The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

Cover for Picador film tie-in edition
(published 16th October 2012)

Title: The Silver Linings Playbook
Author: Matthew Quick
Publisher: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
Release Date: First published 2nd September 2008
Genre: Romance

Summary:
Pat is a man with a plan. Get fit. Read books. Get his wife back. Simples!

However, like most things in life, it is not that simple. Especially seeing as Pat has just got out of a psychiatric hospital and his wife, has now, become estranged.

When everything seems to be going on, something appears beyond the horizon...

Here comes Tiffany, his silver lining.

Review:
When writing my reviews for posts, I usually find it easy to class the different books into their relevant genres but when writing this, I really did struggle.


I mean, yeah it is a romance (quite an unconventional one at that) but when reading the book that, to me, did not come across as the main message. In my mind, I would class this book as 'mental health,' just for the sheer fact it describes the effects problems with mental health can have on someone, their actions and their friends and family so well and truthfully. It, at times, shocks you and makes you realise how truly lucky you are to be healthy. The brutal truth and honesty in the book is what makes it such a good read.

Come to mention it, it is quite similar to The Perks of Being a Wallflower (click here for my review).

Pat. I love Pat. His tragic little story and his delusions really made me feel sorry and connect with him as a character. You want him to realise that Nikki is never going to come back, but do not want to see him get hurt. It is heartbreaking, especially when he freaks out :(

However, I think the love story is one of the most remarkable aspects of the book. It is definitely not a conventional one, but is probably one of my favourite ones ever. Does she love him? Does she hate him? Will they? Won't they? It keeps you guessing right to last minute, it is so good!

Rating: 10/10. Read it. Read it. Read it.

You can buy The Silver Linings Playbook from Amazon here.