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Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas

by James Patterson (Goodreads Author)

4.09 of 5 stars 4.09 · rating details · 64,658 ratings · 3,054 reviews

Katie Wilkinson has finally found the perfect man - but one day he suddenly disappears, leaving behind only a diary written by a new mother named Suzanne for her baby, Nicholas. In it she intimately reveals the romance between herself and the child's father, her hopes for their marriage, and her unparalleled joy in motherhood. As Katie reads on, she realizes that the man s...more

Paperback, 289 pages

Published August 1st 2003 by Vision (first published January 1st 2001)

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Community Reviews

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Jul 26, 2007 Shivani rated it 1 of 5 stars

I've read more of James Patterson's novels than I care to admit, and from what I've observed, their general pattern is a little bit of exposition followed by some drama and suspense, which is mostly boring or unbelievably contrived (or both), followed by some sappy, overly-sentimental, unimaginative, and highly predictable denouement.

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas is a deviation from Patterson's mode of operation in the following respect: it isn't suspenseful or even remotely thrilling. Not even...more

20 likes · like · see review

Jun 03, 2012 Maria Ella rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance, favorites, most-loved, to-cry-for, james-patterson, 2012-reading-challenge

I first find James Patterson's way of telling a love story in the movie version of Sundays at Tiffany's, where its story is very much different with Capote and Audrey Hepburn. It was about the spirit of a man taking into human shape, given a mission to make a woman happy, but fell in love eventually, torn between his mission for another and his mission for reaching happiness.

In my personal way of browsing the shelves of Book Sale in Market-Market, I was lucky to have found this book. Compromisin...more

5 likes · like · see review

May 11, 2012 Shan rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction

I have never read any James Patterson books and after reading this one I don't think I'll ever read another. There were so many things wrong with this book I don't know where to begin. This book is a love story, and I usually love a good romance, but it was so saccharine-sweet it made it unbelievable! I didn't find it at all touching, okay, maybe when the second twist was revealed, but everything before and after that was so sappy and overly sentimental that it was hard to stand. Thank goodness...more

4 likes · like · see review

Jul 27, 2007 Kendall rated it 1 of 5 stars

This book was the worst I've read. I actually felt less intelligent when I finished it. I feel empathy for people who think this is quality writing. Put it this way, the book was so bad that the movie was better. I actually liked the movie a lot, which means it wasn't the story, it was the author. Patterson needs to stick to mystery or whatever he does...

...Did I mention I didn't like this book at all?

15 likes · like · see review

Feb 02, 2008 Caroline rated it 1 of 5 stars Recommends it for: No one, Danielle Steele fans

Shelves: trash-bin, fiction

I still rue the day I picked up this book from the library and even more, reading the first page. The overly-contrived plot contains unbelievably "perfect" characters and comes off as just hokey and ridiculous. Oh, how I regret reading to the end. The sappy sentimentality. The over-the-top crude attempts at "tear-jerker moments." I resent James Patterson's theft of the three hours of my life it took to read this (although it would have been less had I not kept putting it down to debate whether t...more

12 likes · like · see review

Apr 23, 2007 JT rated it 2 of 5 stars Recommends it for: Romance

Shelves: avoidthesebooks

All I know is that it was a love novel written by a man. Yep, this didn't work out one bit. Basically it felt like a book written by one of the guys off of "This Old House." Damn they are good with building things but expressing love and the intricacies of the heart... yeah no. Stick to his crime novels because this one leaves you wanting to kick yourself in the balls for even had read it, if that was possible.

8 likes · like · see review

Jan 14, 2008 Vanessa rated it 1 of 5 stars

Predictable garbage trying to be deep and passionate. NO! Truly awful writing. Never cared an ounce for the charters. Patterson has written about 800 books. He should really think about quality first. AVOID!

7 likes · like · see review

May 14, 2007 Maig rated it 1 of 5 stars

I wish I could give this books "0" stars...
I really didn't like it, AT ALL. Sadly, I spent the time reading it. I usually enjoy most any book I read read but this one is not my kind of book! Bleh!

