Sorta Like a Rock Star »

Matthew Quick's debut adult novel, THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, was published to wide acclaim. The book has been optioned by Weinstein & Company, and David O. Russell has signed on to write the screenplay and to direct the film. The book has been sold abroad to Picador in the UK, Salani in Italy, and Via Magna in Spain.

Amber Appleton lives in a bus. Ever since her mom's boyfriend kicked them out, Amber, her mom, and her totally loyal dog, Bobby Big Boy (aka Thrice B) have been camped out in the back of Hello Yellow (the school bus her mom drives). Still, Amber, the self-proclaimed princess of hope and girl of unyielding optimism, refuses to sweat the bad stuff. But when a fatal tragedy threatens Amber's optimism--and her way of life, can Amber continue to be the rock star of hope? With an oddball cast of characters, and a heartwarming, inspiring story, this novel unveils a beautifully beaten-up world of laughs, loyalty, and hard-earned hope.

Publishers Weekly

Quick's (The Silver Linings Playbook) first book for teenagers is a searing story of redemption. Exuberant Amber, her dog, and her alcoholic mother live on the school bus her mother drives. Amber's outsize personality, unrelenting optimism, and vocal faith both in people and in Jesus (who she calls "JC" in her chatty prayers) mask her dire circumstances, as well as her mother's neglect, and spur her to find community where other might see outcasts: with disabled classmates, a Vietnam vet with whom she trades haikus, the Korean women she teaches soul songs to improve their English, and the residents at a local home for the elderly. Amber's voice ("?‘JC,' I pray. ‘You see us at the school board meeting? Whatcha know about that, sucka?'?") is matched in its extremity by her supporting cast and by a tragedy, which dramatically alters the novel's course halfway through. Readers may not immediately take to Amber's personality, but it's nearly impossible to remain unmoved as she is brought back from her lowest moments by the very people she refused to give up on. Ages 12–up. (May)