Review: The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick
Published: September 2nd, 2008 (Sarah Chrichton Books)
Pages: 289
Age group: Adult
Source: bought
Series: NA
Buy the book: Bookdepository
Rating: ★★★☆☆


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 therapy. Plus, he's being hunted by Kenny G!

It has been several weeks since I've read The Silver Linings Playbook and I still have no idea how to rate this book. I still don't know what to do with this review. While the book didn't blow my mind, it definitely got me thinking.

Pat is a bit of a weird character for me. I don't think I've ever come across a character like Pat. On one side, I found him really engaging and sweet, but on the other side I didn't quite know what to make of him. This might have to do with me not having read any books like this before, but still. Reader Pat was really easy to relate to -- but I absolutely detested all the spoilers for books I haven't read yet. While he reads for a different reason than I do, almost everything was so familiar and I absolutely loved that.

While it was obvious that Tiffany had some serious mental issues, I found her endearing in some of the scenes. The 'big reveal' fell a bit flat since I figured that out immediately, but I don't think that took away from the book. It was meant to play out this way and eventually, it all worked out.

So what do I think of this book? I enjoyed reading it, but I don't think it will be among my favourites. I will definitely watch the movie (which was the reason I picked up the book in the first place) so there's that. I'm pretty sure I'll still be thinking about this book in several months, and that is definitely worth mentioning.