4 likes · like · see review

May 30, 2008 Tanya W rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas is an amazing love story, for me it was a page turner that I read in less than 24 hours (quite a feat with a nursing baby)! It is an incredible fictional love story set in New York and Martha’s Vineyard. Part of the book includes experiences from the author’s life.

It starts out with Katie, whose lover of 11 months, Matt, (from whom she thought a marriage proposal imminent), unexpectedly leaves with no explanation. He sends Katie an apologetic letter, saying he is to...more

20 likes · like · see review

Sep 05, 2007 Elpida rated it 4 of 5 stars

I read this one on a plane and at some point the stewardess came up to my row and gave me tissues. If a book is written well or talks about a touchy subject, I can be a tad emotional. This book did it for me.

Im used to Pattersons murder mystery novels so this was a definite change from the norm. I would say I probably prefer the murder mysteries over the sappy stories but he did a pretty good job with this one.

**************************************
Amazon.com
James Patterson, author of such bests...more

7 likes · like · see review

Jul 03, 2007 Rahmadiyanti rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction-and-literature

Ini juga novel Patterson yang keluar dari mainstreamnya selama ini sebagai penulis cerita detektif-triller. Kaget juga, Patterson bisa bikin cerita yang menghanyutkan dan sedih.

Ringkasan:
Katie Wilkinson has found the perfect man at last-but one day, he disappears from her life, leaving behind only a diary for her to read.

The diary is written by a woman named Suzanne and is addressed to her new baby boy, Nicholas. In it she pours out her heart about the joy he has brought her. As Katie reads this...more

1 like · like · see review

May 08, 2011 Fathima rated it 5 of 5 stars

Shelves: favorites

This book is my ALL-TIME favourite book :) I absolutely love it. James Patterson has done a brilliant job with the story and its presentation. I've read this book a thousand times. It makes you think about a 101 things related to life and its twists & turns. The story helped me understand that life is not always sweet, not always fair and things do not always turn out the way we want them to. But if we are patient and just keep going - we'll eventually find things that are sweet, that are fa...more

8 likes · like · see review

Apr 22, 2011 Mayda rated it 2 of 5 stars

If you are in the mood for a heart-breaking love story, then this is the novel for you. It's a fast read - thank goodness - and predictable, but there are worse ways to spend an afternoon.

1 like · like · see review

Jul 08, 2008 Heather rated it 4 of 5 stars

I loved this book. It is a little deceptive at first and it makes you think that there may be some inappropriate relationships taking place. Don't despair and press on and you will find a very rich and heartwarming story. There is a parable of 5 balls that has made a great impact on how I live my life and set priorities. I have not read others by James Patterson but this was a wonderful read. I made my teenage daughters read it as well. Michelle began reading it late in the evening and then did...more

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Mar 19, 2009 Aaron rated it 4 of 5 stars

This is the first time I have tried one of Patterson's tear-jerker titles. To be honest, it is not really a genre that I am all that into, but I did enjoy this one.

It all starts as the reader is introduced to Katie Wilkinson, a book editor from South Carolina who is working with Matt Harrison on his new book of poems. The two of them have gotten close as they have worked together. Romance blooms, and she is now pregnant.

After attending a party she has thrown for him to celebrate his book, Matt w...more This is the first time I have tried one of Patterson's tear-jerker titles. To be honest, it is not really a genre that I am all that into, but I did enjoy this one.

It all starts as the reader is introduced to Katie Wilkinson, a book editor from South Carolina who is working with Matt Harrison on his new book of poems. The two of them have gotten close as they have worked together. Romance blooms, and she is now pregnant.

After attending a party she has thrown for him to celebrate his book, Matt walks out and disappears, leaving her with no clues as to where he has gone. There is hope with the why, though, as he has left her with a handwritten journal ... it is Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. He has not been really been open about his past, and it is clear that it was painful.

Matthew leaves just a simple note with the library indicating that some parts will be difficult to read, and he is not over-reacting.

It is through the diary that Katie (and the audience who joins her) meets Suzanne, a young doctor that Matt had met years earlier, fallen in love with, and married. At a young age, Suzanne experienced a heart attack in Boston, which convinces her to look at her life and reprioritize. She ends up moving to Martha's Vineyard and sets up a practice there. As she settles in, she meets Matt, a house painter and the two hit it off.

