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've got my copy (thanks) and I'm really enjoying it.

In the notes at the back of my free copy (thank you Mumsnet) the author says he originally wrote The Rosie Project as a screenplay and that makes sense, as most of the novel is conversation. When I was reading it I felt sure it was going to become a film and apparently it is.
It is a good light read, ideal for a train journey but I feel it has been a little over-praised. I was expecting more on the differences between men and women, but Don is not average enough to make this a universal story.
It is funny, I liked the lobster scene the best and Claudia is an excellent character, suitably sceptical towards her husband, and purveyor of good advice for Don.
I felt the joke about Don wore a bit thin, and that Rosie was way too sensible to take him seriously.
There was too much plot about the search for Rosie's father, which got dull, and had a so-what resolution.
Don's voice is very similar to Sheldon from Big Bang, as other Mumsnetters have noted. Don says he realised that if he could not fit in at a university science dept it would be hard for him to fit in anywhere. Very Sheldon.

I loved the book, really made me laugh in parts. I could really identify with the subject as my husband was diagnosed with Aspergers Syndrome at the grand old age of 54, which explained a lot of his "quirks".

Loved both books- thanks MN! Do you think there will be anymore in the series?

Thanks for my copy. I'm finishing
my library book then will start this and my other MN book.

Nearly finished reading The Rosie Project, and can't wait to read The Rosie Effect.
Having worked with clients on the autistic spectrum, Don Tillman is a perfect example of how the autistic mind perceives things, and the author Graeme Simsion describes this in a sympathetic but hilarious manner.

Thank you for my copy of The Rosie Project. I thought it was hilariously funny and very original. I will definitely read the sequel.

Why do you think the socially inept Don Tillman is such an appealing character to so many readers?

Did you set out to write a novel about someone with autistic tendencies, a love story or something entirely different?

I received my copy of The Rosie Project from Mumsnet the day before yesterday and am loving it so far. It's a funny, unique and intelligent book that really stands out from the crowd and makes me want to find out what happens next. I expect I'll finish it within the next few days and I'll come back and read this discussion thread in greater depth then - I daren't read it in too much detail just now for fear of spoilers!

I enjoyed The Rosie Project and am looking forward to reading the sequel. I've even suggested introducing a Standardised Meal Plan (albeit on a monthly basis) into our house as I think it could save a lot of time and effort!

My question for the webchat - do you think Asperger's is becoming a popular subject for novels? For example, as well as the Rosie books there's the The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night Time and The Boy Who Fell to Earth - is a novel with a main character who has AS likely to pique readers' curiosity and could this have beneficial effects in terms of awareness-raising?

Reading my free copy of The Rosie Project but only getting it a few days beforehand means it's a race against time to finish by tonight. I am enjoying it, and have laughed out loud in places (trying the Reverse Cowboy with a skeleton and the Dean coming in to say "when you've finished mending that skeleton")

I did wonder how realistic it is that Don doesn't apparently recognise his own traits - the part at the beginning where he gives the lecture and I think Claudia (can't remember exactly) says something like "Does that sound like anyone?".

Thank you very much for my free copy of 'The Rosie Effect.' I really enjoyed the first book, which was recommended to my partner on the basis that he might recognise some of himself in Don...The second book was still a good read, but I would be interested to know whether and how Graeme feels that the relationship between Rosie and Don deepens/develops over 'The Rosie Effect'? I was disappointed that Don appeared unable to share what he felt were the least appealing aspects of his character (including his meltdowns and the darker incidents from his earlier life) with Rosie even though they appeared to have reached such a strong understanding in the first book. It's hardly unusual to want to hide our problems from those we love, but I was disappointed that Rosie felt like such a distant and remote character for much of the second book. I would have liked to have known more about what was going on for her.

Just started my copy of The Rosie Project and enjoying it so far. Don's character really reminds me of my Mum's partner. Endearing and infuriating at the same time.

My question is - Did you base Don's character on someone you know? Or is he just a stereotype?

