May’s Book

The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick. 

Picador, 2009.

Pat Peoples has a theory that his life is actually a movie produced by God, and that his God-given mission in life is to become emotionally literate, whereupon God will ensure a happy ending – which, for Pat, means the return of his estranged wife Nikki, from whom he’s currently having some ‘apart time.’ It might not come as any surprise to learn that Pat has spent several years in a mental health facility. When Pat leaves hospital and goes to live with his parents, however, everything seems changed: no one will talk to him about Nikki; his old friends now have families; his beloved football team keep losing; his new therapist seems to be recommending adultery as a form of therapy. And he’s being haunted by Kenny G. There is a silver lining, however, in the form of tragically widowed, physically fit and clinically depressed Tiffany, who offers to act as a go-between for Pat and his wife, if Pat will just agree to do something for her. 

Laura’s verdict: 

Usually when I watch a film before I read the book it’s based on, I then can’t get all the way through the book. I’m not sure what it is, whether it’s because I know roughly what’s going to happen or I have too much of a visualisation of how the characters are and what they look like. This book also worried me as there was so much Oscar hype surrounding the movie.

This book was an exception. 

I didn’t want to put it down. If I couldn’t find the time in the day to read properly, then I was sneaking one or two pages whenever I could. 

Pat was an intriguing character for me. I liked him and he frustrated me all at the same time. The book is told from his point of view. I found him almost childlike in his speech and thought process. He sees his world very matter of fact/black and white thinking that if he goes through steps then he can return to his old life. 

There is enough overall plot deviation between the film and the book but one doesn’t detract from the other. I would have maybe liked to have seen more of a character development for Tiffany (found out more about her background,) but I think it does deal with mental health and grief in a good way and doesn’t rush the process too much. 

What did you think of The Silver Linings Playbook? Did you like it? Hate it? 

by

Laura

I'm Laura. I started Novel Kicks back in 2009 as I wanted a place to discuss books and writing - two loves of my life. As someone who has anxiety, these two things give me, and I am sure countless others, a much needed escape.
There is a monthly book club, writing exercises, prompts, reviews, author interviews, competitions and guest posts. I cover many genres and I hope there is something for everyone.
I grew up by the sea in Dorset and currently live in Poole with my husband, Chris and three cats. I love writing and have a BA (Hons) in Creative Writing from Falmouth University. I am writing my first book. If only I could stop pressing delete. Chris has threatened to stop it from working. Haha.
I have always loved creative writing since I was in first school and would very much like to meet my teacher, Miss Sayers, to say thank you for all the encouragement she gave me then.
When not writing, I love reading, cats, Disney, singing (I can't sing but this doesn't stop me,) and falling into a good TV show or film. If I could step into any fictional world, it would be amongst the characters in ABC's Once Upon a Time.
I love reading many genres and discovering new authors.