As time goes by, they fall deeper and deeper in love. Before long they are married, and little Nicholas follows. Suzanne journals to Nicholas to share with him the story of her life, and how he came about to be.

Katie is greatly torn by what she reads. She sees the Matt she knows in the kind and generous man that means everything to Suzanne, but she can't help but wonder what has happened. Is Matt cheating on Suzanne with her?

The book does end up heading in the direction that is expected, but it also has a bit of a surprise in the conclusion that guarantees crying. While the book is predictable, it is more about the journey the characters are taking in order to reach the end. It is a ride worth joining them for ... if you don't mind having a box of tissues nearby.(less)

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May 18, 2013 Licha rated it 2 of 5 stars · review of another edition

This was a very fast read. I wanted to read a sappy book, and this was sappy at its worst form. However, that being said, I like my sap to be a little more realistic. I want sap that resonates with real life, not one that is so full of perfect people that it never comes across as true.

There were so many things wrong with this book. I hate reading books that I am picking apart as I read them and this book was like that from start to finish.

The book title was a bit misleading for me. I thought th...more This was a very fast read. I wanted to read a sappy book, and this was sappy at its worst form. However, that being said, I like my sap to be a little more realistic. I want sap that resonates with real life, not one that is so full of perfect people that it never comes across as true.

There were so many things wrong with this book. I hate reading books that I am picking apart as I read them and this book was like that from start to finish.

The book title was a bit misleading for me. I thought this book was going to be about a dying mother (Suzanne) who writes her son (Nicholas) a diary so he can have something to remember her by, but really what this story is more about is the love story between Suzanne and Matt...and Katie. But back to picking the book apart:

--You can basically throw out the diary part of this. Why? Nobody writes in their diary like this. Not that I keep one, but I definitely cannot see anyone writing in their diary like this. Mental dialogue is written down, descriptions of sex (I thought this was a diary for your son, Suzanne) are noted, narrative descriptions of objects (such as a car speeding down the road). It would have rang more true if the author had stuck to a narrative-type format.

--Every charachter is simply beautiful. And even when the character claims they are not beautiful, you know the reader is supposed to think they are and that the character is even more beautiful on the inside because they possess a humilty about their looks. I can't stand this in a book. There's an art about being subtle in describing characters in a book, but I really hate when a book starts off by letting you know you will be reading about gorgeous people who's only flaw is the drama they will be faced with as the story goes on.

--I hate quirkiness that sounds contrived. People here quote Walt Whitman in normal conversation, have dogs and cats named Gustavus and Guinevere (and yes, it's two separate owners). One can't help but roll their eyes when reading this.

The drama in the book was too maniopulative for me. We were supposed to like both Suzanne and Katie and Matt. Oh, what a dilemma! There were no characters to really hate. None of the characters rang true and so I could never be brought to care about them.

Not quite sure why I gave this two stars. Maybe cause it read fast and so I'm grateful that I did not have to yawn through the story. These one teetered between a one and a two, closer to a one.(less)

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Apr 14, 2013 Tom rated it 2 of 5 stars

I read this in one sitting. And I read slowly. It's young adult which is a huge market and enticing to start reading because I know it's going to be a quick read. And, if you stick to the popular ones anyway, you know the story is going to be good. Is it just me or is this segment dominated by female authors? I'm not saying that's good or bad, but I will say that this seems like it was written by a female. Too lovey-dovey, perhaps? Or maybe it's just that I rarely read this genre and all adult f...more I read this in one sitting. And I read slowly. It's young adult which is a huge market and enticing to start reading because I know it's going to be a quick read. And, if you stick to the popular ones anyway, you know the story is going to be good. Is it just me or is this segment dominated by female authors? I'm not saying that's good or bad, but I will say that this seems like it was written by a female. Too lovey-dovey, perhaps? Or maybe it's just that I rarely read this genre and all adult fiction I've read so far is by female authors.

