The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

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ReadOn Review by Jade:

The Rosie Project is a feel good, light-hearted novel that is narrated by a strangely charming and socially challenged genetics professor on an eccentric quest: to find true love.

Don Tillman, professor of genetics, has never been really good with love. He is a man who has few friends and whose lifelong difficulty with social rituals has convinced him that he is simply not bound for romance. So when Daphne, an acquaintance, informs him that he would make a “wonderful” husband, he is in shock. He embarks on what seems to be a low statistical probability that there is someone for everyone, and he embarks upon The Wife Project. In the scientific, evidence-based manner with which he approaches all things, Don sets out to find the perfect partner. She will be punctual and logical—most definitely not a barmaid, a smoker, a drinker, or a late-arriver. Or so he thinks?

Although the plethora of scientific jargon and confusing sequence of events follows, this book has quite a lot to offer. Despite being a hopelessly romantic novel, it features a laugh or two along the way. A definite must read.

I rate this book 4/5 ReadOn Stars.

Favourite Quote: “But why, why, why can’t people just say what they mean?”

Who do you think would enjoy The Rosie Project?

A late-teen audience would appreciate The Rosie Project as the language form (it lives up to the promise of undertaking a scientific project as there is constant jargon throughout the book) and some of the wit and humour is quite subtle. I would recommend this book to anyone aged 15 or older.

Can you recommend any other books in the library that are like it?

This book is very unique and I really enjoyed it because it is very well written. However, there aren’t any books that I could say are “like” it yet.

 

 

The Declaration by Gemma Malley

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ReadOn Review by Sarah:

The Declaration, by Gemma Malley, is about Anna (or just Surplus Anna), a girl who believes she shouldn’t exist and Peter, a boy who believes he has more right to exist than those who have lived too long.

Set in the future 127 years from now, a drug has been created to cure ageing called, ‘Longevity’. However, the drug has a price. Since people are not dying, space on Earth is becoming limited as are resources such as: energy and food. This means that people cannot have children unless they choose to ‘Opt Out’ (stop taking Longevity), basically a life for a life. The child then becomes “legal” according to The Declaration (the agreement to say, if you take Longevity you cannot have children). Then there are people who cheat the system by taking Longevity and having children – illegally. People like Anna’s parents.

Anna despises her parents and thinks of them as heartless criminals, leaving her to pay for their sins in Surplus Hall, a place for illegals or Surpluses like Anna who have to work for the basic resources they use. There, life is tough and cruel where authority rules. Anna is determined to be the best Surplus Mrs Pincent (the lady in charge of Surplus Hall) has ever had – a valuable asset. All is going well for Anna who works her way up to Prefect status (the highest title for a Surplus), that is until Peter comes along. Peter is an inquisitive boy who asks questions and fights for what he believes is right, exactly what is discouraged of Surpluses. Anna is asked to show Peter the way of a Surplus but Peter claims he has no intention of becoming a Surplus and is fine being Peter but actually came to take Anna Convey (not Surplus Anna) to her parents back home where she belongs.

If you like books that are adventurous, suspenseful and courageous, you will enjoy this book.

If you liked ‘How I live Now’ by Meg Rosoff then you might like this book too.

I’d recommend this book to years 7- 9 because the themes and language would best suit a teen range, although in all, it’s a great book that others would also enjoy.

I rate this book 5/5 ReadOn Stars.

Only Ever Always by Penni Russon

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ReadOn Review by Mrs Sylaprany:

Only Ever Always by Penni Russon is about two girls, Claire and Clara. They live in two distinct, separate worlds. Claire is facing a family crisis. Her uncle, who is about to become a father for the first time, is in a coma after a serious car accident. The family is in crisis and coming to terms with this situation. During this time, Claire spends a lot of time at home alone (when her parents are at the hospital) and she drifts into what seems like long periods of sleep. Claire has enjoyed a happy and comfortable family life so the prospect of this unexpected family tragedy is a hazy and surreal experience. In contrast to the usually normal, comfortable and happy existence of Claire is Clara’s world. Clara’s world is a harsh world with a mixture of sinister, macabre characters but also characters that Clara cares about and loves dearly. Clara’s world is about day-to-day survival, it is a dusty, dirty world that is almost apocalyptic in setting.

If you like books that take you to unexpected, unusual and intriguing imaginary places with compelling, strong characters then you will like this book.

If you enjoyed Genesis by Bernard Beckett then you might like this book too.

I rate this book 4/5 ReadOn stars.