Suzanne's Diary For Nicholas by James Patterson (2001, Hardcover)

James Patterson is one of my favorite authors. Alex Cross, the detective in his books is one of my favorite characters. So it was with trepidation that my beloved mystery writer wrote a love story. He did and it is very, very good. Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas is written differently than most books I’ve read. In spite of Patterson’s coming out of his box, he managed to come out of it creatively.

Some might say it is predictable. I think Patterson keeps just enough edge on one or two parts that may surprise you, perhaps not. It did surprise me. But again, this is not a mystery and isn’t meant to surprise necessarily. His writing style is good enough to keep a short, simple story engaging.

Suzanne Bedford is a Harvard educated doctor in her mid-30’s, who moves to Martha’s Vineyard to slow down the pace of her hectic life. It is there, as a “country doctor” that she

Nicholas Harrison is the baby for whom the diary is written. He is a perfect, wanted and so loved baby.

Katie Wilkinson a young woman who works for a firm that publishes books is sent the book by Matt Harrison, house painter and author.

Patterson has managed to write in the character of two women. As you read it, you will forget that it is written by a man. He gets into the female heart and mind fabulously.

The book is wonderful in its simplicity. Patterson does not weave a complex story. Quite the opposite. It is a simple story and some may find it too simple. I didn’t.

Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas is essentially 2 books in one. One book is an account by one character, Katie, and the second is the account by another, which is the diary by Suzanne.

Is this a woman’s book? Books must be classified as such at times, certainly and this would be one of those. Would a male Patterson fan not enjoy it? Probably not unless love stories are a genre he likes. Sure there is some mystery as I said above. It isn’t entirely predictable, but this is not a book that will have you sitting on the edge of your seat or wondering “who dun it.”

This comes directly from the book, "Imagine life is a game in which you are juggling five balls. The balls are called work, family, health, friends and integrity. And you're keeping all of them in the air. But one day you finally come to understand that work is a rubber ball. If you drop it, it will bounce back. The other four balls- family, health, friends, integrity- are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered. And once you truly understand the lesson of the five balls, you will have the beginnings of balance in your life."