“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

“We could not have made a better choice for a keynote speaker for our NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) affiliate’s’ Annual Membership Meeting and Awards Dinner. Matthew Quick’s message of following your dreams and achieving mental health hit home with many. I heard from attendees of all ages, both after he spoke and the next day, about how moving and honest his presentation was and how much they enjoyed it. He also was generous with his time in staying and talking to people afterwards, some who were aspiring writers themselves. We look forward to seeing his future works!” – Carol Caruso, Executive Director, NAMI PA Montgomery County

“Matthew Quick is a dynamic speaker who was able to capture the attention of the entire school community as our keynote speaker for career day. All 800 students (plus teachers and staff) were deeply inspired by his honest and sincere words. Our students had already read Sorta Like a Rock Star and were super excited to hear that Boy21 has been released and placed on our summer reading list. All the teachers agreed that he was the best speaker that Little Flower has ever had and student after student has come to tell us that they now feel like they can reach their goals with hard work. In the classroom, my students have used Matthew’s story as an example of how to develop one’s character in order to reach their destiny in life. Truly his visit to our school has changed each one of us and our school community for the better. Not only do his books change lives but his very presence makes you feel like your future can be one filled with hope and your dreams accomplished. I would highly recommend that every school that believes in their student’s future have him come and let him help your students realize that the world is open to them for the taking!”" – Sister Kimberly Miller, Little Flower High School, Philadelphia, PA

“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, Former President/CEO, Steininger Behavioral Care Services Inc., Cherry Hill, NJ

“Each year a small army of youth librarians in Michigan reads truckloads of newly-published YA titles to determine the winner of the Thumbs Up! Award, sponsored by the Michigan Library Association to celebrate the finest books for teens and young adults. I served in that literary army the year Matthew Quick published Sorta Like a Rock Star and was blessed to meet Q (his friends call him Q and so I do too) when he came to our conference to receive the award. It felt like meeting an old friend. Matthew Quick spoke engagingly with the librarians in attendance, sometimes a tough audience for writers. He was generous in sharing his time and answered all questions. He spoke about his background, his writing techniques and his life and allowed us to know who Matthew Quick really is. After meeting Q, I could easily imagine the genesis of wonderful characters like Amber Appleton in Sorta Like a Rock Star and Finley in Boy21 and Pat Peoples in The Silver Linings Playbook. Q is a talented and thoughtful writer, an honest and open speaker and a kind and insightful person.” Sally Wilcox, Teen Services Librarian, Ionia Community Library, Ionia, Michigan

“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

“Matthew Quick is as compelling a speaker as he is a writer: my students were as drawn to Matthew Quick’s personality as they are drawn into his books. One student, a freshman, had read the first half of Boy21 the day before meeting Matthew and couldn’t wait to finish the book. Our Assistant Principal bought a copy for his son. Every student’s attention was captured by Quick’s encouragement: he addressed the mixed messages in our society of “You can be anything you want” and “What makes you think you can make it as an artist?” Quick comes through as warm and talented in person as on the page.” Sarah Andrew-Vaughan, Huron High School Creative Writing and English Teacher, Ann Arbor, MI

“Having Matthew Quick speak to our school was one of the best administrative decisions I have ever made. In the middle of a district wide literacy initiative, Q came in and single-handedly moved the initiative forward. The auditorium was packed with students, staff, and community members. The days that followed his presentation were nothing short of amazing. There was a tangible buzz in the school about his newest book, BOY21. Students have come to my office gushing about how honest and genuine Matt was during his presentation and how proud they were to own a book signed by such a great author. Perhaps my proudest moment came when I was walking to my car after the event was over and one of the most reluctant readers in my school was sitting on a bench, waiting to be picked up, reading his copy of BOY21. Thank you, Matthew Quick, for not only being a great author, but for your willingness to deliver such a positive message to my students. We cannot wait for your next book; the students are already asking me to order it!” – Mark Wiltsey, Supervisor of English and Social Studies, Collingswood High School, Collingswood, NJ

“Matthew Quick has a wonderful talent for connecting with and engaging his audience in an honest, insightful fashion. Q’s open heart shines through, in his writing and in person. How lucky we are to have him writing contemporary YA fiction that illuminates and humanizes our universal journey to adulthood. Look for, and expect, great things from Matthew Quick in the future.” – Lucia Greene, Newburyport Literary Festival, NBPT, MA

“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, Philadelphia, PA

“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 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

“My class was rapt from the moment Mr. Quick, or Q,  said ‘good morning’ to well after the bell had rung.  His message of following your passions and doing what you love stuck with me and my kids long after he had left.  It’s a message we all need to remind ourselves often and he does a super job of not being didactic or over the top. As a former English teacher himself, Q knows how to connect with kids in a way that allows them to listen, think and dream!” Don Packard, English Teacher, Pioneer High School, Ann Arbor, MI

“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, Moorestown, NJ

“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, Philadelphia, PA

“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

“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