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3.97 AVERAGE
3.97 AVERAGE
Loved this book!! I had read the first two a while ago and didn’t realize there was a third book. I love how these books give neurotypical people the glimpse inside a neurodiverse mind. I also love how this book shows how diverse neurodiversity actually is.
This series is an absolute must-read and the final instalment in the series definitely does not disappoint!
My favorite of the three. Explores stereotypes, perceptions and attitudes from various points of view. A fun coming of age story, with a nod to family dynamics and child rearing, friendships, school politics and how we all self identify, no matter our age.
funny
hopeful
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
Preceded by: The Rosie Project, The Rosie Effect
I really enjoyed this conclusion to the series. Whereas the first two books had Rosie and Don's relationship as the central conflict (and this started to wear thin by Book 2...), it was refreshing that this book united Rosie and Don as a team throughout the story. As a result, we get to hear much more of Rosie's point of view.
But challenges arise when the couple are concerned that their son, Hudson, is not adjusting well to his new school. Don recognizes traits that he himself possesses - technically, autistic traits - traits which Don has worked hard to overcome and manage. But when is it right to teach Hudson the tools he needs to blend in and seem "normal", and when is it right to let him go out in the world and just be weird?
Also unlike the first two books, the topic of autism is openly discussed throughout the novel - finally! A variety of different autistic characters appear in the book, presenting traits and points of view that seem to be well-researched. These characters' influence leave both Don and Hudson feeling empowered.
Something else that was satisfying about the novel was Don's obvious character development since the second book, as 11 years have passed. Don's social skills are better than ever, and clearly the result of hard work over the intervening time. I liked how the author didn't try to rehash the same old misunderstandings yet again from the previous books; Don may still have social challenges, but at least he doesn't make the same mistakes twice.
Overall, a strong and heartwarming conclusion to the trilogy.
I really enjoyed this conclusion to the series. Whereas the first two books had Rosie and Don's relationship as the central conflict (and this started to wear thin by Book 2...), it was refreshing that this book united Rosie and Don as a team throughout the story. As a result, we get to hear much more of Rosie's point of view.
But challenges arise when the couple are concerned that their son, Hudson, is not adjusting well to his new school. Don recognizes traits that he himself possesses - technically, autistic traits - traits which Don has worked hard to overcome and manage. But when is it right to teach Hudson the tools he needs to blend in and seem "normal", and when is it right to let him go out in the world and just be weird?
Also unlike the first two books, the topic of autism is openly discussed throughout the novel - finally! A variety of different autistic characters appear in the book, presenting traits and points of view that seem to be well-researched. These characters' influence leave both Don and Hudson feeling empowered.
Something else that was satisfying about the novel was Don's obvious character development since the second book, as 11 years have passed. Don's social skills are better than ever, and clearly the result of hard work over the intervening time. I liked how the author didn't try to rehash the same old misunderstandings yet again from the previous books; Don may still have social challenges, but at least he doesn't make the same mistakes twice.
Overall, a strong and heartwarming conclusion to the trilogy.
Content Warnings
Moderate: Ableism, Bullying
Minor: Medical content
Ableism: Discussed in detail during the story.
Bullying: Suffered by child characters in the story.
Medical content: Mentioned occasionally during the story, as Don has a tendon injury in his knee, someone goes for an eye test, and someone receives a vaccination.
Bullying: Suffered by child characters in the story.
Medical content: Mentioned occasionally during the story, as Don has a tendon injury in his knee, someone goes for an eye test, and someone receives a vaccination.
This book series remains one of my favorites, and I have no problem enjoying them over and over again. I love the quirky plots, the characters, and the content. Just one of those books that clicked with me and I hate putting them down. The discussions about autism are really interesting and while I don't feel I know enough to comment too much, I think this last book brought up some interesting points about the different perspectives on an important issue. I also just love the way Don deals with complications in his life. The way he multitasks and is able to take the time to logically think through things is a real inspiration for me.
“I had observed that neurotypicals criticized autistic people for lacking empathy… but seldom made any effort to improve their own empathy towards autistic people.”
“See how it works? When men are the majority, they make the rules; when they're a minority they get special treatment.”
“I had observed that neurotypicals criticized autistic people for lacking empathy… but seldom made any effort to improve their own empathy towards autistic people.”
“See how it works? When men are the majority, they make the rules; when they're a minority they get special treatment.”
4.5!
Not my favourite in the series, but it was still as interesting, charming and quirky as the previous two books.
I love the people in Don Tillman's world, their relationship with him, and how he views everything. Well written and follows a steady pace; definitely recommend the series!
Not my favourite in the series, but it was still as interesting, charming and quirky as the previous two books.
I love the people in Don Tillman's world, their relationship with him, and how he views everything. Well written and follows a steady pace; definitely recommend the series!
Wow, what a strong and intelligent ending to the Don and Rosie story! This book had the perfect balance of old (returning to Australia, Don being Don) and the new (parenting Hudson, who is clearly on the spectrum too). Seeing Don apply his own unique way of thinking to problems we all face (friends, relationships, parenting, work, socializing) make the reader both laugh and ponder. There is so much wit and heart in this book, as in the former installments. I enjoyed reuniting with the Tillman family and am so happy that Simsion maintained such a high quality in his wonderful series.
The fine print: received ARC from NetGalley.
The fine print: received ARC from NetGalley.
I’m sorry to say goodbye.
I have really enjoyed getting to know these characters and I will miss them. I really enjoy the fact that this writer has made Autistic characters that are successful and well rounded.
My favourite part to paraphrase Graeme’s observations.
Why is it that neurotypicals criticise Autistics for lacking empathy – towards them – but seldom made any effort to improve their own empathy towards autistic people.
Well said Graeme Simsion.
I have really enjoyed getting to know these characters and I will miss them. I really enjoy the fact that this writer has made Autistic characters that are successful and well rounded.
My favourite part to paraphrase Graeme’s observations.
Why is it that neurotypicals criticise Autistics for lacking empathy – towards them – but seldom made any effort to improve their own empathy towards autistic people.
Well said Graeme Simsion.
Wat ben ik blij dat ik deze serie afmaak, ik heb Don gemist. Zijn onhandigheid heeft me meerdere keren aan het lachen gemaakt.
Ze haalden echt belangrijke onderwerpen in dit boek aan zoals het discrimineren op basis van ras en gender. Echt goed dat ze dat doen!
Verder vind ik het reteinteressant om een kijkje te krijgen in Dons hoofd en hoe hij de wereld ziet. Goed einde van de triologie.
Ze haalden echt belangrijke onderwerpen in dit boek aan zoals het discrimineren op basis van ras en gender. Echt goed dat ze dat doen!
Verder vind ik het reteinteressant om een kijkje te krijgen in Dons hoofd en hoe hij de wereld ziet. Goed einde van de triologie.