What People are Saying About Matthew’s Appearances and Speaking Engagements
“Possessed of unusual empathy and sensitivity, Matthew Quick makes extraordinary connections with people. Whether using the written or spoken word, his capacity to touch an audience is exceptional. It’s no surprise that he was revered as a teacher and is now highly respected as an author.” – Dr. Joseph Serico, Principal (retired), Haddonfield Memorial High School, Haddonfield, NJ
“Get to know Matthew Quick; you’ll be hearing a lot more from him. Whether you read his debut novel, THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, or talk with Matthew one-on-one, or listen to him address a room full of advocates for those who suffer from mental illness, get to know him. Either in print or in person, his humor, humanity, and warmth soon overtake you. Matthew, like his book, engages you, tells his story, and leaves you warm and fulfilled at the end.” – Dr. Len Altamura, President/CEO, Steininger Behavioral Care Services Inc., Cherry Hill, NJ
“Matthew Quick’s presentation is so honest and humble. Teens are often told what to do and who to be. Rarely does anyone sincerely tell teens to follow their dreams while telling them that doing so requires hard work, sacrifice, and unwavering belief in oneself. Quick shares the truth about the rewards of being your own person while being honest about the sometimes daunting and unglorified road to get there. Sorta Like A Rock Star is a true teen must-read. Both the boys and girls, 8th graders and 12 graders, every shade under the sun, said this book was great! Sorta Like A Rock Star, Amber and Matthew Quick received overwhelmingly positive feedback from the all teens that participated. Both Quick and Amber remind us to be our most amazing and true selves. You could not ask for more in an author and a character.” – Aurora Sanchez, Field Family Teen Author Series Outreach Coordinator, The Free Library of Philadelphia
“The Silver Linings Playbook was the freshman summer reading book we chose at Drexel in 2010. It was a superb choice. Our incoming freshmen found the book enjoyable and provocative. When Matthew Quick visited our campus, he captivated hundreds of students during a talk in which he described his follow-your-dream journey of becoming a writer. Then during a small creative writing master class, Quick showed what a difficult choice it must have been for him to leave teaching to pursue a writing career. He’s a natural in the classroom. He connected individually with the students, providing thoughtful, constructive, encouraging feedback about their fiction. Our entire experience of working with Matthew was amazing.” – Dr. Scott Warnock, Director of Drexel University’s Freshman Writing Program
“Full of compassion and insight, Matt Quick impressed our students not only with his optimism, charm, and candor, but with how responsive he was to their questions and how willing he was to engage them in conversation. His talk was the perfect way to conclude their senior year, his story proof that persistence and dedication pave the way for true achievement. Delighted for an afternoon and inspired perhaps for a lifetime, his young audience was encouraged to embrace their dreams as they prepare to leave the community that raised them. New Hope-Solebury is grateful for Matt’s generosity with his time and his talent.” – Drew Giorgi, English Teacher, New Hope-Solebury High School, New Hope, PA
“Matthew Quick is a charismatic speaker whose message of hard work and embracing the gift of who you are left my students inspired to go out and reach their goals. He has an uncanny ability to connect with each person in the audience and to touch the hearts of all who hear him with his honest yet sincere words. Without a doubt his books convey a truth that will leave the reader forever changed and a better person for having read them. The world will be hearing more about him in the future so everyone should get to know Matthew Quick now!” – Sister Kimberly Miller, Little Flower High School, Philadelphia, PA
“Matthew Quick is as warm and giving in his teaching as he is on the page. The Red Earth MFA students found him both engaging and knowledgeable about his craft, and much enjoyed learning about writing in first person during his workshop. I highly recommend Q as a speaker for his writing talent and for his ability to reach out to fledgling writers.” Danita Berg, Red Earth MFA Director, Oklahoma City University
“Matt Quick’s honesty, insight, and obvious passion for his craft are contagious. His willingness to share his experience as a writer and as a student of the process was an invaluable part of his visit. The students were left with Matt’s genuine words and stories—gifts much greater than any traditional classroom instruction or textbook-based lesson. Matt’s visit has been the highlight of our year.” – Mark Gornto, English/Creative Writing Teacher, Moorestown Friends High School
“As a school counselor, I am always looking for innovative ways to lead [students] into thinking about the future and realize how important it is to choose a career that they are passionate about. [Matthew Quick is] an inspiration and presented a surreal story of someone who left it all behind to follow his dreams and find happiness. The honesty and passion [he] portrayed for my students made a lasting impact.” Alicia Lynch, School Counselor, New Foundations Charter School
