Discussion Questions and Reader's Guide for The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

The Rosie Project

By Graeme Simsion

PBR Book Review:

(by- Linda ) It's almost impossible to convey how immensely fun and clever this book is. Its about two very imperfect people; Don who has what appears to be Asperger syndrome, and Rosie, a bit of a mess herself, and the exact opposite of what Don needs. She breaks every mold of what he finds acceptable behavior, yet he is drawn to her. The story is told from the Don's POV. He is socially inept, extremely rigid and scrutinizes everything, it's just who he is. But, his quirky behavior, and unique perception of the world are what carry this story. As you follow along on his journey to find the perfect wife you won't be able to stop reading. This is a lighthearted, delightful read.

Book Club Talking Points:

Book clubs will love discussing Don. His personality disorder will get members talking about having empathy for others, what it's like to be different as well as acceptance of oneself and others. Rosie on the other hand is a break the mold type of person and so will generate some discussion about not following the crowd and staying true to oneself. The topic of Asperger's syndrome may also generate some conversation.



Author Website:
https://graemesimsion.com

Publisher's Website:
https://www.simonandschuster.com/books/The-Rosie-Project/Graeme-Simsion/9781476729091

Discussion Questions


1. Do Don's Asperger's conditions help him or hinder him? Does Don's having Autism offer any advantages in his life?

2. Don goes through a number of spectacularly bad dates. What have been some of your own dating nightmares?

3. Where do you fall on the spectrum between structure and chaos in life? Are you highly rigid in your routines or very relaxed?

4. Do you agree with Don's assessment that "humans often fail to see what is close to them and obvious to others"? (p. 88)

5. What do you think of Gene and Claudia's relationship? Do you know anyone in an open marriage? Can it work?

6. Don says that the happiest day of his life was spent at the Museum of Natural History. Do you have a happiest day of your life? Or is there a special place where you are happiest?

7. As Don's affection for Rosie grows, he becomes aware of his instincts overriding reason. What is the role of instinct versus reason when it comes to choosing a life partner?

8. Do you have anyone on the Autism spectrum in your life?

9. Don watches a number of movies to try to learn about romance, including When Harry Met Sally, The Bridges of Madison County, An Affair to Remember, and Hitch. What are your top five romantic movies?

10. Have you ever had a moment of breaking out of your routine and opening up in a significant way? Or has someone broken through your routine for you?

11. Is it smart to have a list of criteria for a potential partner or is it limiting?

12. Don gets in trouble with the dean for using the genetics lab for his personal project with Rosie. Is it ever okay to break the rules in order to help someone?

13. Do you feel happy for Don when he "eliminates a number of unconventional mannerisms" (p. 268) in order to win Rosie, or has he lost something?

14. Does Gene get his comeuppance?

15. Were you surprised at the ultimate revelation of Rosie's biological father? Did you suspect someone else?

Discussion questions by the publisher.

Book Summary

The international bestselling romantic comedy "bursting with warmth, emotional depth, and...humor," (Entertainment Weekly) featuring the oddly charming, socially challenged genetics professor, Don, as he seeks true love.

The art of love is never a science: Meet Don Tillman, a brilliant yet socially inept professor of genetics, who's decided it's time he found a wife. In the orderly, evidence-based manner with which Don approaches all things, he designs the Wife Project to find his perfect partner: a sixteen-page, scientifically valid survey to filter out the drinkers, the smokers, the late arrivers.

Rosie Jarman possesses all these qualities. Don easily disqualifies her as a candidate for The Wife Project (even if she is "quite intelligent for a barmaid"). But Don is intrigued by Rosie's own quest to identify her biological father. When an unlikely relationship develops as they collaborate on The Father Project, Don is forced to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie-and the realization that, despite your best scientific efforts, you don't find love, it finds you.
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