Cover Image: The Rosie Result

The Rosie Result

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Member Reviews

The Rosie Result by Graeme Simsion is the 3rd book in a series featuring geneticist Don Tillman who has one of the most interesting "voices" I've come across while reading. In this book, Don, Rosie, and their now grown up son Hudson have returned to Melbourne. The transition from New York to Australia does not go smoothly. To help the situation, Don decides to take a year off from work in order to devote himself to the Hudson Project which involves trying to find ways to help his son fit in better at school. In typical Don Tillman fashion, Don’s solutions don’t always go as planned especially when Hudson has a few of his own ideas for fitting in at school.
This book featured a large cast of characters who interact with Don and his family along the way. I wish I had read the other two books in the series more recently to remember some of the characters’ back stories better and how these characters know Don. So, if you are reading this review and haven’t read the first two books yet, I think it would be a wise idea to start at book one and read the books in quick succession.
As an educator, I liked how the author addressed the different issues related to autism and how students with autism could be accommodated or treated in different aspects of life. I have witnessed different levels of support for students with autism as well as interacted with parents or guardians who have very different views about what they feel is best for their child who has autism. It’s not a one size fits all situation when it comes to dealing with students or adults with autism, so I thought the final message that the author gives on this topic to be quite well versed.
Overall, I thought the book to be clever, funny, entertaining, and worth reading. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read The Rosie Result. All thoughts expressed in this review are my honest opinions of the book.

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Three stars. I loved The Rosie Project, and while I enjoyed many things about this book, it struggles a bit to reclaim the magic of the original. I love the ingenuity of some of the dialogue, but I’m not sure the humor is as overt as I remember from The Rosie Project. Don (and now Hudson) are compelling characters, and I’m glad the focus was on them in this book (Rosie feels very much relegated to a side character). However, sometimes this book felt disjointed, and I often had trouble following the dialogue. Enjoyable, but I likely won’t pick it up again.

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I have been a true fan of Don Tillman and was thrilled when a third installment to the series was coming out. The honest, no nonsense mind of Don is absolutely refreshing and eye opening. Each of the first two books taught be important lessons on not judging someone on first impressions.

In <I>The Rosie Result</I> Don gets to test all of the lessons he learned about social situations and queues that others may develop intuitively on his son. A fine line was drawn between Don and his son, Hudson, and their similarities. Don made it a priority that Hudson did not have issues assimilating to the outside world in ways that he, himself, did at the same age.

Whether it was intentional or not, this book taught me to not give up and get frustrated. I will admit, <I>The Rosie Result</I> took me a long time to get through. Much longer than expected and obviously anticipated. Graeme Simsion gave this book a personality much similar to Don and Hudson's. I had a hard time following the writing pattern at times and it took me way too long to realize that I needed to approach this story as if I was communicating with a human with patience and understanding. Like I said, I have no idea if this approach was intentional, but the connection certainly struck home with me and put it on a whole other level of understanding the uniqueness of the human mind.

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Graeme Simsion does it again....this series of books is adorable, and you fall in love with the characters. Thank you for allowing me the chance to review this book.

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The Rosie Resut was a refreshing return to what initially attracted me to the series. The writing was tight and the storyline, once it found its rhythm, Don, our main character, continually tries to figure out how to be a husband and father, while simultaneously manuevering his relationship with his ailing father. The dynamics within the relationships, as well as Don’s style and quirks, lend themselves to a tale of discovery, redemption, and self awareness. This book is less about Don and Rosie, as well as their friends than the other two; instead, it focuses more on their son, Don’s work, and Don’s family. There are a number of situations though that will at least make you pause, if not fully laugh at loud. In addition, autism is addressed more directly in this book and it is done in a respectable manner. I do recommend reading the first two books, as many references are made in this one that won’t make sense without prior knowledge.

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It was great to be back in the life of Don Tillman. He’s just as honest, literal, and funny as he was in previous books. This time he’s navigating life as a dad to an 11 year old.

I received an advanced copy through Netgalley in return for an honest review.

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Rosie and Don are like close family friends at this point. I love them and hearing about how they are doing. Every single character is love-able in their own way and I'm always sad to finish the book because I want to be a part of their family so badly! I love the conversation about Nature vs Nurture and the autism diagnosis. I'm almost bummed that I read an ARC for this because it means I need to wait even longer for the next book!