As with most young adult novels, "the dry wind ravaging me with stray grains of sand felt like needles repeatedly poking my sun-swollen face...," and other fantastic imagery--or anything else thought-provoking--is something you won't see here. And you get too many hugs and kisses and not enough sex. 'You can't put sex in a diary you're writing to your son,' you say? Yes, but if that's the case, why mention sex at all? If my mom told me about how my father gripped her with her strong arms and kissed her deep...yes, enough already. Next page.

After watching the Alex Cross movie, which pretty much straightforward, this doesn't make me want to read another James Patterson novel. The Diary idea is good, confusing at first even, but after that the story is mediocre and there are no underlying themes or other suggestions that make you think. Nothing to keep my mind from wandering on to other topics in my life. To the book's credit, however, the first 50 pages or so (first 30% of the 200+ page book), were very interesting. A 7 or even 8/10. After the set up nothing really happened and I found myself reading faster to try to get to what I thought was going to be a great surprise. I had dozens of guesses in my mind; yet was presented with the story line a five year old could have conceived. Overall 5/10. I'm harsh, but it wasn't horrible and better than reading nothing at all.

SPOILER ALERT
In the beginning Matt breaks up with Kate. Then we get a Mike and another Matt, an editor job and doctor job, a heart attack, pregnancy complications, hints at poetry, etc. This is all thrown in for, well, no reason because those topics go no where and only confuse the reader. Game of Thrones has hundreds of characters. This one has ten. Two Matts and Mike? C'mon. I found the ADVERTISING sickening! "She took the kids' pictures with her Canon camera. They washed Lynn's Lexus SUV." I'd hate to think this is not advertising because it'd be a horrible attempt at imagery. There is absolutely no need to know these brands. In fact, her taking photos or washing the car is completely irrelevant to the story. There are a few more instances as well.

Here's the chronological summary: Matt II marries the doctor Suzanne. They have a baby Nicolas. Suzanne writes an approximately weekly diary to her son that spans the pregnancy up to his first birthday. Then Suzanne and the baby die in a car crash. Then, oh, sometime during he first year, Matt meets Katie and dates her for a year. Then he leaves Katie because he's grieving his dead wife and son. End of story. The part we're presented with, without which the book would be useless, is the few days it takes Katie to read the diary that Matt presented her upon their breakup.

ALTERNATE READS AND ENDINGS
Did Patterson write what he realized was an otherwise boring novel and got the good idea to throw a diary into it--to break up the timeline and make it more dramatic? Probably not. It would have been a much, much better read, at least a 6/10, if any of the following happened: if Suzanne wasn't dead but was in a coma; if Nicky was still alive; if Matt met tragedy after leaving Katie; if Matt disappeared to never return; if Katie decided to never look for Matt; if Matt was still married to Suzanne but cheating on her; if Suzanne died 10 years ago; if Matt had a third girlfriend...

As far a tragic love story, read The Sorrows of Young Werther. I need to read that one again one of these days. In fact, Patterson would be lying to say he didn't have Werther in mind when writing Diary. Werther even has letters that are read as a part of the (already finished story). Except it's much, much more well-written. And more tragic. And timeless. If you're not smart enough to read Werther, but a step above Twilight, maybe Diary is for you. (less)

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Feb 21, 2013 t.A rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: patterson, diary, families, home-library, romance

I notice this book got a lot of low ratings. I guess I can see how, if you're expecting the typical James Patterson book, this one wouldn't do it for you. I read this because I love the author, not because I expected it to be like his other works.

I found this to be a really sweet, cute, quick read. I can't say it was altogether surprising, what happened, although I didn't expect the part about Nicholas. That made me cry. I was tearing up at several parts of the book, actually. I think Patterson...more

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Sep 02, 2012 Sue rated it 3 of 5 stars

I really enjoyed the way this romance was written. It's almost 2 stories in one. Katie, the main character is reading Suzanne's diary. So you get Katie's story and Suzanne's. The hitch of course is that they are in love with the same man, Matt. And to make it even more complicated, Suzanne is Matt's wife and they have a child together, Nicholas. So how did Katie get ensnared in all of this and how will the love triangle work out?