“Matthew Quick’s return to Goddard as our featured Alumni was a wonderful experience all around. As a speaker, he was professional, prepared, and easy to work with, and his presentation was very engaging. He was also accessible to the students, taking the time to have conversations with them rather than simply answering their questions. If you invite Matthew to your school, he will be there 100%. I highly recommend him.” – Rahna Reiko Rizzuto, Faculty, MFA Creative Writing, Goddard College, Plainfield, VT
“Matthew Quick is the kind of speaker who engages the audience immediately with his unpretentious manner and open, genuine style. The audience couldn’t help but be drawn into the story of Matt’s personal journey to become a writer. Before we knew it, we were invested in what happens next! And, we were rooting for the good guy – Matt Quick – to win! By the time Matthew began to discuss his novels and the characters that populate them, our audience was totally captivated. We were ready to read his novels then hang around the bookstore waiting for the next one. Literacy Volunteers of Burlington County has twice had the pleasure of working with Matthew Quick and we look forward to working with him again. Sharing his passion for reading and writing, he has given his time generously in support of the LVBC mission to improve the literacy skills of adults.” – Julia Herman, Board of Trustees, Literacy Volunteers of Burlington County, Willingboro, NJ
“Matthew Quick’s visit revitalized our book club! An incredibly engaging and generous speaker, Matthew fielded questions about his novels in specific and about his writing career in general. Our group reveled in the opportunity to discuss with Matthew his impressive and provocative work. But even more so, we felt riveted by his personal story—his account of life before and after he heeded the call of the muse and gave himself over to writing. His passion and commitment to his craft and calling are palpable, and we couldn’t help but feel personally inspired by Matt’s tale. Invite Matt to your book club; you will NOT be disappointed!” – The Carriagebrooke Farm Book Club, Voorhees, NJ
“Matthew Quick has been the perfect addition to our branch grand opening events. He first joined us at the celebration of our Ardmore office where he enthusiastically interacted with guests while autographing copies of his debut novel, THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK. We welcomed Matthew back for the opening of our newest office in Philadelphia where he was greeted by a line of guests waiting for a signed copy of his book and the chance to chat with Matthew about his inspirations and future plans. He is an absolute pleasure to work with!” – Justin Dunn, Vice President, Sales & Marketing Support Manager, Susquehanna Bank
“The students at Collingswood High School had a life-changing experience when Matthew Quick came to speak to them. He brought insight and perspective to them about the writing process, about following dreams, and about defining success in life.” – Mark Wiltsey, English Teacher, Collingswood High School, Collingswood, NJ
“Matthew Quick’s debut novel, THE SILVER LININGS PLAYBOOK, is masterfully plotted with characters who grab and keep the reader’s attention. Quick’s own story of how he came to write the novel is equally compelling. He talked about both the novel and the details of how he came to write it at a SRO public lecture at the university and in an advanced creative writing class of fifteen college students here at La Salle. Both audiences hung upon his every word. On page and in person, Quick is a natural-born storyteller. His appearance on campus was the highlight of the Department of English’s spring 2009 semester public programming.” – Dr. Kevin J. Harty, Professor & Chair, Department of English, La Salle University, Philadelphia, PA
“Matthew Quick is not only an excellent speaker, but an inspiring teacher. He not only talks about creative writing, he IS creative. Matthew is interested in what his audience or students think and encourages full participation. He taught a creative writing course at our library and years later, participants still talk about how much they learned from Matthew. He is a combination of a great speaker and teacher, and a wonderful writer. He knows what he is talking about!” – Jane Dutton, Director of the Gale Free Library, Holden, MA
“What a thrill to have Matthew Quick, a successful former student, come back to address the current students at Oaklyn Public School. Not only did he focus on his impressive writing career, but his talk, about being different and following your dreams, was inspiring to both the elementary and junior high students. That is a rare feat indeed! We look forward to hearing more from this charismatic, talented alumnus.” – Denise Currie, Oaklyn Public School PTA president
“We were delighted by Matthew Quick’s presentation. Everyone who attended—and there were several dozen who did—was enthralled. We look forward to having him back again.” – Brett Bonfield, Director, Collingswood Public Library, Collingswood, NJ
“Matthew Quick was a crowd pleaser at our spring mental health awareness event. He spoke to our audience in a relatable tone and made sure he was knowledgeable about our mission. Matthew is a genuine person who was gracious to our guests, energetic about our message and passionate about his writing. We are very proud to have worked with Matthew and to have him associated with our organization.” – Kate Cranston, Director of Development, Steininger Behavioral Care Services, Cherry Hill, NJ