Eleanor Oliphant is Completely Fine, by Gail Honeyman

Isolated, socially awkward, approaching 30, Eleanor Oliphant seems initially to be a figure of derision with few redeeming features. Through her own words, thoughts and actions, she is gradually revealed to be scarred both physically and psychologically. Something truly horrific happened to Eleanor as a child, the details of which come out very deliberately as we get to know her. It stunted her emotional growth, making it almost impossible to leave the past behind, let alone think about a future. Slowly, things begin to change for Eleanor when she sets her sights on a potential soul mate and incidentally makes a friend, almost despite herself. The book covers some deep and painful issues – PTSD; childhood trauma; the appalling lack of the child welfare system to address more than the most basic physical needs; and crippling loneliness. But it is also funny, quirky and insightful, with a strong and sweet message about the prime importance of kindness. The book is not perfect. Eleanor’s relationship with her mother is a little hard to believe and the speed of her recovery through counselling is a stretch. Her almost total lack of familiarity with popular culture is amusing but not quite credible. Nevertheless it is warm and appealing and it is unsurprising that Reece Witherspoon has optioned it for a film.

The Rosie Result, by Graeme Simsion

Rounding out his story from The Rosie Project and The Rosie Effect, socially awkward Professor Don Tillman has come into his own and could now be regarded as succeeding at life. After 12 years in New York his wife Rosie has landed her dream medical research job back in Melbourne and it’s time for her career to take priority over Don’s. Unfortunately the change is a bit much for their son Hudson, who seems to be following very much in his father’s footsteps. So Don initiates the Hudson Project to help his son gain essential life skills and learn to fit in with ‘neuro typicals’. Along the way the family encounters some challenges including anti-vaxxers; societal labelling; and how schools deal with diversity and bullying. Everyone learns and grows, including the reader, but it’s a course of study that is a lot of fun for all involved.