

Started this a few hours ago and I'm really enjoying it. I thought this was going to be a cheesy love story, which I deplore so I was pleasantly surprised. I love that Don is a little quirky, and yes very Sheldon like!

[Sheryl]

I want to read this also... It's just that I don't have a copy of that book... huhuh...

[Alissa]

Sheryl wrote: "I want to read this also... It's just that I don't have a copy of that book... huhuh..."

Kindle edition is on sale for 1.99. It's a good read - I would definitely check it out

[Nethra]

I'm starting this today so just raced to the bottom of this page to comment :) Will catch up. Happy reading!

[Ashley]

I have placed a reservation at the local library for two copies of this book (see which one comes in first so I can cancel the other!).

It sounds like a good read according to what has been written here so far, so I will be keen to read it and join in once I receive the book.

I am not sure if the 'book of the month' is chosen in advance and announced before the beginning of the month, but it would be helpful if it were, as I can only get books from the library and must usually reserve them, and I am sure some others here also borrow their books. Next time round could the message be sent a few days before the start of the month containing the book?

[Ian]

Ashley wrote: "I have placed a reservation at the local library for two copies of this book (see which one comes in first so I can cancel the other!).

It sounds like a good read according to what has been writt..."

Hi Ashley,

The process for group reads is explained at this link - https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... - which tells you how to nominate a book and how to vote for a book you'd like to read.

For next month the nomination process has currently closed, but you can still vote on the poll for books nominated for March by other group members. You can find the poll (when open) at the very bottom of the group home page - or follow this link for the current one.... https://www.goodreads.com/poll/show/9...

The poll will close on the 14th I believe which will give people a couple of weeks to get a copy of the book we'll read in March. In the event of a tie on the poll it may taker a little longer as a new poll is likely to open

Happy reading!

[Brian]

I love this book so far. I didn't even think of Sheldon because Don reminds me so much of two of my friends, but I guess they are all a bit like Sheldon! I have suspected they might have Asperger's, but I don't know enough about it to really know. They may just be nerdy and socially awkward (I can't help but laugh out loud to Don's "Correct" response to questions when the answer is affirmative because one of them does that - will also answer "Affirmative").

@Jenn I agree that I'm not sure at this point in the book if I really want them to get together romantically. However, his questionnaire is absolutely ridiculous - he's reducing finding a wife to a scientific method, which I think is flawed for so many reasons. But, he and Rosie seem way too different and just incompatible to me. We will see though.

[Tania]

As a special educator I am excited that the plot deals with Asperger's, I haven't seen many of those books. I can't wait to continue reading!

[Ian]

Brian wrote: "I love this book so far. I didn't even think of Sheldon because Don reminds me so much of two of my friends, but I guess they are all a bit like Sheldon! I have suspected they might have Asperger's..."

I agree that when Rosie was first introduced I did not like her as a romantic partner for Don. But I think its because I loved Don from the start, and almost felt protective of him. And Rosie just didn't seem like someone i'd want dating him!

[Sydney]

Ian wrote: "Brian wrote: "I love this book so far. I didn't even think of Sheldon because Don reminds me so much of two of my friends, but I guess they are all a bit like Sheldon! I have suspected they might h..."

I definitely felt the same Ian. I didn't really like Rosie and Don together as a couple when we first met her.

[Ashlee]

I notice alot of people thought pf Sheldon but I actually didnt Don is unique.

I wasnt sure I would like the book started reading it and bam was up to chapter 12 before I knew it. I am really enjoying this book.

[Brian]

Ian wrote: "Brian wrote: "I love this book so far. I didn't even think of Sheldon because Don reminds me so much of two of my friends, but I guess they are all a bit like Sheldon! I have suspected they might h..."

I do want him to find love! I think I may feel the same way - a bit protective of him. I hate how he keeps getting scolded by the Dean. I loved how he handled his argument with the student about evolution though - it was hilarious. I am almost finished reading a massive book for a Buddy Read and then I'm going to continue reading.

[Nicole]

This isn't the genre that I would ordinary choose for myself, so I was a little hesitant to read this. Having said that, I am enjoying this book a great deal! I did initially think of Sheldon, but I think Don is incredibly unique and fits outside of the Sheldon parameters. With how rigid his schedule is, I find Rosie's "chaos" and how it effects Don to be truly humorous. I'm about half way through and can't wait to see how it ends :)

[Kathryn]

I don't watch The Big Bang Theory and so didn't think of Sheldon for Don, although I know who he is from seeing advertisements, but at some point in the book (I can't remember when or who it actually is who mentions it now, probably Rosie) someone says something about Don resembling someone who is much more good-looking than Sheldon! In my opinion, anyway!

[Kandi]

I loved how he handled his argument with the student about evolution though - it was hilarious.

I agree! That was such a great way to have a "teachable" moment! In fact, I'd love to use that with some people I know (lol)! And, I really am aggravated with the Dean, too - she seems to have no understanding of how to deal with Don after all the years she's known him.

