The Rosie Project (Don Tillman #1)

Simsion, G. (2014). The Rosie Project. NY: Simon & Schuster.

Adult / Contemporary Romance / Humor

I gave this book 4 out of 5 stars

I really enjoyed this book and found myself giggling at many a part; however, I am wondering if I am supposed to feel a little guilty about enjoying this book -- is it making light of Asberger's?

Taking it at face value, what made me laugh is how much of myself (and my husband, and my daughter, and many others I know) I saw in the main character, Don. He's precise; he's structured; he's organized to the second with his life and everything in it. He designs everything for maximum efficiency -- I never thought about him as having a disorder because his world is an exaggeration of what many of us strive for in even one area of our lives! To be so organized!!

Don's logic made me laugh, as did his honesty and straightforwardness, which sometimes embarrassed and/or "caught" others who maybe weren't quite so honest or straightforward with their actions. Don evolved over the course of the story, and he was smart enough to realize that he needed to ramp things down a few notches to grow. He also was smart enough to self-assess, and see that his less than logical actions were explained by emotions he had never allowed himself to explore; really, he had never allowed himself to believe he was capable of emotion.

Rosie is quite the counter to Don and it was delightful seeing her layers peel-off; she's a very well-written character. And the sub-story with characters Gene and Claudia was great, too. There were some fabulous scenes that had me full-grinning as I turned the pages (bartender Don!), and there were others that really made me sad: the mark of a good book, in my assessment.

Yes, everything tied-up quite neatly and nicely, and that was perfect for me and this book. There was even an enjoyable twist at the end, foreshadowed a bit but pleasing nonetheless.

Though this is an adult book and Rosie has a potty mouth, I think older young adults would appreciate this book, too. Plenty of people will see something of themselves in it.

I asked and received this book for Christmas, so it was pleasure reading, and I am providing honest review with absolutely no strings attached! How novel!

RELATED:

Book 2 is out! You can sample the first three chapters on Goodreads! Just click "Open Preview."

Navigating Early

Vanderpool, C. (2013). Navigating Early. NY: Random House 
            Children's Books.
Free ARC received through NetGalley -- Thanks, Random House! Release date January 8, 2013

YA Adventure

QuickNEasy, 315 pages, ages 10-14 (though older kids will enjoy it)

I gave this book 5 out of 5 stars on Goodreads

OUTSTANDING. This is the best book I've read in a while, and I've been reading a whole lotta books lately. John is the narrator and main character of the book, but who really steals the show is Early, who could be the younger brother of Owen Meany -- or even Owen Meany himself.  These two characters are richly created and their voices are authentic, perfectly fitting for young teenaged boys.  They are flighty -- but also deep -- and most of all REAL.  They are imaginative and surprising and Early was absolutely fascinating with his quirks and perspectives.  He clearly is a genius, but he's awkward and thinks waaaay outside the box.  Probably Asberger's, but I appreciate that Vanderpool didn't try to label him as anything but unique.

John and Early are each dealing with loss, and since John is narrating, we get to feel him work through his feelings towards his dad and his mom and struggle with a broad -- and completely understandable -- range of emotions. By story's end, John has reached new conclusions about his life circumstances, and the reader just wants to hug him for getting there so well.

Navigating Early is layers of story -- really, it's several stories within a story.  This can often have disastrous results, but Vanderpool weaves the story perfectly so that everything connects, and no character is included by chance.  There are parallels that readers will love and recognize at face value, but there are also parallels that require deeper thinking.

This is a stand alone book (whoo hoo!!!) that ties-up its loose ends, makes surprising and wonderful connections, and leaves the reader with plenty of thinkin' material.

Clean-O-Meter rating is a perfect 10.  There is no vulgar language, sex, or sexual situations. There is mild violence (mostly suggested violence).  Immature readers younger than 10 could be a little scared at a few different points.