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In The Rosie Result, the final installment in Graeme Simsion's Don Tillman series, Don and Rosie have moved back to Australia with their eleven-year-old son Hudson. When Don is asked a question about race in the class he is teaching, he finds himself in hot water. But he's not the only one. Hudson is having trouble adjusting to his new school and, after a meltdown in class, the principal wants him tested for autism. When Don's boss at the university learns of this, she suggests that Don be tested too as a means of saving his job. However, after attending a seminar on autism, Don and Rosie decide instead that Don will open a cocktail bar at night and stay home with Hudson during the day to help him with social skills. Fortunately, given Don's own somewhat lacking social skills, Don and Rosie have lots of friends willing to help out.

I have read all three books in the series and I have loved them. They are sweet, charming, at times hilarious, and always satisfying. If you have read the other two books in the series, you really have to read this one. If you haven't read the series, I recommend it highly.

<i>Thanks to Netgalley and Text Publishing for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review</i>

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This is the perfect final instalment in the Don Tillman trilogy. Don and Rosie move back to Australia with their son, Hudson. Don takes on the task of helping Hudson fit in at school. He worries that he is conforming to the behaviours associated with autism, so he tries to “fix” him. Don often reflects on his own childhood and the ways his father tried to make him fit in, but it didn’t always work.

Along with addressing the complex issues around autism, this story also discusses vaccinations. One of Hudson’s friends is not vaccinated because her father is a homeopath and doesn’t believe in vaccinations. However, once the girl learns more about science, she decides that she doesn’t have the same values as her father. Don gets a little too involved, which adds some tension to the story.

I really enjoyed reading about Don. He’s a fun character. He misunderstood a lot of things in the world in the previous books. In this book, he made more jokes and understood the sarcasm much better, and he was still very funny.

I really enjoyed this story!

Thank you Text Publishing for providing a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

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Ah, Don Tillman. He is one of my favourite fictional characters of all time. The author, Graeme Simsion, does a wonderful job at writing the perspective of someone with autism. His writing puts the reader in Don's shoes and allows the reader to view the world through Don's perspective. It's seamless in that the reader can determine what is really happening in a scene, and compare it with Don's interpretation.

The Rosie Result catches up with Don and Rosie who now have an eleven year old son, Hudson. The novel has a different tone than the prior two novels, as it covers important issues regarding identity, addressing mental health issues and growing up in a more accepting, diverse world. Don grew up without a diagnosis and has to determine if he should have his son formally diagnosed. He tries different methods in determining whether Hudson is on the spectrum but ultimately just wants his son to be happy. Don's primary concern is Hudson having to go through the tough things that he experienced growing up, such as social isolation, loneliness and difficulty "fitting in".

The Rosie Result is laugh-out-loud funny but also tender and heart-wrenching, giving all readers a fresh perspective on autism-spectrum disorder. I'm completely satisfied with the conclusion to this trilogy and I recommend the entire series to all readers.

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Don and Rosie are back!! Time has passed, and their son Hudson is now 11 years old. Hudson takes after his father in many ways, which leads to some difficulties for him at school. But luckily for him, he has two caring parents who want nothing but the best for him. The question is, what IS best for an 11 year old who is incredibly intelligent but not so skilled socially? Don can relate to Hudson's difficulties, and Don is a great problem solver, but he quickly learns that he can't fix everything using his experience and logic. He'll have to rely on his friends to help, and some new characters appear in the story also.

I really love this series. Apparently it was a planned trilogy, so this is the last one, which is a little bit of a bummer. I definitely recommend reading all 3 in order. Seeing how the characters progress through the books has been a real joy.

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I adored Graeme Simsion's novel The Rosie Project, the first book that introduced us to Don Tillman. (my review)

The Rosie Result is the third book chronicling Don's life. And life has moved on. He and Rosie have moved back to Australia - along with their eleven year old son Hudson. And you know that old saying - like father, like son? Well, Don and Hudson fit that description. But....is Hudson really autistic? Rosie and Don debate over having a formal diagnosis done. In the meantime, Don's latest project is to help Hudson fit into his new school and environment.

I truly like Don and his take on life. This latest book only cements that opinion. Hudson is just well drawn. I enjoyed seeing life from Hudson's viewpoint as he attempts to circumnavigate friendship, bullying, sports, academics, social norms and all the other things that go with with making your way through life. I did find the behaviour of the school towards Hudson to be upsetting. But I applaud Don and Rosie's advocating on his behalf.

