RED HEADED BOOK LOVER

The Silver Linings Playbook, Matthew Quick

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!

The Silver Linings Playbook is the cutest, most beautiful, heartwarming novel I have ever read; I have fallen madly in love with The Silver Linings Playbook and its unique story and dysfunctional characters and I hope you do too. I adore romance as a genre and enjoy a romance read from time to time but rarely do I read romantic comedies as a great one is hard to discover. That is why I am shocked that The Silver Linings Playbook disproved my belief that all romantic comedies are cheesy and lackluster and I am even more surprised with myself that The Silver Linings Playbook is now one of my favorite reads of all time! If you are a reader who adores lovely books, then please read this book and fall entirely in love. In case you do not know the story of The Silver Linings Playbook here is a brief synopsis of mine!

The Silver Linings Playbook is narrated by the eccentric protagonist of the novel, Pat Peoples; a former history teacher who has moved back to his childhood home in Collingswood, New Jersey after spending time in a Baltimore psychiatric hospital. Pat is mentally ill and suffers from bipolar disorder; he only thinks that he has been in the hospital a few months, but he soon realizes that he has spent years in the hospital and so he struggles to piece together his lost memories and what has become of his ‘wife’ Nikki. Pat has a unique theory, that life is a film created by God and that its ‘Silver Lining’ will be the end of ‘apart time’ from Nikki. Pat soon becomes determined and embarks on a plan of self-improvement to win his lost love, Nikki back. However, his plans to win Nikki back will soon be tested when he has dinner at his friends Ronnie and Veronica’s house as he is introduced to the lively Tiffany Webster. Tiffany is a woman who also has mental health issues; she suffers from depression after the death of her husband, so she has now moved back to New Jersey. Will Tiffany be able to help get Pat’s life back on track or will she be his downfall? Skip the next two paragraphs if you do not want the novel to be spoiled in case you have not read The Silver Linings Playbook!

SPOILER – Pat and Tiffany soon hit it off after much convincing from Tiffany who essentially stalked Pat until he agreed to go on a date with her finally! Tiffany is a dancer, and she needs a partner for a competition that she so desperately wants to win so she enlists Pat to help her and thus he becomes her dance partner. I am going to fast forward to after the contest as these chapters are wonderful. Tiffany agrees to be a go (line of communication) between Nikki and Pat and so she gives Pat a letter, supposedly written by Nikki but in fact it was written by Tiffany. Pat is enthusiastic as he believes this is what God wants and his life is back on track so he suggests a meeting with Nikki at the place they got engaged, and despite no reply, he slips away from his family on Christmas Day to meet her. Nikki is of course not there, but Tiffany is and this is when she admits she has forged Nikki’s letters all along and that she had been trying to help Pat move on and gain closure with his marriage because Tiffany, is madly in love with Pat. Pat is furious that the last two months of correspondence have been a lie and in shock, Pat runs into an unfamiliar neighborhood and is assaulted. By chance, he encounters his friend Danny from the Baltimore mental health facility and Danny helps Pat get to the hospital and reunite him with his family. Whilst in hospital Pat still does not recall how or why he was separated from his wife and only when he watches his wedding video – which his mother had hidden – do the memories eventually return with the realization that he and Nikki will never be together again.

SPOILER – After several weeks Pat recovers from his injuries and after receiving a letter from Tiffany he finally agrees to meet her. Pat explains that he asked his brother Jack to drive him to see Nikki and observed her from afar and after seeing her he finally realized that she has a new family and is happy and thus accepts it as the ending of the movie of his life. Tiffany then gives Pat a belated birthday present: a cloud chart, and they lie on the ground and watch the clouds together. Pat pulls Tiffany close and she tells him that she needs him. As they lie there on the frozen soccer field in the middle of a snowstorm, Pat then kisses her and says “I think I need you too”.

SPOILER FREE – Sorry for my very long synopsis but this is one of my favorite novels so I couldn’t help myself! This novel is of course about a guy whose life has been shattered and he doesn’t even realize it so naturally, you would think Pat’s story would be incredibly sad but it is not! This book is the opposite of sad, I mean, of course, there are some sad moments but instead, this novel is very uplifting and riveting. The bittersweet humor that Matthew Quick has laced throughout this book makes it a pleasure to read without being depressing and I finished it in just one sitting, which tells you what an incredible piece of work it is!

Our protagonist Pat is extremely likable and you can’t help but love him and his optimism. I myself am very optimistic so I adored how optimistic he was. Some readers I have heard found his optimism irritating but I personally adored it. Pat’s devotion to his cause of being reunited with his ex-wife Nikki is commendable and you really have to admire his sheer amount of devotion. Although personally I hate Nikki and I think everybody who reads this novel will. She has done a terrible thing and betrayed him and because of this, it sent him into a mental breakdown so she frankly is a real b**ch (sorry about my French!).