It is not the typical love triangle that we so commonly come across...more

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May 29, 2012 Tiffany added it

Suzanne's Diary For Nicholas
By: James Patterson
ISBN:0446611085 (ISBN13: 9780446611084
Price:$7.99 ($8.00)
Book Review Written By: Tiffany Newman

Has someone close to you ever disappered? Has someone you loved ever left you a diary full of stories? This is what happens in the book
Suzannne's Diary for Nicholas by James Patterson. In the story Katie Wilkson, a woman with a gentle heart, finds a man who she wants to spend the rest of her life with .They live a happy life together untill one day--- he...more

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Feb 08, 2012 Winna rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

This book reminds me why I don't read that much romance.

OK, I adore a great romance, but I'm not a fan of fairy tale happiness, perfect relationships and corny gushing adoration for a perfect male character. This book has the last two traits, though it's far from fairy tale happiness, I'll give you that.

What I don't like about this book:
- The corny "I love you so much", "he's just so perfect", "you're so gorgeous" repeating themselves throughout the story. I get it that Matt is handsome. People...more This book reminds me why I don't read that much romance.

OK, I adore a great romance, but I'm not a fan of fairy tale happiness, perfect relationships and corny gushing adoration for a perfect male character. This book has the last two traits, though it's far from fairy tale happiness, I'll give you that.

What I don't like about this book:
- The corny "I love you so much", "he's just so perfect", "you're so gorgeous" repeating themselves throughout the story. I get it that Matt is handsome. People turn to stare at him when he passes. He's tanned and great and cooks and is good in bed and is in a word, perfect. I don't need to be told that in every sentence.

- Have I mentioned I don't like perfect characters? Katie, Suzanne and Matt are three most underdeveloped characters ever. Katie and Suzanne are almost alike, except Katie is described as tall and willowy and 'ravishing', and Suzanne is.. 'nice enough to look at'. There are inconsistencies, from her extreme self control (yet she's always bursting into tears in public), and then Suzanne is also said to possess high self control. Both love kids and animals. Both would be good mothers. Both are self sufficient and independent. At times I get confused which is which, they're so similar. I think having two opposite yet distinct and likable characters will be more interesting for readers.

- The use of italics to emphasize is fine, but when overused and in inappropriate places makes me roll my eyes. Here and there an emphasis is thrown casually, and it's not even worth noting.

- (spoiler) I know they're happy, but how could Matt and Suzanne be selfish? Knowing her history, they should be more careful about the second baby.

- (spoiler) Too much unnecessary twists. Here I was thinking Matt Wolfe was the Daddy. It turned out it's someone else entirely. Same with the ending. I mean, it's kind of clever and at first it makes me punch fist in the air and say, boohoo I was tricked. The second time and the third time it happened, I was just so annoyed and felt cheated.

This is my first Patterson book, and his romance novel too. Heard so many good words about it and I should say I kinda enjoyed the first half, but now I'm just irritated. Not my kind of book.(less)

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Mar 19, 2011 Mitzi rated it 2 of 5 stars

I think this is the first book by James Patterson that I have read. I get the impression from other comments that this is not his usual style. I liked the book and it was easy and fast to read. It was just a story, no plot or deep thinking, just a love story. Katie is devastated that Matt, whom she thought was the love of her life, disappears from her life. They had spent glorious months together. What could possibly have caused him to disappear? Then, she receives a package with a diary in it....more

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Mar 16, 2011 Kristine Lopez rated it 5 of 5 stars

HE DIED!!! :'((((( GUS DIED!!! WHY OH WHY???? :'((( POOR DOGGIE!!!! :((((

SHE SAID YES! SHE SAID YES!!!! OH MY GODS!!! :')))))

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SHE READS HARRY POTTER , TOO!!!! :DDDDD

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ISN'T IT LUCKY?

--

THIS IS WHERE MY REVIEW REALLY REALLY STARTS : :)

I LOVE LOVE LOVE THIS BOOK!!!!
It's heart breaking, heart replenishing
Life changing
Perspective changing
AND EVERY CHANGE IN LIFE AND HOW YOU LOOK AT IT!

