Customer Reviews

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas (Oeb)

5 star:		(408)
4 star:		(162)
3 star:		(56)
2 star:		(55)
1 star:		(160)

 

 

James Patterson and his Alex Cross novels have captured the attention of readers around the world. His has written some terrific psychological thrillers and a couple of less acclaimed novels, such as "When the Bough Breaks" which might have been best left in the closet. However, James Patterson's fans will not be the least disappointed in his latest masterpiece. It could not be further from the action packed, Alex Cross, crime novels, but it is every bit as worthy of praise and acclaim.

Katie Wilkinson, a book editor, has been left by her boyfriend, Matt. Matt, however, gives Katie a diary written by his first wife, Suzanne, for his son Nicholas. As Katie reads through the diary, she is not only compassionately drawn to Suzanne but develops a better understanding of Matt. The story that evolves will capture your heart and will long be remembered after the final page has been read. You will laugh and you will cry. The book is on the same par as "The Bridges of Madison County" and "Message in a Bottle." The readers will be pleasantly surprised at the new creative ability of Patterson in this sure to be best seller. Do not miss this book, it is packed with emotion and the reader is immediately drawn to the strong characters. This is once again, James Patterson at his finest - worthy of a whole universe of stars!

Patterson has taken a huge leap in genres, and by the reviews I see, his readers are running hot and cold. I personally loved this book and I know for a fact that love like this does exist, if only it could happen to everyone at least once in a lifetime.

The style of the book is not only as a diary, but it is laced with short entries about the life of Katie who has been given the diary to read. The majority of the story takes place on Martha's Vineyard, a small island off the coast of Massachusetts. It is the story of a perfect love, a perfect family and everything one could only hope for in life. Patterson is acutely sensitive in his ability to write as a female character telling her story.

Without ruining it for the reader I will say that the book is an emotional roller coaster, but a ride I wouldn't have missed for anything. Right from the beginning we are left to wonder why Katie is reading Suzanne's diary and we know that there is much more to this story. Thank you Mr. Patterson for a wonderful book and a loving piece of humanity. Kelsana 9/8/01

This book touched me in so many ways. It was sensitive and thought provoking. When I reached the chapter called "Matthew", my heart sunk because I knew at that point what had probably taken place. I was right, but I wasn't shocked or thrown until I began to read that chapter. I have never been so moved by a book. I was absolutely sobbing. Finishing the book was no easy task considering the sobbing lasted long after I was done. I spent the rest of the day, (I read the book in one day, how could I put it down?) thinking of the characters and of James Patterson. Read the jacket from the book, I can't get Mr. Patterson out of my mind. Thank you, Thank you!!

After reading "1st to Die" and "2nd Chance" by James Patterson, I was prepared for another gruesome murder mystery that you can't put down. I was shocked when i read "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas". In this spectacularly written tender story of a young woman and her love for her family, you begin to see a softer side of the bestselling author of "Along Came a Spider".

Katie Wilkinson is a unique young woman who has just lost the love of her life, Matt. After he left her, he sent her a worn diary with a note taped to the top begging her to read the diary. As Katie turns the pages, she learn's of Matt's perfect wife, Suzanne, and how she lovingly tells the story of her life so that their baby son, Nicholas, could read it in the future. How could Matt ever betray such a wonderful woman and fall in love with me? Katie wonders. The answer lies within the diary...

I could not put this book down. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll feel love, you'll feel hatred, but most of all, you will never forget this marvelous novel "Suzanne's Dairy for Nicholas".

When I met James Patterson at a recent book signing for this book, he told us that when he was in his early 30's he fell in love with a girl named Jane. One day they were in the post office and she just keeled over. It turned out she had a brain tumor and lived only two more years, but instead of being sad they said each day how lucky they were to see the sun rise, to share a walk on the beach, etc. After Jane's death, he knew that he would one day write a book for all those who have loved and lost and learned to love again. This book is not only an outstanding tribute to his love for Jane, but one of the most engrossing page-turners I have come across. I started it yesterday afternoon and literally could not stop until I finished. Finally, in the wee hours of the morning, I closed the book and cried uncontrollably. I knew it was going to be sad, but a most unexpected shocker near the end left me stunned.

