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2.0 out of 5 stars
Depressing Story!, May 26, 2005
This review is from: Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas: a Novel (Hardcover)
I figured anything written by James Patterson has suspense and edge-of-your seat entertainment. I'm not sure exactly what I was expecting when I picked up a copy of SUZANNE'S DIARY TO NICHOLAS, but it was definitely not this! There was no suspense at all in this book, and at times it was just a weepy attempt to draw out the reader's emotions.
Katie Wilkinson is a book editor who is experiencing heartbreak. Matt, her boyfriend leaves her without any indication that things weren't wonderful between them. But he does leave her a gift, hoping it will explain his quick departure. The present is Suzanne (his first wife's) diary that she kept for their son, Nicholas. At first angry, Katie doesn't understand why Matt wants her to read this very personal recount of his first love's life. But she begins to read hoping to find something in there to make her understand.
Although it's difficult for Katie to read Suzanne's words of love, she continues to read. She learns that Suzanne had a heart attack at a young age that caused lifestyle changes. Through these changes, she meets Matt, a neighbor in Martha's Vineyard where Suzanne moves to reduce stress. Katie reads about Suzanne's love for Matt, their excitement over her pregnancy, and their devotion to Nicholas.
While reading I felt like a voyeur, like I was reading Suzanne's diary along with Katie and it was something so full of emotions that it should have remained private. The bouncing back and forth from first person to third person narrative by Patterson was not an easy transition at times and was confusing.
Although the character development was extremely well done, I didn't like SUZANNE'S DIARY TO NICHOLAS. To me, the plot was an attempt to pull the heartstrings and force the reader to feel emotion. Instead of feeling empathy for all people involved in this story, I felt depressed. If I had known that this book would have been so much of a downer, I would never have read it.
However, with that said, I do have to say that the ending did surprise me. It was definitely a twist that I didn't see coming. I wouldn't recommend this unless you are in the mood to cry!
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5.0 out of 5 stars
Wonderful story, February 11, 2008
This review is from: Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas: a Novel (Hardcover)
I am a huge murder club fan. This story is a refreshing departure from the murder club theme. Wonderfully written, it is an fresh romantic story and left me a very positive feeling after I closed the book.
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5.0 out of 5 stars
sad and compelling, April 27, 2005
This review is from: Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas: a Novel (Hardcover)
Suzanne starts a diary for her baby. She tells him about meeting his father and her life in general. The diary falls into the hands of a another female who is in love with a girfted writer. Who is Suzannes? she wonders. She discovers Suzanne is married to the man she is in love with. Buts whats the story? whats in the end? Grab a box of tissue when you read this its a definate tear jerker!
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