The Silver Linings Playbook

June 2, 2008
Pat Peoples, the endearing narrator of this touching and funny debut, is down on his luck. The former high school history teacher has just been released from a mental institution and placed in the care of his mother. Not one to be discouraged, Pat believes he has only been on the inside for a few months––rather than four years––and plans on reconciling with his estranged wife. Refusing to accept that their “apart time” is actually a permanent separation, Pat spends his days and nights feverishly trying to become the man she had always desired. Our hapless hero makes a “friend” in Tiffany, the mentally unstable, widowed sister-in-law of his best friend, Ronnie. Each day as Pat heads out for his 10-mile run, Tiffany silently trails him, refusing to be shaken off by the object of her affection. The odd pair try to navigate a timid friendship, but as Pat is unable to discern friend from foe and reality from deranged optimism, every day proves to be a cringe-worthy adventure. Pat is as sweet as a puppy, and his offbeat story has all the markings of a crowd-pleaser.

March 15, 2009
This multifaceted, well-told story by first-time author Quick provides an excellent view of American society as seen through the eyes of a sheltered and mentally ill man. Ray Porter's ("Mr. Playboy") reading is clear and distinct; he has a wide enough range to distinguish among the various male speakers, but he strains with the female voices. Of interest to English majors and fiction readers. [Audio clip available through www.blackstoneaudio.com.Ed.]Laurie Selwyn, formerly with Grayson Cty. Law Lib., Sherman, TX

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