Silver Linings Playbook

by Matthew Quick

published by Sarah Crichton Books

2008

Meet Pat. Pat has a theory: his life is a movie produced by God. And his God-given mission is to become physically fit and emotionally literate, whereupon God will ensure a happy ending for him — the return of his estranged wife Nikki. (It might not come as a surprise to learn that Pat has spent time in a mental health facility.) The problem is, Pat’s now home, and everything feels off. No one will talk to him about Nikki; his beloved Philadelphia Eagles keep losing; he’s being pursued by the deeply odd Tiffany; his new therapist seems to recommend adultery as a form of theraphy. Plus, he’s being hunted by Kenny G!

In this enchanting novel, Matthew Quick takes us inside Pat’s mind, showing us the world from his distorted yet endearing perspective. As the award-winning novelist Justin Cronin put it: “Tender, soulful, hilarious, and true, The Silver Linings Playbook is a wonderful debut.” (from Goodreads)

My Review

I started to enjoy this story almost as soon as I began reading it.  Silver Linings Playbook is a fast read, and it is very easy to get into.  The only drawback for me was not knowing why Pat had ended up in a mental facility.  It almost seemed there was a bit of brain damage, the way he was so childlike and unknowing of the world around him and of passing time.

The characters in this book draw you in and make you root for them to succeed. Pat is working very hard on “being kind, not right”.  The relationships in this book are touching, messy, and feel real.  I love the way Pat interacts with his mother and brother, who are there for him and help him.  Pat and his Dad, though, have a very difficult relationship, and the fact that it is not all cleared up and perfect at the end makes it even better.  I think, perhaps, the character that really stayed with me was Tiffany.  In Tiffany, we see how grief can truly rip a life apart, and the wonder of the human spirit, to fight to come back from despair.

I loved this book.  It was a little darker than I had anticipated.  I am looking forward to discussing it for my local bookclub next week.  I have not seen the movie yet, but do want to.  My mom-always trust her when it comes to books- said it was very good, but of course, not as good as the book.

rating-3.5 out of 5