Everyone who reads this book will come away with not only a great story, but a great piece of advice about five balls that we must all balance in life.

The story of Matt, his wife Suzanne, his son Nicholas, and the diary he leaves for Katie to read will literally break your heart. Patterson writes with a genuine understanding of what love is and how it survives tragedy. Just reading it will hopefully make each of us appreciate the gift each day is. Happy Reading!

This is a beautifully written book. As readers we are looking over the shoulder of Katie as she reads Suzanne's Diary which was written for her infant son, Nicholas. Suzanne writes about her love for Nicholas' father and her love for her son. She writes about her dreams and her fears. Katie is reading the diary looking for answers. The question is will the answers be the ones that she is hoping for?

This is an amazing book full of old fashioned romance. Once you start reading you won't want to put it down and it is a great book to sit down and read all in one sitting. Don't forget to have the tissues handy. If you read The Notebook by Nicholas Sparks and enjoyed it than this is another love story you'll want to dive right into.

Who would have thought that James Patterson, author of suspense driven books featuring the psychologist/detective Alex Cross, would or could write a love story. I guess like many others I approached this book with a certain amount of skepticism. All the same I just had to read James Patterson's newest book, Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. And if I was skeptical, I must now admit that it was a perfect read for a two hour flight this past week. I found myself gulping down this book, wanting to find out what happened to Suzanne, Nicholas, Matthew and Katie. I came to feel as though I knew these characters well and also their love stories. While reading this book, I did find it a bit sappy in the grand tradition of Bridges of Madison County which Patterson mentions in his book, but I also found myself shedding tears towards the end of the book and applauding the happily ever ending for at least two of the characters. And ever the master of suspense, Patterson even manages to provide a bit of a twist in his love story.

Readers who enjoy tear jerker books will certainly enjoy this book. But don't expect great writing. Patterson's choice of words and use of grammar leave something to be desired but then again if you're reading a book while flying or vacationing at the beach, this one is perfect.

Katie Wilkinson is left by her boyfriend, Matt. Katie cannot figure out why he left. She thought they were happy together. However, Matt gives Katie a diary that was written by his first wife, belonging to his son, Nicholas.

As Katie turns the pages of this diary, she soon becomes involved with Suzanne's emotions and becomes seemingly more aware of Matt's personality. This book will have you laughing and crying, and as you learn the meaning behind this book, it will be one that you will not ever forget. This book has love and passion, and will make any mother cry. It is a true romance.

Go to the Hallmark card rack and pick an I Love You card at random. Read the sappy, trite, pre-packaged sentiment. Then expand it into a novel. Voila! You've got Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. I have nothing against a good romantic tearjerker, but the operative word is "good." This is a DREADFUL book, trite, predictable and poorly written. It reads like the work of a lovestruck teenager, not a professional novelist. The ultimate arrogance is when the character Matt writes a slushy poem for his wife and infant son that's supposedly purchased by Atlantic Monthly--which wouldn't touch a piece of dreck like that unless the entire editorial staff ingested hallucinogenic drugs. If you love good writing, stay far away from this one.

Okay, let's begin with...this is not the mystery thriller you might expect from James Patterson. This is not an Alex Cross book...it is very different and worth the time to read. I loved the book!

It's a wonderful story about a women (Katie) who has fallen in love with a man (Matt). Suddenly one night, he breaks off their relationship and has a diary delivered to her. The diary is written by a lady named Suzanne for her son Nicolas and it reveals to Katie secrets about Matt. Katie discovers who Matt really is, his past as well as learns some value life lessons that help her make some critical life decisions of her own. I gave it 4 stars because it is a bit sappy at times...but overall this is a really good book.

I applaud James Patterson for writing a book that is outside of his 'comfort zone' and I think he did a really good job. This novel definitely exhibits James Patterson's talent for weaving intrigue into the story (who is Suzanne, what is Matt's secret). Also, it is a quick and easy read (like JP's other books it has short chapters that clip along at a fast pace). I recommend this book, however keep in mind this is unlike any other JP book.