Fan of Don Tillman? Join webchat with The Rosie Project/Effect author Graeme Simsion on Wednesday 11 March, 9-10pm

[RachelMumsnet]

"Best. Decision. Ever" wrote Mnetter SecretSpy when she followed advice of other readers and picked up Graeme Simsion's The Rosie Project. It was undoubtedly one of the most discussed books of the year.

Graeme Simsion's sequel, The Rosie Effect is now in paperback and we're delighted that author Graeme Simsion will be joining us on this thread to discuss the books and answer your questions on Wednesday 11 March between 9 and 10 pm. Find out more about the books and post your questions in advance to this thread.

I LOVED The Rosie Project, such a funny book, but I could relate to it soo much ... would love a free copy of The Rosie Effect!!

Either way web chat has been pencilled in my diary!!

I was given this for Christmas, hadn't heard of if and had no expectations but once I started reading I couldn't stop! So funny and looking forward to reading The Rosie Effect.

I was wondering why Graeme decided to make Don almost a caricature of someone with Asperger's. Was the character based on someone you knew and did you feel at all uneasy that you might be seen as poking fun at people on the spectrum? I didn't read it this way and think Don would have thought his own description perfectly reasonable and logical but am just curious.

I've read both and loved them.
There was a scene in the Rosie Effect that was truly hilarious (won't spoil). Will pop in to web chat and wonder whether there will be any more of Don in the future?

I loved The Rosie Project - an unexpected delight last year, so much so that I ended up buying several copies for friends and family! I've been slightly putting off reading The Rosie Effect as I was worried it wouldn't live up to the first book so I'm encouraged by what you say SecretSquirrels. Fingers crossed for a free copy!

Would love to win a copy of The Rosie Effect. I loved loved loved the first book and have bought several copies as Christmas gifts for friends.
Keeping my fingers crossed.

Brilliant - The Rosie Project was my favourite book of last year, I loved it. Will look forward to the webchat.

I adored the first, and am halfway through the Rosie Effect now on my Kindle. I can't wait to see the movie! I've been arguing (with myself) over who should play Don - can Benedict Cumberbatch do an Aussie accent!!!?

oh yes, Benedict definitely!
Rosie Project was absolutely fabulous. Couldn't put it down. Can't wait to read The Rosie Effect

Just finished the Rosie Effect and loved it. Looking forward to the web chat!

I've applied, here's hoping!

I received the Rosie Project today (so thrilled and over the moon! thanks!), and I must say, I can't wait to get started! The reviews seem to be all positive. Definitely looking forward to the web chat too!

We had the Rosie Project for our book club last autumn. Still the best choice so far.

Got a free copy - yay! Thanks MN. First few scenes made me snort with laughter, travelling on the tube.

A copy of The Rosie Project popped through my letter box yesterday. Thank you. Looking forward to starting it this weekend while hubby is away.

I received a copy the Rosie Project , and have just started reading it. This is not my usual genre of choice, but loving what I've read so far.

Loved The Rosie Effect

I had tears envisaging the dancing scenario on his date. Had to put the book down I was laughing so much!

Read the Rosie Project last week and reading the Rosie Effect this week - really enjoying it and will be logging in.

Graeme - I also wondered about the 'poking fun' aspect. I thought it was very, very funny, but was embarrassed to find myself laughing at first, not least because someone with on the autistic spectrum may well not appreciate why it is funny - is it OK to laugh?

^^ me again. Obviously it is OK to laugh or you wouldn't have written it to be funny - but why is it OK to laugh?

Second the "why is it OK to laugh?" question.
I'm reading it for a book group and the only positive thing I can think about this book is that it is extremely quick to read. Am I missing the subtle nuances?

Don & Rosie, to my mind, personify modern day relationships.. Despite all the complications they manage to make a life together. The Rosie Project is endearing, quirky and charming. It is my ideal book gift for women age 20 -50 who will all hopefully she the positive message about acceptance it radiates.

Top tip: The audiobook is narrated marvellously by Dan O'Grady and I have played it to death.. a splendid book to listen to and while away the hours!

I have heard about The Rosie Project being made into a film and I have all the usual apprehension about one of my favourite novels being translated to this medium. I have heard that Graeme originally wrote the novel with the idea always being that it would make a perfect film. Is this true? Perhaps Graeme has his own thoughts on how the charm will be portrayed in the film? For example, who would he ideally see as the leads actors and actresses?

If you have read The Rosie Project and are interested in reading The Rosie Effect please take a look at my review.. I promise it will convince you!

I don't normally laugh out loud at books, but I certainly did with this one, it was REALLY funny. The main character is unusual and the way he thinks about things and what he does off the back of that is hilarious. A thoroughly entertaining read, will definitely read more from this author.

Really enjoyed 'The Rosie Project' which I found very original and unusual with likeable characters and very funny in places. Loved the comments made by the book's main character about people's BMI's and ages upon meeting strangers for the first time. An entertaining read indeed.

Question for Graeme Simsion

I LOLd a lot and loved the story. But there were times I felt I was laughing at someone's disability. Does equality mean we laugh at everyone equally?

Are you as an author doing anything to campaign for autism in adults to be celebrated?

How must society change so that people like Don Tillman can acknowledge that he has autism, and be out and proud about it, instead of in denial, with his "friends" laughing at him behind his back?

Adored The Rosie Project-my brother, and possibly the rest of us-they say they're trying to see if there's a genetic link but personally I'm pretty sure there's something-has AS and I related to so much of Don's actions. I was wondering, did you get protective of Don in relation to reviews?As in did you take exception to any reviews concerning Don's AS in how they saw him as a person?Hope this question makes sense!Again, great book, laughed so much and enjoyed it so much!By the way as an aside, his logic was bang on, gave me a new perspective on so many things!