That the author allowed the characters to be deep and real- they said and did appalling things, and he wasnt worried about giving them redeeming qualities. I really appreciated how conniving he allowed Tiffany to be and how cold-hearted and ruthless the dad was. It just made the story so believable. And allowing us into Pat's thoughts, showing how logical and calculating he was- made him seem like he was not ill. I though the subject matter of mental illness was very interesting. I would have also enjoyed a perspective from Nikki's side.

The line that Pat keeps repeating, (when he CHOOSES not to do what comes naturally, but to do what he thinks Nikki would be proud of)

"...because I'm practicing being kind instead of right."

It has really stuck with me because seriously, I need to practice it too!

No, first one

I wanted to see the movie, but i figured i should try out the book first before i get into the movie. The book is really about two messed up people, but you dont really find out why they are messed up til the ending. They really connect because they are kind of in the same type of living arrangement.... living with their parents, seeing shrinks and they have a lot of free time to hang around each other. In the end, its kind of like a messed up love story but they get together and the main character Pat finally sees Tiffany as she really is.

...the movie was better.

Immediately after watching the movie, I got on Audible to buy the book. Most of the reviews I read said the book was so much richer and more detailed than the movie. I couldn't wait to listen to it. But I found that I didn't like it as much. First, anything is better with Bradley Cooper. Second, the characters were so much harder to like in the book, especially the father and Tiffany.

I'm not at all disappointed that I listened to the book, though. I'm not saying it was in any way bad. Just not as good as the movie. And the narrator did a fantastic job.

One of the most engaging, colorful, stories I have read (well listened to) in a long time. Definitely held my attention and I wish it was longer. I drive one and half hours each way to work and listen to audio books over my radio; I finished this in two days because I drove around just to finish the story. This books captured a family struggling with issues that most of us can relate to.

Pat who bared his soul in this novel. Even though it was fiction, you felt his pain.

A lot to choose from but would have to be the end scene when Pat receives his present from Tiffany.

Perfect name, stupid question.

Read it, you won't regret it.

That's tough because there have been so many. I can't say it's my favourite, just as it's so hard to say a print book is your favourite. But it's very, VERY well done.

I think the sessions with the protagonist's therapist were cumulatively the most memorable moments - the narrator perfectly captures every nuance of those often painfully difficult exchanges, from the character's humming whenever Kenny G is mentioned to their shared love of Eagles football. I could picture the therapist's office and overhear their dialogue perfectly; what an awesome fly-on-the-wall vantage point!

I'd have to say the protagonist, Pat Peoples. Porter does such a great job capturing specific quirks of his voice - like the awed way he says "Stomach Master 6000" every single time.

Indeed - listening to the audiobook made me want to devour this book so completely - and prolong the experience - that I also got the ebook version, which I'm enjoying on my tablet now.

The only downside I've found is that since this is the post-movie release version, there are pictures of the characters on the "cover" and on the Audible/Amazon site. They are not at all how I envisioned them, listening to the story and I find the film-inspired images distracting.

I thought the voices were great. Especially the doctor. Great job!

If I had time I would have. I finished it in under 3 days.

Not sure I liked the ending. The women in the book, except the mom, were very abrasive and mean.

The narrator of this book brings such humor to a story that is already so well written and funny, I seriously laughed out loud several times, and simply enjoyed this book from beginning to end.
I believe there was a movie made from the book, and if I find it, I will definatly watch it!

The narration was great and the story moved right along, but there was nothing earth shattering or surprising. I kept hoping for a twist, but alas - nothing abnormal. I will watch the movie and see what all the fuss was about.

Very well read. Story quirky. Good listen for what I want from an audiobook - distraction while exercising or driving. I certainly enjoyed listening to it.

Cliff, his therapist.

Like most audiobooks, it is well read and fleshes out the main character.

Unfortunately, I saw the movie first and really enjoyed it. I think the reader did as good a job as he could with this material. The character of Pat Peeples was just an idiot. He spoke and thought like an 8-year old. There is no way this man could have been a high school teacher before his "accident."