Now, Pat and Tiffany are beautiful and beyond magical together. As soon as they met each other in this novel and Pat was seriously weary of her, I was rooting for them because I knew in my heart they would be perfect and that they were destined to be together. They have both been through a hard time and experienced horrible things so they truly deserve happiness.  This may be a slight spoiler but to be honest, everybody knows this about them so I am just going to go ahead and say it! Their love is beautiful and so perfect. As I said in the beginning of my review I tend to stay away from romantic novels as I find them repetitive and lackluster however once in a blue moon a romance novel surprises me and this is certainly the case with this enchanting novel. The Silver Linings Playbook is not cheesy or unoriginal but rather unique, special and beautiful. The writing combined with incredible real-life characters made me fall head over heels and I just adore this novel so much!

I have to quickly say also that the fact that this book is based in New Jersey made me a very happy woman. I may be British but I married an American and I used to live in New Jersey so of course, I adored this aspect massively! Plus, I and my husband are HUGE Eagle fans – GO EAGLES!! – we are proud Philly supporters so the fact that in this book Matthew Quick talked about Eagles winnings and the whole experience of going to an Eagle game made me so happy and yes, maybe this has influenced my review verdict with one more star which is funny because I saw a review in which they deducted a star because they hate the Eagles! Booo, Eagles rule.

To summarise my thoughts on this book I would say it is a beautifully written, crafted novel not with one fault. It is an extremely fun and enjoyable read with short chapters which make it an easy fast-paced read all whilst being continuously entertaining the whole way through. Let’s not forget also that it is extremely funny and had me laughing so much; it genuinely made me smile and is such an unforgettable, amusing read. Of course, I have to give this novel Five Stars and I pray you lovely readers read it!

Thank you so much as ever for reading book lovers! I really appreciate it so much. Please do comment below and let me know all those wonderful thoughts of yours! Do you love Romantic Comedies or tend to steer clear from them? Let me know whether you have read the book or if not whether you could see yourself reading it and also let me know whether you have seen the movie and what you thought about it! Thank you so much again for reading!

P.S. Here is a preview of the book for all of you lovely readers to enjoy! Please have a read of the preview and if you find that you have loved what you have read then all you need to do is click the Buy on Amazon button and it will take you straight to the book on Amazon USA! If you are in the U.K. then below I have attached a link to the book for the Amazon U.K. website. I have also attached some links about the author and this wonderful book! Thank you so much again for reading book lovers, I can’t wait to hear your thoughts on this book!   

Amazon U.K. / Goodreads / Book Depository / Publisher; Macmillian 

Thank you so much again for reading! 

Mini Movie Review

As always I love to talk about the movie version of the book and this movie was impeccable! They captured the heart and soul of the novel wonderfully and I could not have chosen better actors to play Pat and Tiffany. Their chemistry was wonderful and I was in awe of their talent. When Jennifer Lawrence won the best actress for this movie at the Oscars I was ecstatic! The movie overall is a lovely, uplifting film that will make you at the end of the movie have a massive smile on your face. Let me know below your thoughts on the movie! Thanks again for reading!

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bloggeray

I watched the movie based on this book and although I haven’t read the book yet, I feel your review, like the book, deserves 5 stars as well. You just sort of drew me into the review and it was wonderful to read.
Having watched Bradley Cooper’s portrayal of Pat, I agree with your assessment of his character as overoptimistic, but fun (all the more reason for Cooper deserving that Oscar nomination).
Finally, thanks a ton for taking out time to read my post and for following the blog.
Keep bringing out these wonderful reviews.
God bless. 🙂

bloggeray
Reply to  Aimee Ann

Thanks for such kind and heartfelt words. I will check out the book now, surely.
🙂

bloggeray
Reply to  Aimee Ann

Surely I will

bloggeray
Reply to  bloggeray

Yeah. C u there.

bloggeray
Reply to  Aimee Ann

Hello there!
I thought you had vanished or something, busy in your studies and work.
I haven’t read much in the immediate past, but yes, there always are recommendations. 😁
Btw, I checked your blog and it seems you have been super-prolific with your reading and reviews. I mean, one review/day, whoa!

bloggeray
Reply to  Aimee Ann

Never mind. It’s life, after all

bloggeray
Reply to  Aimee Ann

I’ve been, yes. 😊

bloggeray
Reply to  Aimee Ann

Sure. At your leisure, ma’am. Have a great day ahead. Time to turn off the lights here. 😊

bloggeray
Reply to  Aimee Ann

Sure. 😊

bloggeray
Reply to  bloggeray

I’ve been well. Enjoying life. Blogging and reading.
How about you? You were gone for a long time and when you sent that last comment, I checked your blog. And haven’t you been busy!

bloggeray
Reply to  Aimee Ann

Lately? I am doing the 2017 Booker-nominated books now. And now that the National Book Trust has brought out the list of their own nominees, maybe I’d do them next.
I’ll have a post announcing that in a day or two.

bloggeray
Reply to  bloggeray

I find writing and reading long comments more satisfying than having n number of short comments, each with their own threads. So, apologies but, I’m replying to all of your comments here.😊 Maybe you’re a Highlander now.😁😁 I guess the National Book Trust posts would take some time. I’ve finished reading one of the Booker nominees and would have its review soon, in a day or two. Would finish as many of the 6 nominees as I can lay my hands on, before starting the National Book Trust books. Well, for a minor sample of the movies I’ve seen since… Read more »

bloggeray
Reply to  Aimee Ann

Oh, movies! Lot of. 😁😁😁

bloggeray
Reply to  bloggeray

I saw those daily reviews. I was like, “whoa!”

bloggeray
Reply to  bloggeray

Oh, wow! That sounds exciting

bloggeray
Reply to  bloggeray

Wow!
So you were a Southie earlier. What are you now?😁😁

bloggeray
Reply to  bloggeray

Oh Goodness!
I’m from this world, from what you call the East, India to be precise.
Your transatlantic journey is still your story, right?

