Sunday, March 31, 2013

Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick

When I first started this book, whenever I closed the book with its back cover facing me, the yellow cover would always remind me of one of the books that I used to like and is still one of my favorite books: Alex Garland's the Beach. This is because that book also has the same color on its cover.


Having read the Silver Linings Playbook now, even if the book I was reading does not have the same color on its cover, I would still think that this book managed to remind me of the Beach. This is because when I was reading the book, I had the same feeling that I had when I was reading the Beach. This book really succeeds on many levels. The writing is simply irresistible and impeccable. I was thoroughly entertained and I can say I was completely engrossed with the story. 

Just a gist of the story: Pat Peoples is depressed and has been institutionalized in a mental health facility. As with many peoples having problems with depression, Pat also represses some of his memories which is related to his spending of his apart time from his wife. 

Upon his release, he moves back with his family. This story therefore basically talks about how he reconciles and adapts himself again with his family especially with his eccentric dad, mom, his younger brother, and his friends. Also, seeing his therapist, Dr. Patel (Cliff), meeting Tiffany, the sister-in-law of  his friend, Ronnie, who is also facing the same problems as Pat's i.e. depression. Most importantly, how he recalls back his lost (or otherwise blocked) memories of his past and comes to term with his lost memories and his past. 

Although the story sounds quite tragic, it is actually very upbeat and uplifting. It is funny from start to finish. Full of awkward but hilarious moments. 

I really like all the characters particularly his dad, Dr. Patel, and Tiffany. They are all very hilarious!! I kept smirking to myself whenever I was reading this book. It was really addictive. The Eagles' cheering moments are pretty funny. Dr. Patel and Tiffany are pretty crazy!!

Besides the Beach, this book also managed to remind me of other books that also deal with depression that I have read such as JD Salinger's the Cather in The Rye, Stephen Chbosky's Perks of Being A Wallflower, Ned Vizzini's It's Kind of A Funny Story, or other such narratives written by characters who have autism such as Mark Haddon's A Curious Incident of The Dog in The Nighttime. Coincidentally, the book also makes certain references to these books like how Charlie, the main character in the "Perks" being recommended to books by his English teacher, Bill. 

Albeit these similarities, I would assure you guys that this book is different from them on many levels. I think I finished this book the fastest if compared to other books that I have read thus far this year. This shows this book is really good, and indeed very, very entertaining. Totally riveting, therefore totally recommended!!

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