Thanks for my copy of The Rosie Effect. I really enjoyed The Rosie Project and zipped through it but am finding the sequel more hard going. I am only halfway through but am disappointed that Rosie appears to be a distant secondary character who appears fleetingly for a few words then is constantly disappearing into her study or catching an earlier train to work so that Don can interact with other characters without her getting in the way.

The humour is just as enjoyable as in the first book, so from that perspective I am enjoying the read. I do feel that there are too many threads to the story and, unlike the first book, it lacks a focus. Storylines are introduced, then seemingly disappear for a few chapters, then reappear again. This may be my fault as I am only reading in short bursts at the moment, but I am finding it difficult to stay interested in all the different things going on. I am hoping my interest will increase as I continue with the book.

I though this would be about Don and Rosie and their marriage and in that respect, it disappoints.

I wonder why Rosie was not featured as much?

TEST - Graeme Simsion just checking in and looking forward to this evening - a great set of questions already posted - I'll do my best!!

Hello Graeme!

Thanks for my copy of the Rosie Project which I got yesterday! So far I really like the humour threaded throughout the narrative-it helps you start to understand the issues people face.
My question is does this come from your own experience of someone close or did you need to research the thoughts and feelings involved? Are you hoping to give a voice to someone's viewpoint which normally remains hidden?
Looking forward to finishing the book and will definitely read the sequel!

I've got the book but haven't been able to read It yet as I need to finish my current book first. Also won't be joining in on the webchat as don't want to read spoilers about the second book while I'm still reading the first. Hope that's ok Mumsnet!

I was thrilled to receive my copy of The Rosie Project, I have been wanting to read it, so thankyou! I am racing through it and laughing out loud in public places.
Don is truly a comic hero and I warmed to him easily, which is rather clever considering his own lack of empathy for others. He gives a brilliant speech to a group of young people with Asperger's and their parents yet never acknowledges that he himself also has it.
It's a quirky idea, applying logic and science to find a 'solution to the wife problem' but somehow I could relate to Don's plight. Not sure what that says about me, but I wonder if Graeme intended for us as readers to find a 'way in' to the workings of Don's mind by making him such an empathetic character?

Thank you for my free copy of The Rosie Project, Mumsnet. I'm only 3 chapters in so far but am enjoying it. It's a light and easy to read book and I'm looking forward to seeing how Don develops as a character and to meeting Rosie herself!

Have started my free copy of the book (thank you) and really enjoying it so far, very addictive read! Looking forward to chat tonight and reading the responses to the questions.

I'm reading the sequel at the moment and loving it. I have recommended the first book to so many people!
I don't feel bad for finding it funny as I think Don is portrayed in a positive light. If anything, he makes more sense than anyone!
I'd like to know if you would consider a book from Rosie's perspective?

Thankyou mumsnet. Received my copy a few days ago, only a few pages in but enjoying it so far. Watching the web chat with interest.

Evening all, a very warm welcome to Graeme Simsion who is over in the UK at the moment for the launch of The Rosie Effect.

Graeme, as you may know it's Mumsnet's 15th birthday today, so it's great to have you join us and raise a on this auspicious occasion. Over to you Graeme....

Thanks Rachel. And hi (Greetings!) to all the MNers. I'm posting from Chipping Norton, where I'm on tour - a long way away from home in Melbourne, Australia. Thanks for having me on MN. My own mother was a typist and taught me to touch-type - something I'll be glad of in the next hour. I'll do my best to keep up. Ask me again if I miss something important. I don't personally identify as having Asperger's Syndrome (AS) or (as we would say now) autism spectrum disorder (ASD) (I'll use AS most of the time, because it's important to highlight that Don is high-functioning - he holds a job, has friends, is generally coping and happy with life). Nor do I have clinical knowledge of AS, though I have done some reading and discussion since writing the books. I didn't decide that Don had AS - rather, the AS community embraced him as one of their own, and expert psychologists have told me "Don has AS".

Sorry about the line breaks - I'm not going to worry about fixing them - better to get on with it...