I NOW HAVE THE STORY OF THE FIVE BALLS to guide me! :D Though I haven't figured that out yet. I'll get there on the...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jan 28, 2011 Alex Telander rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: books-read-in-2001

Looking for a change, Patterson has laid down the calculating mind of Alex Cross, and set aside the fabulous foursome of 1st to Die, delivering his first romance, Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas. Although coming off as often corny and sometimes just unbelievable, near the end the book picks up and Patterson delivers some of his more familiar “tricks.”

The book is a love story about a woman, Kate Wilkinson, who has found the man of her dreams, Matt. On the night that she is about to give him some gre...more

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Jan 04, 2011 Mirya rated it 3 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. It is a short read, just what I needed. I've never read a James Patterson, but this was pretty good. There are some twists and turns, but somehow predictable. I think. In the last twist, I had to grab the tissues. As I was coming up with my own solutions at the beginning of the book, I had nailed the ending, but hoped that it wasn't the case. Unfortunately, it did happen and my stomach and heart fell straight to the ground. Absolute heartbreak! Thankfully where there is sorrow, there is a happy...more It is a short read, just what I needed. I've never read a James Patterson, but this was pretty good. There are some twists and turns, but somehow predictable. I think. In the last twist, I had to grab the tissues. As I was coming up with my own solutions at the beginning of the book, I had nailed the ending, but hoped that it wasn't the case. Unfortunately, it did happen and my stomach and heart fell straight to the ground. Absolute heartbreak! Thankfully where there is sorrow, there is a happy ending. I believe God was looking over Matt and answered his prayer, to love again.

It is a sweet love story between two very loving parents that adore each other and their child, Nicholas. How they've had to face some tough struggles, but are so blessed to have each other. How two people can love each other like the way they've loved each other just for a short while, it makes you stop and think about all you have been blessed with and you hope to grow a better appreciation for what you have, no matter how big or small. These love notes to the child from his mother, Suzanne, can be complete tear jerkers. I didn't have to use the Kleenex until towards the end.

Throughout the book, you begin to notice the saying "Isn't it lucky?" Luck had nothing to do with it. I believe in divine intervention from God. I think He wanted Matt to be able to feel love again after the lose of his father. He allowed Matt and Suzanne's pathes to cross and what a blessing it was. Katie asked how God could have allowed something this horrible to happen. I believe God allows us to experience these tragic events, so our spirit might grow for the greater good. Look what Matt would have missed out on, if he never met Suzanne? What a blessing he would have missed? Love is the key. Their love for each other grew to be so strong that the love itself will NEVER die. Isn't that awesome! Matt's appreciation and love for Suzanne probably helped him to grow more; therefore, showing a better appreciation and stronger love for Katie. There are reasons for everything.

(less)

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Oct 08, 2010 Delores rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: fiction

This book was a super easy quick read. A love story that is both enlightening and sad. The novel is simply written and eventually the reader can predict how the story will end. Perhaps it was the simplicity that appealed to me because I enjoyed reading it.

Katie is in love with Matt who suddenly breaks up with her after 11 months leaving her devastated. She had thought they were going to get married and live happily ever after. Shortly after their break up, Matt sends Katie a diary that he believ...more

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Jul 13, 2010 Cinnamonhopes rated it 2 of 5 stars

Wandering about the house, looking for something new, I noticed 'Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas' tucked amongst a pile of other books. I figured why not, and picked it up. I was turned off immediately by seeing it was written by James Patterson (I have to wonder, who in my family keeps bringing this drivel into my home?) but I was bored, and there was nothing else that I have yet to read that looked any more (or less) promising.

