So since I've come back from school, I've found myself at a local library, taking out book after book of James Patterson's works. I've liked James and his books since I was a kid, being an avid reader of the Maximum Ride series, along with a few other books here and there. Over the last year or two I've read a bit less of his work, due to time mostly, but this month I completely blew through his NYPD Red series, checked out Murder Games (the book the new TV show Instinct is based on), and I'm currently on book four of the Women's Murder Club series. Through my reading this month, I've been thoroughly reminded of just how much I love James Patterson and his writing style.
When I was a kid, I remember being a little unsure about reading a 400 page, over 100 chapter book, thinking that it seemed a little too long. I can see plenty of people being skeptic about reading something that long. But with James, part of what keeps the story going and makes it so quick to read is that a chapter being six pages is considered a long chapter. More than once, I've read a book of his where one chapter is on one page, and the very next page is the next chapter. It's part of what makes his books, and his style, absolutely his. That, and that each paragraph just continues to drive the story forward, and isn't held down by unneeded descriptions or unneeded allegory's or those things high school English teachers kept telling us were so important in books. James's books are just quick and easy and fun to read.
And, carrying my James Patterson books anywhere I go, I find myself being stopped by people to tell me how much they love James Patterson, and ask what book I'm reading, and telling me what ones they've been reading themselves. It's something I enjoy, too. I want to know what other people are thinking, how they are enjoying his books as well. It's like a conversation starter.
I know some people are reluctant to read his books because of how much he co-writes these days. I've seen plenty of people calling him more of a brand than an author, or that he takes too much credit for things he didn't write. But what's wrong with collaborating with other people? Why is that something authors should be ashamed of? I've read plenty of book's written by more than one author that are fantastic. Case in point, The Wife Between Us by Greer Hendricks, and Sarah Pekkanen, which was amazing from beginning to end. And to the idea that he isn't even writing his books anymore, he has such a distinctive style that is still present in his books these days, I can't see how he isn't writing his books.
Furthermore, James is doing his best to get kids to read as well. He's started his own children books in an attempt to garner interest, and how can you not praise him for his efforts? Getting kids to read more these days should be more of a priority, and I appreciate James's attempts to do so.
Really, if you are looking for an author to get into, and for books to read during this summer, I highly, highly suggest going to a library and picking up a James Patterson book.
