Book Review #8: The Rosie Project

Here I am, with a cup of tea, listening to some enchanting Hans Zimmer instrumentals; writing a blog post after two weeks. Feels so good just to sit down and write something that is actually relaxing for me (all I have been doing is uni assignments).

I recently finished reading The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. One of my most special friends begged me to read this book as she thought it was absolutely wonderful. The problem with me though is that I am incredibly cynical when it comes to romance novels (besides ones written by Jojo Moyes ofcourse!). I just find it so hard to be swept up in their totally unrealistic, often way too fluffy story lines.  Forgive me.

I am more than aware that this book is an international sensation; gosh- it even has a 4 star rating out of 5 on goodreads! So in saying this, I want to warn you before you read this post, that if you love romance novels, please don’t change your mind about reading this book as you will most probably love it. I just have often frustrating novel tastes.

The Rosie Project is centered on Don Tillman who is a professor of genetics. I can tell you now that this guy was an unusual character for me to wrap my head around. He has never been on a second date, he can count all his friends on the fingers of one hand and he is determined to concede the statistical probability that there is someone for everyone. With this, he embarks upon The Wife Project. He determined to find his soul mate; a punctual, logical women who is most definitely not a barmaid, smoker, drinker or late arriver.

Yet Rosie Jarman is all these things and is on a quest of her own. She is looking for her biological father, a search that a certain DNA expert might be able to help her with. Don's Wife Project takes a back burner to the Father Project and an unlikely relationship blooms, forcing the scientifically minded geneticist to confront the spontaneous whirlwind that is Rosie.

Im sorry, but just by reading that synopsis, can’t you already tell how the book is going to end? I will admit, sometimes books like these are good to read as they are just so effortless and easy. Though, the problem often for me is that I loose interest when there isn’t that element of unknown and anticipation draped over each page.

I honestly found Don such a frustrating character. His constant calculations of the statistical probability of absolutely everything become incredibly annoying. I understand that the author was trying to make a definite distinction between the lack of compatibility between Rosie and Don but it made the story line quite hard to digest somewhat realistically. This is particularly relevant towards the end of the book. I just found it hard to put two and two together and see a positive resolution without cringing at how awkward and how hard it was to believe.

However, I really did love Rosie’s character. She was probably the most realistic aspect of this novel. She was so incredibly down to earth and likeable. I actually think it was Rosie that kept me reading this book. It was like she balanced out the novel and gave it a breath of fresh air.

See, there were some positives about this book in the end! I will commend Simsion in that this book was written in a great format. It was easy to read and I enjoyed the sarcasm and wittiness incorporated into most of it. If you’re looking for a relaxing read, definitely check out The Rosie Project!

Previous book reviews:
Book Review #7: The Martian

My May Book Reads Part 2

My May Book Reads Part 1

My new favourite book: The Goldfinch

Book Review #3: Nineteen Minutes

Book Review #2: Me Before You

Book Review #1: Orange is the New Black

Book Review #7: The Martian

Science fiction is definitely out of my comfort zone. Believe it or not, this is only the second science fiction novel I have ever read! Don’t worry; I’m just as disappointed in myself as you are.  

I am honestly SO incredibly glad I picked up this novel. The language choices were very different to anything I have really ever read before, but I absolutely love how it forced me to think and look at things in a new way.  

By this stage you’re probably dying to know what on earth this book is about. Well, rest assured that I am here to put all your concerns to rest. This novel is centered on the astronaut, Mark Watney, who is a botanist and mechanical engineer. During the Ares 3 Mission, the crew was forced to evacuate their landing site on Mars due to a dust storm and dangerously high winds. As a result of this Watney was left stranded and assumed dead with no way to signal earth that he is in fact alive. Though, even if he could find a way to communicate with earth, by the time of the next mission to 
Mars all of his supplies would be long gone.

Watney heroically grapples with damaged machinery and the ruthless environment; determined to not give up just yet.  He draws upon his botanical knowledge and engineering skills in an attempt to overcome what seems like an infinite amount of obstacles.

I’m not going to lie, some of the scientific jargon did go over my head, but I was still able to have a thorough understanding of everything that was happening. This is definitely one aspect I really appreciate about how Weir wrote this novel.  He wrote it in a way that both science lovers and just average book worms like myself could follow.  Though I really do believe that the “sciency” aspect of this novel needed to be there. It made the story line seem so much more authentic and intense. I really appreciated how meticulous Weir was with how he chose to write this novel, it gave me a new appreciation for space and science alike. Seriously though, Astronauts have to be some of the most smart and bad-ass people on the planet...or should I say in the galaxy?

Something I also loved about this book were the characters. Each of them were so wonderfully crafted and finely tuned, that it was impossible for me dislike any of them. In fact, there aren’t many novels where I actually wish the characters were REAL! There was so much banter and dark humour present in each of the characters interactions in this novel. Thankfully, it wasn’t the kind of cringe worthy humour that you find it most fiction novels which is usually not even remotely amusing. There were so many lines in this book where I literally laughed out loud. I couldn’t help it! It was so ingenious, sharp and witty.  Thank you Weir for redeeming my belief that written humour CAN be funny!