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  bloggeray

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

Emma The Book Lover

Great review!! I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, this is one of my favourites I read this year!

Emma The Book Lover
Reply to  Aimee Ann

No problem! And I really loved reading from Pat’s perspective, it was very interesting!

Emma The Book Lover
Reply to  Aimee Ann

I’m reading and e-arc of Movie Game by Michael Ebner and Lola and the Boy Next Door by Stephanie Perkins, what about you!?

Emma The Book Lover
Reply to  Aimee Ann

I’m glad you are loving that book! Movie Game is dragging quite a bit but I’m loving Lola!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

meyan

This is a great review. For some reason I was turned off reading this book and I have absolutely no idea. I haven’t seen the movie as well. Quite judgmental of me haha!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  Aimee Ann

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  meyan

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

Irena S.

Thank you for this review, I’ve been meaning to read this book for quite a long time, and I’ve almost forgot about it. I’m happy you liked it, it made me want to read it even more. Oh, so many good books, but so little time… XD

Irena S.
Reply to  Irena S.

Don’t worry about it, messages are always nice. 🙂 And of course, I’ll let you know what I think of the book, it seems to me that I’m going to love it!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  Aimee Ann

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

Irena S.
Reply to  Aimee Ann

Hi! How are you? 🙂
I’d be happy to recommend a book to you. What are you in the mood for? My recent favourite is Daughter of the Forest by Juliet Marillier. It’s a combination of fairy tale retelling, fanatsy and even historical fiction.
Let me now what kind of book you’re in the mood for, I can try to find someting else to recommend. 😉

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  Irena S.

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

kissmyCASSIDY

Loved this book!!! I had a great time reading it as I was going through my own mental health issues. It felt extremely comforting 🙂 Great review!!!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  Aimee Ann

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  kissmyCASSIDY

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

RSAGARCIA

Really enjoyed the review. I adored the movie and thought the same things about it. Guess I should read the book, which is usually better anyway 😉

RSAGARCIA
Reply to  Aimee Ann

I certainly will! I have to admit, it’s definitely my favourite modern rom com by a mile. A welcome relief from the Judd Apatow avalanche.

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  Aimee Ann

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  RSAGARCIA

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

knsalustro

I actually did not know that this was originally a novel. I will have to check it out! Especially since it takes place in my home state!

Have you seen the movie? If so, what did you think of it in comparison to the novel?

knsalustro
Reply to  knsalustro

I have seen the Silver Linings Playbook movie, yes! I really liked it, so that was what piqued my interest in your review, initially. Always glad to see faithful adaptations, too! Was there anything that struck you as being very different between the two?

knsalustro
Reply to  Aimee Ann

You’ve convinced me to do so! 🙂 Thanks!!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  Aimee Ann

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  knsalustro

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

Lydia Thomas

I loved the movie! Will definitely have to check out the book!

Lydia Thomas
Reply to  Aimee Ann

Currently reading Dove Creek by Paula Marie Coomer!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  Aimee Ann

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  Lydia Thomas

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

Carrie Rubin

I would love to read this book because I enjoyed the movie so much. And the book is usually always better! Thanks for putting it back on my radar.

Carrie Rubin
Reply to  Aimee Ann

The movie was very funny, and the ending dance scene was one of the most fun times I’ve had watching a movie.

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  Aimee Ann

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  Carrie Rubin

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

Mysterious Beauties

literally just read this! I loved it too and gave it 4 stars out of 5! great fun read like you said! would highly recommend it to anyone! great review – http://www.themysteryreader.wordpress.com

Mysterious Beauties
Reply to  Aimee Ann

aw thank you!! 😀

Mysterious Beauties
Reply to  Aimee Ann

that’s a tricky question! I did start a review book but I’m really not getting into it which I feel awful about after requesting it from Netgalley but it’s dragging me into a reading slump so I’m going to pick up Girl Online tonight to try and prevent a reading slump. What are you reading?

Mysterious Beauties
Reply to  Aimee Ann

That’s what I was thinking so trying to get rid of it before it truly comes.

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  Aimee Ann

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017
Reply to  Aimee Ann

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

booksrock2017
booksrock2017

New to wordpress and had to say that your blog is awesome and so is this comment! Agree with what you said 100%. follow my blog for when its ready. Keep BOOK ROCKING!

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