Wednesday 27 February 2013

The Silver Linings Play Book

Author: Matthew Quick

Published: September 2008

What They Say: 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 perform in this year's Dance Away Depression competition . . .

What Sheli Says: I'm just going to come straight out and say it. I loved this book. I bought it a while ago and only wish I had read it sooner!

We follow Pat following his conditional discharge from a mental hospital where he had been staying after a breakdown. When he goes back to live with his parents he seems shocked at the amount of changes there are in the world when he believes he has only been in hospital for a few months.

This story was really well written and really captured Pat's feelings and frustrations about the world and some of the people in it. He learns to live again, but not without a few more ups and downs to tackle first.

When I read this book I literally could not put it down and flew through it. It was tragic and horribly sad in parts and in others it was humorous and had a real feel good feel to it.

I would definitely recommend this book and loved the fact that on top of all of the other good things about it, it is a book about books! Definitely one for me.

Sheli's Rating: 10/10

Quotes:

“...I am now watching the movie of my life as I live it.”
 
 

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