Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas was my second book in a week-long James Patterson marathon. As a mystery-suspense reader, I struggled through the first half of the book. I didn't find the tone that "Suzanne" took in writing this diary for her son, Nicholas, as realistic and believable. It was romantic, beautiful, and poetic ... but not the direction that a parent would go with a child. On the other hand, there was no other way that Patterson could have pulled off this love story with the same level of complexities that involved the stories of three different lives (Matt, Suzanne, and Katie). Once I accepted this, I found myself completely emerged in this story. Patterson, somehow, was able to capture every detail and emotion of any woman who has ever been completely, whole-heartedly, and deeply in love. I was absolutely amazed and unexpectedly in cry-out-loud tears toward the end. He throws in an occasional Patterson nuance with witty remarks and unexpected twists, but this book is definitely a romance novel in all sense of the word. Is it as heart-wrenchingly good as The Notebook? Possibly. Ultimately this shows the remarkable talent of Patterson as an author. He's no "one trick pony" and truly one of the best out there. If you are an all-out James Patterson fan of his suspense-thrillers, give this one a try when you're ready for something significantly different. If you decide to, go into it with an open mind and leave your skepticism aside. As always, Patterson will not disappoint you.Read full review
James Patterson is one of my favorite authors. Alex Cross, the detective in his books is one of my favorite characters. So it was with trepidation that my beloved mystery writer wrote a love story. He did and it is very, very good. Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas is written differently than most books I’ve read. In spite of Patterson’s coming out of his box, he managed to come out of it creatively. Some might say it is predictable. I think Patterson keeps just enough edge on one or two parts that may surprise you, perhaps not. It did surprise me. But again, this is not a mystery and isn’t meant to surprise necessarily. His writing style is good enough to keep a short, simple story engaging. Suzanne Bedford is a Harvard educated doctor in her mid-30’s, who moves to Martha’s Vineyard to slow down the pace of her hectic life. It is there, as a “country doctor” that she Nicholas Harrison is the baby for whom the diary is written. He is a perfect, wanted and so loved baby. Katie Wilkinson a young woman who works for a firm that publishes books is sent the book by Matt Harrison, house painter and author. Patterson has managed to write in the character of two women. As you read it, you will forget that it is written by a man. He gets into the female heart and mind fabulously. The book is wonderful in its simplicity. Patterson does not weave a complex story. Quite the opposite. It is a simple story and some may find it too simple. I didn’t. Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas is essentially 2 books in one. One book is an account by one character, Katie, and the second is the account by another, which is the diary by Suzanne. Is this a woman’s book? Books must be classified as such at times, certainly and this would be one of those. Would a male Patterson fan not enjoy it? Probably not unless love stories are a genre he likes. Sure there is some mystery as I said above. It isn’t entirely predictable, but this is not a book that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat or wondering “who dun it.” This comes directly from the book, "Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends and integrity. And you're keeping all of them in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls- family, health, friends, integrity- are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered. And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginnings of balance in your life."Read full review
I have to admit that I began this book with some concern and suspicion. Being a long time fan of Alex Cross and other mysteries by James Patterson, I feared the book was an attempt at something new that might not be as successful as what our author is best known for. I was wrong and should have had more faith in Mr. Patterson. It is a simple story in which the characters are fully developed to the point of allowing the reader to frequently relate to the characters' emotions and thoughts on many levels. It is heart-wrenching and full of hope and reminds us that allowing another to get close brings with it the fear of unbearable pain but also the miracle of incredible joy.
This was an excellent book. So much differant than the murder mysteries that James Patterson normally rights. I like them as well, but this story was so touching it made me cry. I bought this book on the recomendation of a friend who also likes books by Patterson that said I would really like the change. He is a very versatile author. This book will pull aat your heartstrings.
This is my third James Patterson book that is NOT a mystery version. I loved his JAMES PATTERSON by JAMES PATTERSON, and decided to order this SUZANNE'S....I found it to be a quick read, compelling, and emotional.
Verified purchase: Yes | Condition: Pre-owned
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