The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

The Silver Linings Playbook

by Matthew Quick

The New York Times Bestseller, The Silver Linings Playbook has been adapted into an Academy Award-winning film starring Bradley Cooper, Jennifer Lawrence and Robert De Niro.

A heartbreaking but surprisingly funny novel by Matthew Quick.


Pat Peoples knows that life doesn't always go according to plan, but he's determined to get his back on track. After a stint in a psychiatric hospital, Pat is staying with his parents and trying to live according to his new philosophy: get fit, be nice and always look for the silver lining. Most importantly, Pat is determined to be reconciled with his wife Nikki.

Pat's parents just want to protect him so he can get back on his feet, but when Pat befriends the mysterious Tiffany, the secrets they've been keeping from him threaten to come out . . .

Reviewed by Kelly on

3 of 5 stars

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This book wasn't at all what I expected. I assumed it would have been practically the same as the film adaptation with Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence, but it had a completely different feel.

The book isn't a funny, romantic comedy. It's quite depressing and sad. Pat's mental health is never discussed clinically, apart from his aggressive tendencies and angry outbursts, you never truly know what the prognosis was that landed Pat in the mental hospital for years. The book also outlines the issues surrounding how people diagnosed with mental illnesses are treated and the effect of the support network. The main theme of the book is relationships, mostly strained. That between Pat and his father, Pat's parents, his therapist, between Pat and Tiffany and with his estranged wife. Pat's inner dialogue isn't that of a man in his thirties, you will find yourself wondering how old Pat really is. At times it is extremely childlike and frantic, almost borderline hyperactive. It felt more as though Pat might have had a cognitive disability, than mental illness.

Basically, if your looking for a fun romance, this isn't it. There IS no romance, only unrequited love, from several parties. An intelligent read, but sadly not for me.

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  • Started reading
  • 15 February, 2013: Finished reading
  • 15 February, 2013: Reviewed