Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson

(Photo Taken from Goodreads)

Title: Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas
Author: James Patterson
Publisher: Little, Brown and Company
Language: English
ISBN - 10: 0316969443
ISBN - 13: 978-0316969444
Rating:







Wow. Imagine James Patterson abandoning Alex Cross for a while to lend the most sensitive voice possible to a woman! In this book, Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas, Patterson crosses over to romance with natural ease, as if he is merely writing another adventure for Alex Cross. At least now, I know that this cuddly grandpa is not just into writing gruesome murders, he can also be as sappy as the next person too.

Katie was a beautiful, successful woman living in New York. She met Matt Harrison through her job, when her company became interested in Matt's collection of poetry. Soon, their relationship blossomed into love. However, on a night when Katie was to give Matt a party and a big surprise, Matt suddenly breaks up with her, and leaves her broken and confused. Soon after, he sends her a diary - apparently of his wife to their baby boy.

To avid romance readers, this may sound typical and very predictable, but still very good at the same time. To read a romance novel from an author who's known for his psychological thrillers, this is a pleasant trip to the romantic genre, showing the author's sensitive and emotional side. Reading this novel with no knowledge who the author is, I would think this was written by a woman, as this book captured the accurate nuances, emotions, and reactions of a woman.

This book alternates between a first-person and third-person point of view, and the transition from each other is seamless and smooth. Each character was given a unique personality, and a unique voice to boot. As with his other novels, the author maintains a snappy, economic narration and pace, with crisp dialogue and vivid scenes. There are no loopholes in the story-telling, every conflict and issue addressed and resolved at the ending.

Reading through Suzanne's diary entries is as heartbreaking as it was an exciting experience, and at the risk of including spoilers, readers definitely would not be able to stop from crying towards the ending, as a heart-wrenching climax will open the floodgates. On the other hand, one could not help but feel sorry and root for Katie, who appears very likable, despite acting depressed for at least 75 percent of the time in the story.

With regard to Matt, he sounds like your Jack-of-all-trades-all-American-hero ready to sweep you off your feet, but with the author's talent for spinning a yarn, Matt suddenly looks pathetic and creepy towards the first part, then boom! Surprise, surprise towards the end. I was not really surprised about the ending, because as far as romance novels go, there is only one type of ending, but the way it all came full circle was so touching it still blew me away.

Definitely, this book would not be favored by Patterson's male fans, but if some do, I won't blame them - this is good stuff. Something to feed your James Patterson craving while waiting for his next thriller.