My love for books came at a young age, and with the help of my Aunt Lori. Lori is a simple lady, and she loves to read, and it has been a thing in my family that for one's birthday, she'll buy you a book of your choosing. The first several books she got me from what I can remember were the last few "Harry Potter" books, one from the "Eragon series, and a Stephen King novel here and there. I read them all of course, and once I was done, I tended to find the next book I wanted. My favorite book isn't one my Aunt got me, but it's one I live by, and read when I'm in need of help. The book is "The Silver Linings Playbook."
To give it a short summary, the book is about Pat Peoples, a former teacher who was recently released from a psychiatric hospital in Baltimore. He is released from the hospital in what he thinks was a few months after an incident with his wife Nikki. His goal after he is released is to become a "better man" so that he can get Nikki back. The book also centers around his relationship with his father, who is a Philadelphia Eagles fan, and seems to only talk to his son if the Eagles won or if it's about football. The narrative also introduces us to Tiffany, who decides to help Pat make contact with Nikki, in exchange for becoming er dance partner.
The novel itself had always been a great reminder for me, because Pat believes a theory that his life is like a movie and that the "silver lining" in his life is getting back with Nikki. It's an idea that does make sense, and it helped me get through my own issues, whether in a relationship or if I needed to fix what I did wrong.
This book is almost like my own personal bible. I say that because I've used Pat's theory in practice. Before I met my girlfriend, I was in a tough spot as far as love was, and for the longest time, I thought that I wouldn't find anybody, that I'd just be a lonely man. But I read this book, then again, and again. It helped me perceive that I may not have been the best guy in the world when it came to finding love, and it made me change. I thought about what Pat set out to do to get back with Nikki and put it in my own perspective. While I had to work and change how I acted, and sure enough, there was a "silver lining," it made me a better person, a better son, and a man who emotionally feels complete.
This book will be my favorite for many years. I set out to read it at least once a year, so that way I can remember how it helped me. I use this book as an example, and I hope that others will pick it up and use it the way I have.
