Silver Linings Playbook

[krickets]

Has anyone else read Silver Linings Playbook by Matthew Quick?

I enjoyed the movie well enough and have actually heard a lot of great things about the book, so I bought it on kindle... because it was cheap, frankly. I then later regretted purchasing it. (Despite its cheapness) Because I kind of forgot (or chose to ignore?) that I usually LOATHE fiction (or thinly-veiled autobiographies) written by (usually white) men, about (usually white) men who are depressed, despondent, usually either single/divorced/in a failing marriage, middle-aged (or close to it) and who have daddy issues. I just.... blech. The plight of the unsatisfied-with-life middle-aged white man! NOT MY FAVORITE THING EVER. I usually can't get past the first couple of chapters if that's the picture I'm being given.

But this is different. The writer gives Pat such a unique, almost child-like, very stream-of-consciousness style voice. I am actually loving it so far. (CONFESSIONAL: It doesn't hurt that the chapters are short and I fly right through them.) Obviously I already know how it ends. In this case that's not helping or hurting. But yeah... so much better than I anticipated after the "crap, I totally paid for this book" remorse set in.

Comments

[waltzmatildah.livejournal.com]

I really, reeeaaalllly did not like the movie.

Aaand, I don't really have anything more to add! I haven't read the book and I don't really have any inclination to.

(sorry that this is the first comment!)

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Really? I mean, my enthusiasm for it isn't through the roof. As you can see by my saying I liked it "well enough" in the post, lol. But I definitely didn't dislike it.

[waltzmatildah.livejournal.com]

To be honest, I kinda found it to be pretty offensive? I mean, in the context of what they were ~saying the movie was supposed to be about (ie. realistic eta: this isn't the word I really wanted here, I'm not sure what is but maybe 'honest' is closer? portrayal of BP disorder etc), as opposed to actually stand alone offensive. I don't think I'm making myself very clear here! Haha! I mean, if I'd watched the movie under the impression it was nothing more than a rom-com, then fine. But that's clearly NOT what they were selling it as? If that makes sense?

Urgh, I don't think it does... *sigh*!

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Ah, I see. I didn't see that but maybe it's because I just don't have personal experience with it. I do to a degree. We all know somebody. But not very intimately where I feel like I have vast amounts of knowledge on the subject. I have to say you MIGHT change your mind if you read the book. As someone said below, Pat's narrative is so sweet and enjoyable. I can totally see why they made it a movie now that I am reading the book. And actually I appreciate Bradley Cooper's portrayal so much more now that I am reading this. I will probably re-watch the film when I am done.

[waltzmatildah.livejournal.com]

Yeah, I actually read some of the comments below and wondered exactly that about maybe giving the book a go. I might have to do that!

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Let me know if you do!

[daybreak777.livejournal.com]

I know what you mean about books. I love fiction, but I usually read about main characters who are women. I'm watching the movie This Is 40 and I totally get what you are saying. I knew it would be a bad film but it does have a few laughs in here. Like when the teen daughter watches all of Lost in a month. LOL. That was a fun scene in a very long, not so funny film.

All that said, I loved Pat in The Silver Linings Playbook movie. I literally felt I could see him thinking and when an idea would occur to him. No filter and I really enjoyed him. The book must be so much fun. And I really want to know what he said to his wife at the end.

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Yeah I don't intentionally avoid these books usually. But anytime I start to read one there is just this.... tone. I can't get past it. Haha. I honestly have never seen that movie. Now I know never to watch it. If I need to watch Steve Carrell in a film I will watch my Dan in Real Life DVD followed by my Seeking a Friend for the end of the World DVD. Hahahaha.

His character in the book is very much the same way. You should totally read it! His portrayal of Pat is actually very spot on. I haven't gotten to the end! I hope to find out as well.

[daybreak777.livejournal.com]

I know the tone. Pity the authors don't. Or their editors.

Aww, Pat. Bradley is so good sometimes. Everything in his head is right there in his eyes. You ever see Limitless? Really great film for him.

[gemjam.livejournal.com]

I read the book first, absolutely loved it, was so excited when I learned they were making a film of it, and was then really not impressed with the film. They changed a lot ( yeah, I know, people who read the book first always moan about that.) Trust me though, even if you've seen the film, you're in for some surprises and a rollercoaster at the end. It's not nearly as straightforward as in the movie.

[crickets.livejournal.com]

It really is excellent. I did not expect this. I bought it hoping it'd be good. But wow I love the way Pat is written. So fantastic.

[lennongirl.livejournal.com]

And yet another 2 cents - I actually loved both. Read the book first, LOVED it all in caps (Pat is one of the sweetest and most enjoyable narrators I ever read and basically, everything in this book was fab - I can link you to my review on goodreads once you're done should you be interested - no pressure). I watched the movie later and yes, they did change quite a few things, but I LOVED the movie nevertheless for being fab on its own. Both, book and movie, made me very, very happy, and even though I loved the book more, the movie, on its own, made me all awwwwww as well (thanks, to the large part, to the insane chemistry between Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence).

[crickets.livejournal.com]

I am LOVING it in all caps as well. I am SO GLAD I bought it. He is so enjoyable! And sweet. The scene on the beach with Emily (I think it's Emily). Wow, breaks my heart. How pure and wonderful his moment with her was only to be shattered like that. So well done. I am going to re-watch the movie after I am done.

[lennongirl.livejournal.com]

Oh yes, the scene with Emily. I also suffered big time during the "pre-match scene", you know, Pat's loosing it with the other club's fan (that scene is also in the movie, although in a slightly different context, later and toned down, if I remember correctly). The feeling I had during reading - a lot of times, and most intense during the scene mentioned above - was being afraid and scared something bad would happen to Pat. I so wanted to protect him from every harm that could wait for him along the way. Sigh. And my, I did see Bradley Cooper all the time while reading it, which might've disturbed me in another character/actor combo, but here, it was perfect. More happy sighs :)

[twilightthief.livejournal.com]

I was thinking about reading it! The movie was pretty good.

[crickets.livejournal.com]

Now that I have finished it I can go ahead and recommend it. It definitely wasn't 100% perfect and had its flaws but overall it was pretty delightful in its delivery. It's easy to see why they made some of the changes they did, especially concerning Pat's father.

Anyway, definitely give it a shot if you're already interested. It's a quick and engaging read.