I love a novel about a deserving hero. It is virtually impossible to not find yourself supporting Watney and hoping that he will overcome every obstacle.  This spectacular and intriguing novel will undoubtedly keep you hooked from beginning to end. The amount of research that Weir has put into writing this novel has made it a complete and utter masterpiece. I’m seriously hoping that the movie will live up to this insanely brilliant survival story.

Check out some of my other book reviews:
My May Book Reads: Part 1
My May Book Reads: Part 2
My New Favourite Book: The Goldfinch
Book Review: Me Before You
Book Vs Movie: Gone Girl

My May Book Reads:Part 2 (Book Review #6)

Here is the second installment of 'My May Book Reads'. Enjoy!

Landline by Rainbow Rowell

 My utter dislike of and disappointment in this book came as a complete surprise! Particularly as it was awarded Good Reads Best Fiction Novel of 2014.

I purchased this book almost certain that I was going to love it, as there was just so much hype around it! Although now, I really wish I hadn’t wasted the money.

This novel is centered on Georgie McCool who is a comedy writer in L.A. As she is fully focused on her career, her relationship with her husband, Neal, becomes distant. 

Just two days before they are meant to visit Neal’s family for Christmas in Omaha, Georgie breaks the news to Neal that she can’t go as she is planning a new show. She understands by telling Neal this that he will be disappointed, but what she doesn’t see coming is that he decides to commit to his plans of visiting his family and even decides to take their children with him.  This immediately worries Georgie, causing her to consider whether she has finally ruined the marriage. Although, that night she discovers a way to communicate with Neal in the past, uncovering an opportunity which could fix her marriage.

The thing that bothered me most about this book was that it was a wonderful story idea, but was conveyed in the blandest way possible.  It was almost as though Rowell was too lazy to create something enthralling with this story line. This idea of a “magical phone” was just so cringe worthy. It wasn’t handled well nor was it communicated correctly. I felt as though she just threw in the idea as it added a slight bit of depth and intrigue to her otherwise predictable novel.  It had no punch at all. I was contentedly reading the novel until about half way through when I considered whether something unexpected was even going to happen, and sure enough, it never did. As there was no punch to the book, it just made the story come across as completely and utterly hopeless. I am sorry Rowell, but good novels make me believe in the unbelievable and this book did not do so.

Rowell created two main characters that in my opinion were just so wrong together. Her husband Neal was the most unlikable character. I found it hard to believe he was meant to be appealing to the reader!  He was horribly miserable and unfailingly disgruntled 99% of the novel.  It became so tiresome to read.  Georgie’s determination to be with Neal and almost prove her love for him was so repetitive throughout this novel. Instead of convincing me that they were meant to be together, it made me feel the complete opposite.

There were humorous aspects of this novel, but the majority of it was lifeless.  It wasn’t the worst novel I have ever read, but it was up there. I was just expecting so much more.

Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King

So…this was my first Stephen King novel EVER. Can I just say, I felt so badass whipping out this book on the bus and at Uni. I just felt so damn cool reading a Stephen King novel. Is that really embarrassing?

This novel seriously impressed me. Looks like you have a new fan King!

The novel opens with hundreds of unemployed people lining up in the frigid hours of the night, hoping to score a spot at a job fair.  All of a sudden a lone driver, in a stolen Mercedes, plows through the crowd, running over and killing innocent people.

Months after this traumatizing event, retired cop Bill Hodges remains haunted by this unsolved crime.  When he receives an anonymous letter from the person claiming to be responsible, he awakens from his depressed state and becomes fixated on stopping the man responsible from striking a second time.

Brady Hartfield is in fact this anonymous criminal and is determined to relive the thrill of having death beneath his wheels. His devoted relationship to his equally insane mother is something that will certainly send chills down one’s spine.

Only Bill Hodges and his unlikely allies can stop Hartfield before he strikes gain. With no time to loose, Hodges battles against good and evil to decipher the chilling intentions of this murderer, before he kills thousands.

I will admit, the first hundred pages or so were a bit slow. Once I got past the initial introduction to the book, I turned each page which great amounts of anticipation, becoming absorbed by the fast developing and suspenseful plot line.  

It is impossible to not get hooked on the intriguing characters that drive this thriller novel.  I love the way novel switched between the perspectives of Hodges and Hartfield. This added intensity became gripping and addictive, especially as I could read the intentions of both characters; desperately awaiting their confrontation.  

I appreciated how King immediately introduced the identity of the murderer. I absolutely love it when authors give me an insight into the mind of those who are responsible.  It put me on the edge of my seat and I found it to be one of if not the most interesting aspect of the novel.

I really wanted to like this novel as it was my first book by King, but I didn’t have to try hard AT ALL to enjoy it.  The characters were all so incredibly unique; adding an unpredictable aspect to the novel.  The ending was brilliant; I particularly loved the final sentence.  It was so smart and evil at the same time. It totally caught me by surprise! I love finishing a book and feeling satisfaction and excitement, and that is exactly how I felt. It was such a gripping, twisted novel that kept me entertained throughout. I am so glad I have finally been able to read and acknowledge the undeniable genius of Stephen King.

