In a BookPage interview, Simsion commented that readers found the "The Rosie Project" happy ending unrealistic, that the marriage would produce struggles. Therefore, "The Rosie Project" is about falling in love, the "The Rosie Effect" is about making a long-term relationship succeed.
In the interview, Simsion shares stories about people who have family members on the autism spectrum:
- "Hi, my name's Ben and I have Asperger's. I have a problem with your book. Page 27, line 23. Don says he doesn't want a partner who's mathematically illiterate. The word is innumerate. Don Tillman would not make that mistake."
- "My brother had difficulties all his life, and was finally diagnosed with Asperger's in his 40s. The family read books and went to seminars to learn to be more supportive, but it was only after he passed away & we read "The Rosie Project" that we understood what it was like to be him."
- "We always thought my dad had Asperger's and we thought it'd help if he acknowledged it. We gave him books on the subject & he kept saying, "That's not me." then we gave him "The Rosie Project." He read it and announced, "I'm coming out!""
We meet to discuss "The Rosie Project" on Thursday, June 2nd in the Community Room,
10 - 11:30 AM
All are welcome to attend. Come with an open mind, a desire to share or listen, come
for the coffee and the conversation!