maddis_must_reads 's review for:

The Rosie Effect by Graeme Simsion

3.0

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Ohhhh mannnn. This book, just like the first, is extremely clever, humorous in ways I wouldn’t expect, and leaves the readers thinking twice about so many of the the things we’ve grown to know and accept about society/social interactions. Through Don’s growth as an empathizing, aware, and socially appropriate (his words, not mine) human, I was struck once again by how interesting it is that we take social implications and run with them… hardly without question. Through Don’s many ironic stumbles and honest misinterpretations, it allows me to challenge the social cues, standards, and assumptions we all make and participate in on a daily basis.
All of this, which as I’m typing seems so profound but really isn’t, is portrayed to the reader through dry yet heartwarming situations. It’s a great read if you want a little bit of love, humor, and surprises. I only rated it lower than 4 stars because after a little while, it seemed to be stretching out longer than I would’ve thought it needed to, and because some of the situations were not tied up as neatly as I would’ve liked given how much emphasis were put on them. I also feel like we get so little of Rosie, and I wish there were more!
Otherwise, this book and it’s predecessor are very unique and a good change in genre for me at the moment!