Midsize Woman

If you loved The Rosie Project, you know how special Don Tillman’s story is. A brilliant but socially awkward genetics professor, Don embarks on a logically designed project to find a wife, only to be thrown off course by the unpredictable, spontaneous Rosie. That first book had humor, warmth, and a charm that made it impossible to put down.

So when I picked up The Rosie Effect, the sequel, I was excited to continue following Don and Rosie’s story. But I’ll be honest: while I appreciated seeing where their lives had gone, this book didn’t capture the magic of the first. It tackles heavier themes, marriage, pregnancy, and adult struggles but in doing so, it loses some of the lightness and clarity that made the original so enjoyable.

What’s The Rosie Effect About?

Don and Rosie are now married and living in New York City. Don is a professor at Columbia University, and Rosie is studying medicine. Then comes a big surprise: Rosie is pregnant.

Don reacts with his usual methodical, research-driven approach, spreadsheets, plans, and overthinking everything. But this new chapter brings challenges: awkward social missteps, misunderstandings with friends and authorities, and real strain on their relationship.

Don moves in with his best friend Gene, whose marriage is failing. There are tense moments with social workers who question Don’s parenting potential. Rosie grows more distant and frustrated. It’s a messy, emotional journey.

My Honest Take

What Works

• Don’s Development Feels Real
  Even when the story faltered, Don’s growth felt genuine. He’s trying so hard to be a good husband and father, and that struggle rings true. His literal, logical mind confronts emotional chaos in ways that are sometimes funny, sometimes heartbreaking. That honesty keeps Don a compelling character.
• A Realistic Look at Marriage
  Few romantic comedies explore what happens after the “happily ever after.” The Rosie Effect dares to show that love isn’t easy, communication can break down, stress mounts, and people can drift apart even when they care deeply. That honesty is refreshing and brave.
• New York Brings Fresh Challenges
  The change of setting gives Don new cultural hurdles and social situations to navigate, adding some freshness to the story. Watching Don try to adapt to American norms provides some light moments amid the tension.
• Simsion’s Writing Remains Accessible
  The prose is still clear, engaging, and easy to read. Even when the plot felt scattered, I found myself flipping pages quickly, a testament to Simsion’s skill.

What Didn’t Work for Me

• Rosie’s Character Feels Different
  In the first book, Rosie was vibrant, warm, and unpredictable, the perfect foil to Don’s logic. Here, she becomes distant, frustrated, and harder to connect with. While pregnancy and stress explain some of this, it felt like she lost the spark that made her such a great character. This change made parts of their relationship harder to relate to.
• The Humor Takes a Backseat
  The first book was laugh-out-loud funny thanks to Don’s quirks and misunderstandings. This one is more serious, fitting the heavier subject matter, but that means fewer genuinely funny moments. Some awkward situations felt more painful than charming, and this tonal shift made the book feel heavier overall.
• Plot and Side Stories Felt Messy
  The main story: Don and Rosie preparing for parenthood is solid, but the book gets tangled in side plots that don’t always connect well. Gene’s failing marriage, Don’s parenting “experiments,” and run-ins with social services felt like distractions. Some plot twists lacked clear payoff, leaving me confused and less engaged.

Final Verdict: Is The Rosie Effect Worth Reading?

If you loved The Rosie Project, you should absolutely continue Don and Rosie’s story, just don’t expect the same tone or pacing. This book is messier, slower, and more serious. It’s less a rom-com and more a domestic drama about real relationship struggles.

Despite its flaws, The Rosie Effect has heart. Don’s voice remains unique and engaging, and the honest portrayal of marriage and impending parenthood is valuable, even if it’s not always easy to read. I’m curious to see how the trilogy wraps up in The Rosie Result.

My Rating: ★★★★☆ (4 out of 5)

Charming moments and emotional honesty keep it afloat, and while the sequel lacks some of the humor and clear plotting that made the first book so delightful, it still offers a meaningful and engaging continuation of Don and Rosie’s story.