I Love James Patterson Books

Dear James Patterson:

Just wanted to let you know, I am your newest fan. I thought it might be fun for me to write a story for you -- a true story -- even though fiction is your forte, it's not mine. So, sit back relax and learn how I found your books and why I like them.

You might even get a kick out of it -- or not. Either way, here I go!

Regards,

Mandee

Psst: If you want a complete, James Patterson Book List, visit this article. I have a Google Docs spreadsheet with the complete list there!

Image source:CC 2.0 Attribution License by terryballard at Flickr

We Met, figuratively, at the Grocery Store

I was at the local grocery store picking up a few items for my family. I slowly walked past the aisle with the greeting cards, magazines and books. I looked longingly at the small section of paperbacks as I mentally calculated the contents of my cart -- did I have enough to buy a new book?

Things have been pretty tight for a long time now. Having lost our business in the recession, we have been in the rebuilding mode for 3 long years. I hadn't been able to add to my personal library in a while, except for an occasional, cheap, paperback romance. I had been making due by re-reading and re-reading again my Janet Evanovich "Stephanie Plum" series but right there in the middle of the grocery store -- the books were calling to me.

I couldn't ignore the call so I brazenly walked up to them and began scanning the titles and authors as well as the cover artwork -- searching for something that looked so good that it would be worth exchanging for the box of my favorite cereal currently taking up residence in my cart.

A cover and title caught my eye. I had certainly heard of the author -- even if I had never actually read anything he wrote. I flipped the book over and read the synopsis. Very interesting...

Okay, it went in the cart and the cereal went back on the shelf. I was about to read my first James Patterson book and I was excited to get home and start reading.

Give me more James Patterson Books

One book was all it took. I read it in less than 24 hours which is quite a feat when you factor in normal chores and tasks still got finished. I immediately gave it to my mom to read exclaiming she would love it.

So, here's how I have always done things: when I find something I like, I go all out. If it's a shirt that actually looks okay on me -- I buy one in three colors (or used too when money wasn't tight).

With authors, it's the same way. I found the Stephanie Plum series at a big box store that had all the numbered books in the series in a display. They were having a sale, 3 books for a great price. I bought them through in order, loving each one more than the one before. I am a huge fan and wait with baited breath each time a new book comes out.

If my birthday, Mother's Day, anniversary or Christmas is close by, I ask for the book. The library is sometimes helpful but it seems the new books are always out. The waiting list can be months long. If I still can't get it, I juggle until I can come up with the money to purchase and then keep it for my personal library. I don't mind re-reading books and it's a good thing or I wouldn't have had anything to read most of this past winter. I started all over (for the 3rd time) with Janet and Stephanie and read the series through. Still cracks me up!

Now, I have a new addiction -- Mr. James Patterson's books.

Image credit: Book Addict T-shirt by booklovergifts

The Christmas Wedding at Amazon.com

I added The Christmas Wedding to my Christmas list, but alas, it was too late -- my family had already bought my gifts. So, I am still looking forward to that book.

Below is the 16 second commercial that caught my eye...

James Patterson Books

When I read a book -- any book -- I know I am really wrapped up in it when my mind's eye starts playing movies of the scenes I am reading. It's kinda hard to explain.

I can clearly see the words on the page but there are secondary images of the characters in the book acting out the words I am reading. I can actually see them doing the things the words are telling me -- page by page, frame by frame -- That's as close to an explanation as I can come -- mind's eye movies.

When I see these movies as I read, I know I am caught up in the author's story-telling ability. If I don't see the movies in my head, the book is just two dimensional and won't hold my interest.

The Postcard Killers had my mind movies working overtime. I had to fast-forward through a bit of the gory details but they left the intended impression, I'm sure.

Mysteries are fun to read. It's the classic Good Guys vs. Bad guys. The subtle clues and hints left by this talented author as to who the protagonist is, what his motivations are and what will happen next keep me on the edge of my seat. That's entertainment to me -- and an escape from my own problems or everyday life for a while. We all need a break at times and James Patterson's books are now among my favorite break time entertainment.

Source: Public Domain Clip Art

Why I Love Your Writing

Dear Mr. Patterson,

I feel a bit strange writing to you -- I haven't written a fan letter since I was 14 and in love with Shaun Cassidy. I'm pretty sure my mom never mailed it.... But that's a different story for a different time!

Anyway, this is my first piece of fan mail in 32 years so forgive me if I am unfamiliar with fan mail protocol. I do love your books. I have now read everyone of them. My personal collection is huge and others I got through my local library.

CC 2.0 Attribution License
by enigmachck1 at Flickr

Now, instead of just saying I love your books, which I am sure you get a lot of,

I wanted you to know why. Here we go...

So far, I have only read 4 of your books through --

• "The Postcard Killers"
• "Cross Fire"
• "The Lifeguard"
• "Judge & Jury"

I am currently reading "Tick Tock" and enjoying it as well. To date, I think my favorite for story line and characters is "Lifeguard". It was so completely different than what I had expected from the title, not to mention full of twists and turns that lead this reader on a chase of a lifetime. It's one I will read again and again.

I love a good mystery but so many authors nowadays give you every gory detail of a murder or sexual encounter. They don't give the reader credit for having any imagination. The right descriptive words and scene setting are all it takes for my imagination to know exactly what happened.

The shower scene from Psycho is a great example. Everyone knew Janet Leigh was being murdered. That scene scared the heck out of a lot of people for a long time. (My own mom said she couldn't take a shower for a month -- baths only). There were no blood and guts, yet the viewer's imagination knew the details and it scared the wits out of them.

That's the way I feel about your books, so far. Sure, there is some gore but I think you lead me down the path and my mind takes over picturing the scene in such detail that a play-by-play of every little thing is not necessary. Sort of "less is more" I guess, when done correctly.

To me, that's the difference between books and movies. The movies are all about visual stimuli. They show everything because that's all they have. You can't be inside the character's mind like you can in a book. If they don't show it, you don't know it. Books are so different. The narrator, antagonist, protagonist and supporting cast are so real to me, I see them. You have a gift, my friend and I for one, am glad you share your writing with the rest of us.

Well, that's about it. Just wanted to say thanks for writing in a style that gives credit to your readers' imagination and intelligence. I hope you continue to write books for a long time to come. I will follow along.

Are you a fan of James Patterson's books?

1. Alex Cross
2. Women's Murder Club
3. Michael Bennett (5 Books)
4. Private
5. Maximum Ride (8 Books)
6. Daniel X (5 Books)
7. Witch and Wizard (4 Books)
8. Middle School

As of 2012

Has a Google Doc spreadsheet link at the bottom of the article so you can keep track of the James Patterson books you have read and need to read!

The James Patterson Book List for Fans
I admit it -- I am a HUGE James Patterson fan! After I read the first book, I knew I needed a James Patterson book list so I could read each and every book h...

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