by: Matthew Quickpublished by: Farrar, Straus and Giroux
publish date: September 2, 2008
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!
I've read several Matthew Quick books now and I've liked them all. I had been putting off Silver Linings Playbook because I think I was worried I was going to be disappointed. It seems like I always am when there's a books that's hyped big time. I succumbed, obviously. And I wasn't let down. I really liked it. I think Matthew Quick handles mental illness in a wonderful way.
When I read the book, I had not seen the movie. I was like the only person in my peer group that hadn't seen the movie, but still. The whole time, I kept wondering "how in the world is this book going to translate into a movie??" Much of the book is narration in Pat's head. How do you get that out in to the big screen? When I finished the book, I watched the movie and the answer is: you don't. I felt like so much of this book was lost in the movie.
I would definitely recommend the book over the movie! It was a fantastic book and I really loved all the characters in it. It might be a throwback, but worth seeking out. I also recommend all of Matthew Quicks other books. Excellent writer!
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