Book Review: The Silver Linings Playbook - Matthew Quick

I read this book in 3 days. Fair enough, I had no plans for those 3 days so could dedicate a lot of time to reading, but even so, this book is wonderful.  I saw the film last year and loved it, and actually didn't realise it was adapted from a book until much later.  I bought it at the end of last year but since uni was so crazy, I've only just had a chance to read it.

The book is about Pat Peoples, who has recently been released from a mental health facility - the 'bad place' - and is living with his parents again in an attempt to rebuild his life after the breakdown of his marriage.  His memory of the last 4 years has gone and he has no idea how much time has elapsed since he was admitted to the hospital; his days are spent struggling to adapt to life in the real world and to come to terms with the fact that his marriage to Nikki is well and truly over. When he is introduced to  the unpredictable Tiffany, Pat's life unknowingly turns upside down as through evening running sessions and Raisin Bran dates at the diner, he finds someone who understands his angry outbursts, emotional problems and irrationality. Tiffany barely speaks, but in her silence Pat finds the outlet he needs. 

This story is perfect, and so important. It's so authentic and honest, and Pat is such a believable narrator because he's imperfect; there are times during the novel where he's annoying, where you feel like he's getting what he deserves, but that's what makes this book special. It's a tale of redemption, teaching us that if you want to improve yourself, or change yourself, the only person you should do that for is you; life goes on, don't dwell on the past since you can't change it, and work on being the best version of yourself that you can be. 

Highly recommend this, especially if you enjoyed the film. There are a few slight differences, but I loved it just as much! Really cool twist on the conventional rom com style.

Steph xx

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