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THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK by Matthew Quick. (Picador). Reviewed by Dineo Matomela

IF you like happy endings, then this debut novel by Matthew Quick will be one of the best reads for you this winter. It is certainly an uplifting book about family, friendship and the importance of keeping a positive outlook in life no matter what the circumstances.

It is based on the life of Pat People, back home with his family after spending years in the “bad place” and dreams of the end of “apart time”.

The bad place is a mental institution and apart time refers to his days longing to reunite with his estranged wife Nikki, who divorced him.

Pat now lives with his supporting mother and his aloof father who initially wanted nothing to do with him. He had been distanced from his brother Jake and friend Ronnie, due to the time he spent at the “bad place” but in time they reach out to him and his life is back on track. He befriends Tiffany, against advice from his friends, and later she betrays him.

Pat is resilient and has a talent of seeing the good in people and situations.

Reading the book was like I was on a roller coaster ride. It was funny at times and I just could not put it down. It is full of surprises, and is highly entertaining. Quick is a talented writer who has the ability to create magic.