With THE ROSIE EFFECT, the engaging sequel to The Rosie Project, Graeme Simsion has done it again! Readers will return eagerly to the misadventures of Don Tillman and his wife, Rosie. In this installment, Don is working at Columbia University and Rosie is completing her PhD in medicine.

Rosie announces to Don "we are pregnant!"And Don, in his logical way deduces that it is impossible because 1) it implied that his state had changed as well as Rosie's, 2) they hadn't scheduled it, and 3) Rosie was using oral contraceptives. But she IS pregnant.

Graeme Simsion takes the anxiety of a expectant father multiplies it several times over. Don Tillman is a perfectionist and he is determined to be a perfect helper to Rosie and father to B.U.D. (baby under development). He is the cook in the family, so he takes it upon himself to improve Rosie's nutrition. He researches relentlessly and she is not happy with being told what to eat and what activities to avoid. He shops for and buys the perfect stroller. He has his father design the perfect (and soundproof) crib. He sees everything as a series of problems waiting to be solved. Rosie feels controlled and under pressure. She tells him to get out of her way and take care of himself.

Don decides to work on himself and develop some parenting skills. He thinks that watching children play will give him some understanding of children. He starts taking a video at a playground, and is arrested as a possible pedophile. He doesn't tell Rosie because he reasons that it will stress her, and stress will increase her cortisol levels, and cortisol is harmful to B.U.D.

This is just the beginning of THE ROSIE EFFECT and how it impacts every aspect of their lives; both personal and professional. Introduce the influence and problems of some not-so-average friends who make claims on Don's time as well...and it becomes a hilarious formula for disaster.

Simsion has created an endearing and flawed character in Don. He is always honest. He will try to solve any problem that comes his way. He never means any harm. Some people think he has no feelings. He argues that just because his emotions are controlled, it doesn't mean that he lacks them. People try to label him, but he resists as he has his whole life.

I admire both Don Tillman the character AND Graeme Simsion the author. There is a lesson in this book, but it doesn't beat a person over the head; it humorously coaxes understanding and acceptance for all people despite their quirks and differences. I positively anticipate a further installment. In other words, I hope there's another sequel!