[Cassandra]

Like many others here, I originally thought of Sheldon when "meeting" Don for the first time, and they do share a lot of similar characteristics. They are both very literal and concerned with details. For example, Sheldon loves tangerine chicken from that particular Chinese restaurant, and has gone totally overboard on several occasions - when he figured out that the chicken was actually just orange chicken and later on when Leonard confesses that the Chinese restaurant went out of business years ago (and he's been ordering food from a different one instead). These are the kinds of things I can see Don getting worked up about.

As I continued to read, though, Don is definitely his own character, and quite unlike any character I've read in a book before. The thing that fascinates me the most is his rigid schedule and the way that everything is numbers to him (BMI, miles, etc.).

In regards to a Rosie-Don romance, at this point I don't see it happening. I do hope that Rosie continues to help him open up and experience the world, and ideally that will lead him to find love.

[Nethra]

Evangeline wrote: "I've never read a book from the perspective of someone socially awkward. It makes you look at human interaction differently. Love the book so far. Does Don remind anyone else of Sheldon from The Bi..."

Exactly my feeling! :) Although Don is adorable where Sheldon is annoying.

[Nethra]

Jackie wrote: "Sheldon was exactly the person I thought of Evangeline! This book is very fresh and I read through the first 12 chapters in one sitting. Loving it so far."

Same here. The writing kinda pulls you in...once you begin its hard to stop reading :)

[Ian]

Nethra wrote: "Jackie wrote: "Sheldon was exactly the person I thought of Evangeline! This book is very fresh and I read through the first 12 chapters in one sitting. Loving it so far."

Same here. The writing k..."

I felt the same! It started it just before February and had to slow down as I would have finished it in a day if I wasn't careful!

[Maria]

I just started and agree it is hard to put down. This is not like any book I have read. I am really enjoying it.

[Ian]

Maria wrote: "I just started and agree it is hard to put down. This is not like any book I have read. I am really enjoying it."

Glad you are liking it so far Maria!

[Debbie]

I have read the first 12 chapters, and so far it's ok. when I am reading I am completely drawn in but once I put it down I am not excited to pick it up again. It's not my usual type of book at all. Don confuses me and I don't get him at all. and I just don't like Rosie.
I will finish the book but have to admit I am struggling with it xx

[Ian]

Debbie wrote: "I have read the first 12 chapters, and so far it's ok. when I am reading I am completely drawn in but once I put it down I am not excited to pick it up again. It's not my usual type of book at all...."

I hope the book improves for you! Hopefully the character development will work for you like it did for me

[Debbie]

I hope so Ian x

[Merja]

Seems like that I'm not the only one who thought that Don is like BBT's Sheldon. I actually even read the first few chapters so that every time Don said something I heard it in Sheldon's voice :D But now that I'm already on chapter 15, that doesn't happen anymore.

The book is lovely! One of those books that are difficult to put away before finishing. I love the idea of Don and Rosie trying to find Rosie's father and even the wife project became father project, I think that unknowingly Don is looking Rosie as wife candidate.

But now, back to reading it.

[Debbie]

Just finished chapter 12. I'm interested enough but can't say I'm dying to find out what happens. I like a book to drag me in so I can't put it down. Sadly here this is is not the case

[Valerie]

Loving this! I feel very protective towards Don. The writing is great and I laughed out loud at one point. Looking forward to meeting Rosie.

[Ian]

Valerie wrote: "Loving this! I feel very protective towards Don. The writing is great and I laughed out loud at one point. Looking forward to meeting Rosie."

Glad you are enjoying it! I found it really funny all the way through

[Ian]

Debbie wrote: "Just finished chapter 12. I'm interested enough but can't say I'm dying to find out what happens. I like a book to drag me in so I can't put it down. Sadly here this is is not the case"

Hope it pulls you in more as you read Valerie! I think the simplicity of the writing and the fact that I hadn't read anything like it before drew me in from the start

[Maria]

I love this book. Have finished chapter 12. It really takes a lot to make me laugh. I actually have been laughing out loud while reading 'The Rosie Project'.

[Karen]

I love this book! Don makes me laugh with some of the things he says or thinks. I agree he does remind me of Sheldon!

[Maria]

Karen wrote: "I love this book! Don makes me laugh with some of the things he says or thinks. I agree he does remind me of Sheldon!"

Where is the character Sheldon from?

[Karen]

The big bang theory it is a show on CBS.

[Maria]

Ok thanks I do watch that. Is it Bill parson character.

[Ian]

Its Jim Parsons who is the actor that plays Sheldon :)

[Ibeliz]

I finally got around to this month's selection and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. I would have never chosen this book and in fact I have passed by this at the store many times. Like many here, I too thought of Sheldon when first meeting Don. However, has I continue to read, Don has taken on a very unique persona. I no longer see Sheldon when I read on. I'm excited to see where the book leads to. Also, I embraced Rosie from the start...I can't wait to see where her story leads to.

[Karen]

I agree I thought Sheldon but the further I read the less I do. I really enjoy Don as a character and I love the way this story is unfolding!

[Ian]

Ibeliz wrote: "I finally got around to this month's selection and I have to say I am pleasantly surprised. I would have never chosen this book and in fact I have passed by this at the store many times. Like many ..."

Glad you are enjoying it! I hope you continue to like it. I agree that Don becomes more distinct from Sheldon as you read on. I think just the fact that he is searching for a partner makes him seem completely different once you get past the first few chapters