by Matthew Quick
Published by Sarah Crichton Books, 2012
About the Book
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!
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.”
My Review
I can see why this book has been made into a movie, although I have yet to see it. We save the movie theater for 3D films or big special effects – that kind of thing. And seeing a movie before reading the book can totally spoil the book for me. I saw “The Road” before I read the book, and then I couldn’t read the book because I couldn’t get the boy’s whiny voice out of my head. But, I digress…
One of the things I found appealing about this book, which most people might not fully appreciate, is the location. I have lived in the general Collingswood, NJ area twice in my life. It is a suburb of Philadelphia (where I have also lived). I’ve never eaten at the Crystal Lake Diner, but I drive past it several times a week. I ride my bike in Knight’s Park. I recognize the street names. So, even though I love reading books about exotic places, there is something fun about personally knowing the geographical references.
Location aside, I like the message of the book. Pat believes in silver linings. After Pat returns home from the “bad place” – a psychiatric facility; he thinks that all he needs to do is improve himself, in order to end the “apart time” from his wife Nikki. He begins running and reading, hoping to impress her when their separation ends.
Pat’s family shelters him from some truths and “secrets” about his past and present, while he tries to find a way to work on his relationships. His father seems to have some anger issues, while his mother is passive. It is a family on the brink of breaking. Pat needs a way to connect with his father. His mother hopes that inviting Pat’s brother over to watch football will bring everyone together. The key to a happy family is football – the Philadelphia Eagles. I might be wrong, but coming from a family of Eagles fans; I can attest that they seem like a different breed of sports fans. The word that comes to mind is rabid.
Pat sees a psychiatrist that seems a little unorthodox. He is Pat’s doctor when they are in the office. But, when it comes to football – yes, the Eagles, it is okay for them to become friends. I’m fairly certain that this would not be allowed in real life. It works in the book.
Before I finish up this review, I would be remiss if I didn’t mention Tiffany. Pat’s best friend introduces them, hoping to fix them up. Tiffany has some problems of her own. Is it a good idea to try to make a love match between two people whose lives are a mess; who are both suffering with mental illness and emotional brokenness?
I don’t want to ruin the end of the story, if you haven’t seen the movie or read the book. Let’s just say that there is a little bit of a twist. And if everything you just read makes you believe that this is a depressing book because of the heavy subject matter; don’t worry; it’s not, although there are definitely some sad moments. There are some funny moments, too. Remember, this is a story about hope and about silver linings.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Crime and Literature 