The Silver Linings Playbook

A Novel

By: Matthew Quick

Narrated by: Ray Porter

Length: 7 hrs and 17 mins

Publisher's summary

A New York Times bestseller, The Silver Linings Playbook was adapted into the Oscar-winning movie starring Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence.

The Silver Linings Playbook is the riotous and poignant story of how one man regains his memory and comes to terms with the magnitude of his wife’s betrayal, an enchanting first novel about love, madness, and Kenny G.

During the years he spends in a neural health facility, Pat Peoples formulates a theory about silver linings: he believes his life is a movie produced by God, his mission is to become physically fit and emotionally supportive, and his happy ending will be the return of his estranged wife, Nikki. The problem is that Pat is now home, living with his parents, and everything seems off; no one will talk to him about Nikki; his old friends are saddled with families; the Philadelphia Eagles keep losing, making his father moody; and his new therapist seems to be recommending adultery as a form of therapy.

When Pat meets the tragically widowed, physically fit, and clinically depressed Tiffany, she offers to act as a liaison between him and his wife, but only if he will give up watching football, agree to perform in this year’s Dance Away Depression competition, and promise not to tell anyone about their “contract.” All the while, Pat keeps searching for his silver lining.

In this brilliantly written debut novel, Matthew Quick takes us inside Pat’s mind, deftly showing us the world from his distorted yet endearing perspective. The result is a touching and funny story that helps us look at both depression and love in a wonderfully refreshing way.

©2008 Matthew Quick (P)2008 Blackstone Audio

Critic reviews

"This offbeat story has all the markings of a crowd-pleaser." ( Publishers Weekly)

Spellbinding

Could not stop listening. I had other stuff to to but this book became the most important.

A very nice, easy listen!

I started this and had to listen to it all at once. Ray Porter does a great job with the narration.

There is always A Silver Lining

Would you listen to The Silver Linings Playbook again? Why?

Yes this was my first audio-book I ever got. I've listened to this book at least five time in the past couple years.

What did you like best about this story?

Pat's mind set on Silver Linings he never waivers from his goal.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Pat breaks the window in his bedroom.

If you could rename The Silver Linings Playbook, what would you call it?

You Can Do it

Any additional comments?

I had just gotten a divorce and this came to me at just the right time to lift my spirits

outstanding

I usually listen to SciFi and fantasy novels. but, I decided to take a vacation from those types of books for a little while and I started with this one because it was free on Audible for a limited time. I was astonished and how good this book is. as a huge football fan it appeals to me in obvious ways but the rest of the story is so profound. I just loved it

Believe the reviews...

My mother raved about the movie, and I thought...this is going to be weepy and lame, BUT I could not have been MORE wrong. This was a fascinating book with great characters. Everyone is broken, but in VERY different ways. It went by SOO quick, and was definitely a page turner. If you are looking for something off your regular reading book list, I would highly recommend this one.

Listened to it after the movie--loved both!

Would you listen to The Silver Linings Playbook again? Why?

I was quite fascinated by the transformation of this funny, sad, touching tale from book to movie. I thought Ray Porter hit just the right notes with each character. I found myself laughing out loud, and crying a bit. Just like during the movie.

What did you like best about this story?

I am always captivated by characters who endeavor to create a beautiful life for themselves, even though life hasn't done them any favors to begin with. I also loved the fact that Mathew Quick was able to bring out the humor in what is a difficult situatuion, showing that "funny" can be found just about anywhere, if you're willing to open your heart.

Which scene was your favorite?

There is no particular scene that stands out for me, but I really loved the interactions between Pat and his psychiatrist (and fellow Eagles FANatic), Cliff. There was so much gentle wisdom there. I also liked the idea that, within ourselves, we can almost always find the right answer...if we just can quiet ourselves long enough to listen.

Who was the most memorable character of The Silver Linings Playbook and why?

Obviously, the two main characters stand out for me. I especially loved Pat's sweetness, which keeps coming out despite people constantly misunderstanding him. You simply cannot stop yourself from rooting for him.

Any additional comments?

For fans of the movie, this book version offers a glimpse into the world of screen writing. It is really interesting to see how the book was a springboard for the film, yet the two are quite different.

I bought this book because 1) it was on sale and 2) another reviewer commented that it was the perfect companion to the movie. Even though the two versions differ, both are beautifully crafted, funny, and insightful.

For fans of books like TRUTH IN ADVERTISING, ONE LAST THING BEFORE I GO, and BRIDGET JONES' DIARY. Oh, yeah...and also for fans of the Oscar-winning movie version.

loved it

Would you consider the audio edition of The Silver Linings Playbook to be better than the print version?

Ray Porter does an excellent job of making to characters come alive in this book!! I loved it!!

Engaging

I love how the narrator created each and every moment. You can feel the emotion in his voice that brought you to the place where the character was most passionate. This was a great book and a great read I might add. However, as usual, they can't bring the book to screen because you don't feel what he feels and know what he thinks. This is a must read and a great listen!

Great book!!

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would absolutely recommend this to a friend, many friends, in fact! I truly enjoyed the narration and story! I had wanted to see the film prior to listening to the book, but now I am not so sure as I do not want to be disappointed.

What other book might you compare The Silver Linings Playbook to and why?

Hmmmm, I'm not sure that I would compare it to anything I have read, I mean it is a narritive and follows someone's journy, so I guess that makes it like many books I have read, but I really thought this story stood on it's own!

What about Ray Porter’s performance did you like?

His narritive really felt real, like it was the main character talking and most of the book felt like we, the listener/reader was privy to his inner most thoughts and feelings.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It made me laugh and cry!! There is just enough humor and tenderness to keep the pages turning!

Way Better than the Movie

What made the experience of listening to The Silver Linings Playbook the most enjoyable?

A realistic recovery during a battle with mental illness. While the movie plays up the love story, it takes a back seat in the book and you get to learn more about Pat's issues and how he copes and learns.

What did you like best about this story?

The silver lining

Which character – as performed by Ray Porter – was your favorite?

Pat Peeples Jr.

If you could take any character from The Silver Linings Playbook out to dinner, who would it be and why?

Pat. I share certain traits

Any additional comments?

I actually saw the movie first and thought it was OK. Read the book recently and LOVED it. So I went back and watched the movie to see if maybe my memories were just off. The movie portrays a story so very different than the book that it makes me really sad. Many of the characters have lost their trademarks or their influence in Pat's life is vastly underscored.