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In this charming sequel to The Rosie Project, socially challenged genetics professor Don Tillman has married the fiery, chaotic Rosie and moved to New York. Never one for emotions, Don approaches impending fatherhood with the same logical precision he applies to science. But when Rosie gets pregnant, Don’s good intentions unleash waves of misunderstandings and cultural faux pas that threaten to derail their relationship.
Don remains a lovably exasperating narrator, obtuse yet earnest. His fish-out-of-water floundering through social minefields makes for equal parts hilarity and poignancy. Though Rosie steps back from the spotlight, we feel the weight of her frustrations as Don’s childrearing spreadsheets fail spectacularly. Yet his underlying warmth shines through the awkwardness.
However, the character growth feels less dynamic compared to the first book. While still very funny, absurd situations dominate over deeper connections at times. The tidy resolution also wraps up a bit quickly. But in the end, The Rosie Effect remains a heartening testament to embracing our messy humanity. Where the original book tackled finding unlikely love, the sequel explores the challenges of nurturing it - and proves moving in its own right.
2023