In a nutshell, this was an entirely forgettable book which would proba...more

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Aug 11, 2009 Rcbuenaventura rated it 5 of 5 stars

"Dear Nicky, I hope that when you grow up everything you want comes your way, but especially love. When it`s true, when it`s right, love can give you the kind of joy that you can’t get from any other experience.”
Katie Wilkinson cannot believe her luck, she has met and fallen head over heals in love with a seemingly perfect man, Matt. But no sooner has he entered her life than he disappears without word, and when he sends her a diary through the post she starts to understand that he seems to have...more "Dear Nicky, I hope that when you grow up everything you want comes your way, but especially love. When it`s true, when it`s right, love can give you the kind of joy that you can’t get from any other experience.”
Katie Wilkinson cannot believe her luck, she has met and fallen head over heals in love with a seemingly perfect man, Matt. But no sooner has he entered her life than he disappears without word, and when he sends her a diary through the post she starts to understand that he seems to have a whole separate life that is being played out in the idyllic surroundings of Martha’s vineyard, America.

The Diary is written by a lady called Suzanne, and each day’s entry is written to her newborn son, Nicholas. Suzanne left Boston after suffering a near fatal heart attack at the age of thirty-five, this near death experience forced her to re-evaluate her life and she decided to take up general practice on Martha’s Vineyard. It was while finding her feet on the Island that she started getting friendly with Matt, an amiable and handsome man who was fixing up her beach side house to make it habitable. Gradually as Suzanne adjusts to her new more relaxed way of life she starts to fall for Matt, a feeling that he reciprocates immediately. Love blooms and eventually marriage follows, and as if to complete the utopia they find themselves in Suzanne gives birth to Nicholas, a bright and bouncing baby boy. The diary is Suzanne talking to Nicholas daily, and in it she lets her hopes and fears, her love for Matt and Nicholas, and her plans for the future all flow from pen to paper in an emotional and heartfelt way. Sadly, as so often happens in such perfect situations, things start to go wrong, and Katie is left reading page after page detailing the man she thought loved her, and the way in which his life plays out away from her.
“This is a love story, Nicholas. Mine, yours, Daddy`s! It`s about how good it can be if you find the right person. It`s about treasuring every moment with that special one. Every single millisecond.”

Now, I’m a big bloke, and very much a mans man, but I don’t think any other book I have ever read has made me cry like Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas did. I was sceptical about reading a book from one of my favourite thriller writers that was described as “A love story as suspenseful as any thriller”, but I needn’t have worried. James Patterson has shot up in my expectation after reading this, how can a man that writes some pretty darn bloodthirsty thrillers turn his hand to a love story, and not just turn his hand to it but completely pull it off. I was stunned at the beautifully subtle yet heart wrenchingly sweet way the story is written, Suzanne starts every entry with Dear Nicky, or My Sweet Nicholas or other similar words and the love that she expels onto the page for both Matt, Nicholas and the ideal life she finds herself in is moving.
“Nicholas, you are growing up before our eyes and it is such a glorious thing to watch. I savour each moment.”

Unfortunately, this being a James Patterson book there is a couple of twists at the end that very nearly broke my heart and caused a tear or two to slide down my cheeks. And that is the appeal of this book, a love story that is not overly sentimental but painfully true to life, it deals with love, loss and hope – something we all have to go through in life. I give Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas the full five stars out of five, and the recommendation that you really should read it. Woman who read it will love the sentiments contained within while men might just learn something, but whatever you do make sure you’ve got a box of tissues handy for the ending.(less)

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Nov 02, 2012 Noeleen rated it 3 of 5 stars

Actual Rating 3.5 stars

Having read a number of James Patterson’s Alex Cross series and currently working my way through his Women’s Murder Club series, all of which I enjoy, I was interested to read something totally different written by James Patterson. Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas seemed to be the ideal choice; a romance novel…romance is definitely different from the James Patterson norm of mystery, crime and thriller. Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas is an extremely touching, sentimental and trag...more

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Mar 01, 2012 jaadhimalli rated it 2 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here.

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The subject of a Time magazine feature called, "The Man Who Can't Miss," James Patterson is the bestselling author of the past year, bar none, with more than 16 million books sold in North America alone. In 2007, one of every fifteen hardcover fiction books sold was a Patterson title. In the past three years, James has sold more books than any other author (according...more

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“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...are made of glass. If you drop one of these, it will be irrevocably scuffed, nicked, perhaps even shattered.” — 356 people liked it

“Good memories are like charms...Each is special. You collect them, one by one, until one day you look back and discover they make a long, colorful bracelet.” — 179 people liked it

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