46 pages • 1 hour read
The Silver Linings Playbook
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Book Brief
304
Novel • Fiction
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • 2000s
2008
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In Matthew Quick's The Silver Linings Playbook, former history teacher Pat Peoples returns to his hometown after court-mandated psychiatric institutionalization. Optimistic and believing he's in a movie directed by God, he aims to win back his estranged wife, Nikki, despite her having divorced him. Pat forms an unexpected bond with Tiffany, a woman coping with her husband's death, leading them to a dance competition that helps him find closure and new beginnings. Sensitive topics include mental health and trauma.
Emotional
Bittersweet
Hopeful
Romantic
Humorous
Reviews & Readership
169,692 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Review Roundup
Matthew Quick's The Silver Linings Playbook is praised for its heartfelt and nuanced portrayal of mental health and resilience. Readers appreciate the genuine, flawed characters and their journey toward redemption. However, some critics note the predictability of its plot and occasional uneven pacing. Overall, it's a compelling read that balances humor and emotional depth effectively.
Who Should Read The Silver Linings Playbook?
Readers who relish heartfelt stories of personal redemption and mental health journeys will enjoy The Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick. Fans of The Perks of Being a Wallflower by Stephen Chbosky and A Man Called Ove by Fredrik Backman will appreciate its blend of humor, poignancy, and flawed but endearing characters.
169,692 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Tiffany Webster
Tiffany Webster
A woman coping with the loss of her husband by helping Pat and developing a deeper relationship with him.
Patrick Peoples, Senior
Patrick Peoples, Senior
Pat’s father, emotionally distant and struggling with his own issues, who primarily connects with his son through their shared love of football.
Jeanie Peoples
Jeanie Peoples
Pat's supportive mother, who begins to assert her own needs and push back against the dynamics in her family.
Dr. Patel/“Cliff”
Dr. Patel/“Cliff”
Pat’s empathetic therapist who connects with him over their shared love of the Eagles and supports Pat in his journey.
304
Novel • Fiction
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania • 2000s
2008
Adult
18+ years
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