Book info

• Title The Silver Linings Playbook
• Author Matthew Quick
• Year 2008
• Genre Contemporary

Pat Peoples has a theory. The theory is this: his life is actually a movie produced by God. And Pat's God-given mission in life is to become physically fit and emotionally literate, whereupon God will ensure the movie is a romcom, complete with 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 only Pat will give up watching football, agree to perform in this year's Dance Away Depression competition, and promise not to tell anyone about their‘contract'. Easy, really...

Thoughts

I can’t think that I would have read this if it wasn’t for the film, and oddly I’m glad that I saw the movie first. It really helped to have images of the characters in my mind already, as I think I would have struggled to place them otherwise. But as I did have that image, it was an enjoyable read.

It was just like the film, so a solid adaptation by Hollywood, but it actually made more sense - Tiffany’s past was more understandable to me, and the twists and turns of why she made up the letter also felt more realistic.

I zipped through this one quickly, it’s not a tough read in terms of dialogue but does open your eyes with regards to families, loyalty, mental health, and of course the ongoing stigma that surrounds it. Recommended.

Rating: 4 / 5