Don and Rosie are also having difficulties - especially with work. Don of course comes up with a brilliant idea - opening a bar to take advantage of their cocktail making talents. His problem solving skills are always ingenious and for the most part effective. Although there are a few that don't go quite as planned - the video clips of animals mating for sex-ed purposes is one example.

Supporting cast members from previous books also end up in Australia. Dave is a perennial favourite of mine. I must admit, I didn't really like Rosie in the second book. I'm happy to say that she has redeemed herself in this latest and is much kinder.

The Rosie Result is by turns humorous, eye-opening and heart warming. Those who have have enjoyed the previous two books will enjoy catching up with Rosie and Don and meeting Hudson. I did. I wonder if there will be another book in the future for Don as Hudson grows up.
I think the book could have been shortened up a bit. It comes in at 386 pages and I did find that some situations were re-hashed and began to feel repetitive.

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If there is one thing you can say about the Don Tillman series, its that it is consistently endearing.

The Rosie Result follows Don, Rosie and their 11 year old son Hudson after they relocate from New York back to Australia. Once back, all three Tillman's are having a hard time finding their spot. Rosie is feeling pressure balancing her professional life with being a mother. Don is in a job he has no experience in and soon finds himself in hot water after a failed genetics lecture. Hudson is struggling to fit in and make friends in his new school. In order to help Hudson find his place and avoid a lonely childhood he experienced, Don quits his job and takes on the Hudson Project to help him gain the skills he deems necessary to survive.

The Rosie Result it exactly what you'd expect from the Don Tillman series. Its sweet, charming, humorous and cringe-worthy at the same time.

The Rosie Result is unlikely to draw in any new readers, and its not really necessary for readers for the Rosie Project to carry on with this book. But if you're in the mood for a sweet short read with some mild hi-jinx this is a solid follow up.

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I love The Rosie Project and was excited to get a chance to read this third book in the series! It's a satisfying addition and I loved Don's relationship with his son. Lots of humor, but not lacking in thoughtfulness either. Recommended!

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The Rosie series is such a wonderful concept. I love reading about an adult on the autism spectrum that treats the condition as both a challenge and asset. Don is delightful and his interaction with his son is touching. The humor is a welcome way to get adults reading books about characters with learning differences without trying to slog through a non-fiction title that many wouldn't touch.

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A great ending to an enjoyable series. I think this is an eye opening book for those not familiar with children and adults on the spectrum,

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Thank you NetGalley and Publisher for this early copy!

The Rosie Project was the romance novel that got me into adult fiction. The first book was a five star read while I struggled with book two but I was more than happy to finish off this series on a high note! Simsion expanded on his characters in great ways. He tackled a lot of important topics about parenting and autism. I will for sure be picking up from this author. His prose is easy to read and I always enjoy the moments he creates between characters.

I recommend checking out this well-written series with interesting characters and important topics.

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Wow, what a strong and intelligent ending to the Don and Rosie story! This book had the perfect balance of old (returning to Australia, Don being Don) and the new (parenting Hudson, who is clearly on the spectrum too). Seeing Don apply his own unique way of thinking to problems we all face (friends, relationships, parenting, work, socializing) make the reader both laugh and ponder. There is so much wit and heart in this book, as in the former installments. I enjoyed reuniting with the Tillman family and am so happy that Simsion maintained such a high quality in his wonderful series.

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The Rosie Result by Graeme Simsion is the last book in the Don Tillman trilogy. I jumped on the opportunity to request an advanced reader copy of this book. Over the years, I’ve had the pleasure of reading both The Rosie Project (book one) and The Rosie Effect (book two) and this latest installment did not disappoint. The Rosie Result has gone full circle and brings the trilogy to a nice, neat, hilarious close.

Don and Rosie have had challenges in their relationship and marriage but now, they are facing how to support their son Hudson, who is struggling at school as well as in other social situations. Don understands Hudson because he’s faced a lifetime of socially awkward moments and both Rosie and Don want to ensure that Hudson is properly represented in school and life. What does life look like for someone, according to Don, with “no filter”?

This book is well-written with witty prose and an uplifting spirit. I actually laughed out loud while reading it. The characters are loveable and you want the best for them at every turn. The Rosie Result provides responsible representation with a splash of mirth and pure love. The Don Tillman trilogy is officially among my favorite trilogies and I plan to revisit these books again in the future.

