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)

Moving

The chapter development and story telling make this book an incredibly moving and beautiful work. #moving #romantic #tagsgiving #sweepstakes

Great listen, even if you have seen the movie.

really a good fit of narrator to text. really enjoyed it even though i have seen the movie.

Really good performance and a great story.

Really good performance and a great story. Just re-watched the movie and after hearing the book, I was slightly disappointed in the big screen version . The book is better

Enjoyable, easy listen

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

I would recommend this as it was an easy listen, pleasantly presented, and a storyline that was not so involved that it was distracting to an audio listener. The reader did a nice job.

What did you like best about this story?

I liked that the story was fast-paced and funny.

Love Sickness and Eagles

The movie was a cute romcom. The book version was amazing! I finished it in 24 hours or maybe a little more. I just couldn't stop listening.

thoroughly enjoyed

Great story to pass the time in a very long and lonely car drive. I even debated driving just a little longer to finish the last hour or so...

Sooo Better Than the Movie

Perhaps for those who cannot tell between reality and illusion, between faith and foolishness, between optimism and delusion, between determination and dementia, between inspiration and desperation, love still is possible.

Inspiring

Despite the moments when the main character was so intense that I had to lower the volume some, the whole thing felt true to life. Spoilers starting here: It was crazy when he kept wanting his wife back but the acceptance and willingness to move on was good. I will say, from this being the second time of reading and the soon-to-be second time watching the movie, the ending of showing Pat and Tiffany together in the movie was nice, but this one was better

entertaining

This book kept my attention. But I wouldn't take the time to listen to it again.

Wish I hadn't seen the movie before

Great love story, real perspective on unhealthy relationships, and families. A must read for anyone.