The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion

It's hard to describe just how much I adored The Rosie Project. It's the type of story words like 'gorgeous' were made for describing. As I came closer to finishing its final pages I at least felt happy in the knowledge that there is already a follow up novel The Rosie Effect to put on my must read list.

Professor of genetics Don Tillman lives an efficient and highly organised life. Despite being good looking and highly intelligent, Don is also socially awkward and oblivious to many social 'norms', which is probably why he is still single. After one too many dates that end in disaster Don creates The Wife Project; a 16 page questionnaire designed to help him find the most compatible partner who will hopefully become his wife.

While Don is busy implementing The Wife Project he meets the beautiful Rosie - who is on a mission of her own to find her biological father. Rosie is smoker, almost vegetarian and never on time, three traits that alone have her failing Don's perfect partner test - but there are some problems that science alone cannot solve and love is one of them.    

Don is both hilarious, awkward, adorable, charming and infuriating in turns. With Don as the narrator we get an insight into his oddly rational way of thinking, but that is what really makes this book a stand-out. Getting inside his mind reveals him to be a complex, caring person who on the outside is very much an oddball, but on the inside has a lot of heart. Despite the fact that he is an oddball, Simsion has managed to create a very real and endearing character in Don Tillman.

A gorgeously odd, heartwarming and utterly charming novel. If you fancy reading something that makes you smile I can't recommend The Rosie Project enough. 

The Bedside Table Stack

September seemed to be the month of book hoarding for me if a look at my bedside table is anything to go by. Take a sneaky peak at what I've got lined up in the Book Review department as I make my way through these titles:

The Rosie Project by Graeme Simsion. I'm currently reading this and it's probably the funniest thing I've read all year. Adorable, gorgeous, funny and charming, this one will definately be a rave review.

How To Be A Woman by Caitlin Moran. Ahhhh Caitlin, I have been a massive fan of her ever since I discovered her hilarious columns for The Times. Part autobiography part feminist manifesto, one thing's for sure is that this is going to be seriously funny read.

The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton. This was on my first New Release Bookshelf so I'm excited to have a copy close to hand.

The Elegance of the Hedgehog by Muriel Barbery. I've actually read this before but it is one of the most heartwarming and adorable books I've ever read and I'm a sucker for re-reading all my favourite books!

Frog Music by Emma Donoghue. Another pick from my New Release Bookshelf roundup that I can't wait to get started on for its original and historically set story.

How to Fall in Love by Cecelia Aherm. I first read one of Ahern's books last year and while I actually wasn't a big fan of the main character (which kind of put me off the story), her books are really easy to read and I wanted to have another go at a title from this popular author.

What titles have you got on your bedside table?

Candyfloss Nails & Mattifying Primers

Primers are just one of those things aren't they? You never knew you needed one in your makeup stash until you try one and suddenly realise they are the glue that holds everything together. I have been on the lookout for something more cheap and cheerful to be the answer to my face-bace woes and am happy to say I've found it. Enter the Stay Matte Primer from Rimmel. When I first swatched this on my hand it left a weird white residue that had me thinking firstly 'ewww' and secondly 'damn, why didn't I swatch the tester before I bought this?' Happily once applied to the face it leaves a beautiful feeling to the skin, both soft and smooth to the touch. Although I can feel it once applied to my face it just feels lovely and light and perfectly matte. I do like a bit of glow in my foundation so the matte texture underneath is perfect for controlling shine. I've even been wearing it on its own with no foundation over top as it feels like some sort of barrier between my skin and shininess.

I've never been much of a nail polish wearer but in the last few months I have really become a convert with nudey hues gracing my fingers and bolder brights on my toes on a regular basis. I picked up Essie's Vanity Fairest the other day which is a beautiful candyfloss pink with a subtle amount of shimmer running through. It's actually very close to the natural pink of my nails but just gives them that extra bit of tidyness, hiding all manner of imperfections. I really think nude and neutrals are the way to go if like me you hate the actual application process of painting your fingers. The forumla of Essie is brilliant and the colour is like a quick pick-me up for your hands.