I received a review copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley for my honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

Synopsis from the Publisher/NetGalley.com
Don Tillman and Rosie Jarman are about to face their most important challenge.

Their eleven-year-old son, Hudson, is struggling at school: he’s socially awkward and not fitting in. Don’s spent a lifetime trying to fit in—so who better to teach Hudson the skills he needs?

The Hudson Project will require the help of friends old and new, force Don and Rosie to decide how much to guide Hudson and how much to let him be himself, and raise some significant questions about Don’s own identity.

Meanwhile, there are multiple distractions to deal with: the Genetics Lecture Outrage, Rosie’s troubles at work, estrangement from Don's best friend Gene…

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Published in Australia by Text Publishing on May 28, 2019

The Rosie Result takes place about ten years after The Rosie Effect. Don Tillman is content, as is Rosie. They have a healthy and happy child named Hudson. At least, he’s happy until Rosie is offered a job in Australia that she wants to accept. Hudson does not accept changes in routine any more readily than Don. In fact, Hudson is sort of a Don Jr. in his lack of social skills, his love of predictable schedules, and his preference for math to sports. Child-raising not being a skill that comes naturally to Don, it is time to embark on a new project: the Hudson Project.

Don is the same quirky character readers loved in the earlier novels. He refers to a stroller as a “baby vehicle.” He has little tact, although he has generally learned to recognize and avoid potentially tactless statements.

Don has little difficulty finding a position as a professor of genetics in Melbourne. His tactlessness causes an uproar when he chooses an arguably insensitive exercise to convey a lesson about genetics and race to his students, a professional stumble that is heightened by a student’s decision to broadcast it on Twitter. The video is taken out of context, but no university wants to be seen as employing a racist.

When a colleague suggests that he might gain some protection by being diagnosed with autism (making his social blunders more acceptable in the world of academic politics), Don has understandable reservations about playing a disability card. He resists being labeled as autistic despite his secret fear that the label might be accurate.

And then there’s the elementary school that is trying to pin the same label on Hudson. Given that Don’s greatest skill is problem solving, he embarks on an effort to help Hudson gain the acceptance of school administrators and classmates. He also wants to maximize Rosie’s career options and to solve his friend Dave’s obesity and marital problems by reprising a career that he developed in one of the earlier novels.

The Rosie Result is quite different from the first Rosie books, but quite wonderful in its own way. The first book was hilarious in its portrayal of two completely different individuals who fall in love and make it work. The second book features humor in a similar vein with the addition of a pregnancy. By the third novel, the reader knows what to expect from Don, whose insistent embrace of reason over emotion drives the humor in the first two books. The Rosie Result has many light moments, but the story tackles autism more directly than the first two novels and does so in a serious way.

The novel presents a stark contrast between two competing perspectives on children with autism, or if you prefer, autistic children. Those who use the phrase “children with autism” believe the children have a disorder that needs to be treated, but the disorder should not define the children. Those who say “autistic children” believe that autistic behavior is a defining charateristic of who they are, and other people should either accept them or learn to deal with them. Don approaches the issue from the standpoint of rationality, as should everyone. But the most revealing perspectives come not from Don and Rosie, or from the psychologists and teachers and advocates who express their views, but from kids (including Hudson) who resist being defined by others and who demonstrate that stereotypes about autism — the autistic have no empathy, the autistic are dangerous, the autistic can’t make friends, the autistic don’t understand humor — reveal the limits of people who think in terms of labels and stereotypes rather than looking at each child as an individual.

For all of that, The Rosie Result is a warm-hearted novel. The Rosie Project works because Don overcomes limitations imposed by his character traits and grows as a person, and because Rosie sees past those character traits and accepts Don for the person he is. The Rosie Result works because Don learns to become comfortable with character traits that are not “neurotypical,” demonstrating a different kind of growth. And he come to accept that not all problems can be solved, at least when the problems involve people. Sometimes you just have to “muddle through” (although muddling through, according to Don’s research, is also a problem-solving technique).

All three novels use humor to encourage the reader to like and accept Don because he is a good person, even if he doesn’t respond to situations requiring human interaction in the way that “neurotypical” people expect. By focusing on their autistic child, The Rosie Result drives home the need to accept people like Don wiith more substance than the first two novels, but does so without sacrificing the sweetness that makes the first two novels succeed.

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