I'll start by saying that I didn't dislike this book in any way. I think it's a poignant and honest read and I think it deals with mental health issues in a sensitive but realistic manner. It does not sugar coat mental illness. At times, I felt desperately sorry for Pat and just wanted to look after him and make sure he was okay. This book is also very funny at times and I really enjoyed the writing style. I thought the way in which it was written was very reflective of how some people with mental illness may go through their thought processes and it gave Pat many endearing qualities. However, despite the humour, this is not a comedy book. It is a thoughtful and touching insight to mental illness and shows, despite a different outlook on life, the way in which Pat is made to confront so many issues in his life. Most importantly for me, this book is hopeful. Pat is constantly chasing his silver lining and by the end, we see that despite all the ups and downs, he still finds his silver lining. That is such an important message.

My only reason for the 3* rating is that I saw the film when it was out a few years ago and this is one of those rare occasions where I actually think the film was better. I think that if I had read this before seeing the film, I would potentially prefer the book but the cast of the movie is incredible. Bradley Cooper and Jennifer Lawrence did an outstanding job as Pat and Tiffany. They really lifted those characters out of the pages of the book and made them real. If you havent' seen the movie, I would recommend it!