My May Book Reads: Part 1 (Book Review #5)

May was a crazy month! Apologies that I have not posted for a while, things got a bit hectic as my uni semester came to a close. Now that it’s over, expect lots of new posts.

In saying this, something I found plenty of time for was reading! I got through 4 books in May that I would love to share with you all.

I started writing this post and found it kept getting longer and longer, especially as I want to properly review each book, so I have decided to split it into two parts. Enjoy!

The Children Act by Ian McEwan

This was actually the first book of the book club I have just started attending. I got to choose the first book and I have been hanging out to read this one so I simply couldn’t look passed it!

This novel simply reiterated why I love Ian McEwan. Like, can I just say WOW he is a FANTASTIC writer, I can’t help but fan girl as I write this! So without further ado, here is what the book is about:

Fiona Maye is an incredibly intelligent and well-respected High Court judge in London who oversees cases in family court. Her professional success contrasts with her love life. Her husband Jack, asks her to consider an open marriage and following an argument he decides to move out.  She subsequently decides to put all her attention into her work, especially into a sensitive case involving a seventeen-year-old boy. This boy’s parents are not granting permission for him to have a lifesaving blood transfusion as it goes against their beliefs as Jehovah’s Witness. Though, as he is a few months shy of turning 18, Fiona must decide whether he is allowed to refuse the transfusion, or grant the hospital permission to do all they can to save his life.  Battling between her husband and the pressure to appropriately resolve this case tests Fiona and sparks unprecedented scenarios that will undoubtedly keep the reader hooked throughout the course of the novel.

I was so surprised by how much I enjoyed this book. The story line was unlike anything I have ever read; it was so powerful, which in my eyes made it a rare read. The ending in particular was what struck me. I was worried as to where the novel was going to go, as I couldn’t really see a resolution as I prepared to read the final two pages, but it finished perfectly!  I was blown away by how it all came together and how it totally caught me off guard! McEwan is brilliant at finishing novels, so I suppose I shouldn’t have expected any less, he always leaves me full and content; never questioning or looking for anything more.

Even though this book is very much so centered on legal proceedings, of which I do not tend to lean towards when choosing a novel, I still found it incredibly interesting.  I found the complexity of the Jehovah’s Witness case incredibly gripping as I was intrigued by how she would appropriately resolve it, taking into consideration the importance of religion to his family.

This was a truly beautiful novel. McEwan is fantastically gifted at writing; it is so easy to get swooped up into his magical way of using words. I often find myself rereading sentences, as I am just awestruck by his mind-blowing way of perfectly expressing things, whilst managing to do so with such clarity.  I really recommend everyone to read this novel, it was tragic yet inspiring, and left me with the pressing question of what I would have done if I were in Fiona’s position.

 One Plus One by JoJo Moyes

Jojo Moyes; is there any reason for me to continue? I bet you never saw this coming; this book was beautiful. Moyes, I swear you can do no wrong! I don’t usually tend to read romance novels, but when it comes to Moyes I simply have to make an exception. 

This book is centered on single mother, Jess Thomas. Her husband has left her and she works as a house cleaner, scrambling to find enough money to pay the bills and support her mathematically gifted daughter, Tanzie, and video game addicted stepson, Nicky, who is constantly being bullied because of his love for eye makeup.  When her daughter is given the opportunity of a lifetime to compete in a math Olympiad which may win her tuition at the school of the gifted, Jess is determined to do all she can to ensure a better future for her daughter. The journey to get Tanzie and her step son from a small town in London to the competition in Scotland seems like an impossible feat, but right when Jess is in the worst possible position to be in, Ed Nicholls, an obnoxious millionaire whom she cleans for shows up causing a whole new journey to unfold.

It is not an overly complex story line, but I believe where Moyes succeeds is that she has incorporated such a vast amount of emotion into this story that with each page I couldn’t stop guessing how the book was actually going to turn out.  

The main characters Ed and Jess were just so lovable. I really admired Jess, despite everything that was thrown at her she remained optimistic. This added a really relatable aspect to the novel and helped her come across as a much more ”real” character.  Even though Ed came across as an obnoxious tech head, it was beautiful to see how time and unfortunate circumstances could change him, causing him to become selfless and dependable. Moyes perfectly intertwined these two characters. I loved seeing their relationship grow from strong dislike and annoyance to something passionate and surprising.

The romance aspect was not the main part of the story, which I really appreciated. It just shows how incredible of a writer Moyes is, in that she is able to incorporate additional foundational themes of bullying, school, family, divorce and the challenges of growing up into a single novel.

You have made it to the end of this mammoth blog post… CONGRATS! The second part will be my review on Landline by Rainbow Rowell and Mr. Mercedes by Stephen King (in my opinion the second part of this post is waay more interesting, stay tuned!).