James Patterson’s The Stories of My Life is just that, countless snippets and thoughts that James has kindly shared with us. I am sure there are many many more stories, but I definitely don’t think more could have fitted in the book.

At one point I thought to myself that the snippets were too short, and sometimes too scattered, but reflecting back on the book it really worked well. We get a brilliant insight into James Patterson, his influences, his career, and his life as a whole. And wow has he had some incredible experiences. A real testament to living with an open mind. And through it all he (seems) to have remained kind, caring and humble.

The below quote is so fitting;

“I look at myself as just another idiot wandering planet Earth with no real idea what makes the world go round, no particular identity, just another lost soul”

Thanks James for saving lives (whilst still writing with a pencil).

Just finished this fabulous autobiography on the fantastic author James Patterson. It was an eye opening read so much interesting facts and details about his life and of course his books. Even shed a tear at one part of the book. Overall a fabulous book and I fully recommend it!

What I love about this is that it’s an autobiography so we finally get a book just in James Pattersons’s words again!
I was 12 when I started reading JP books, my aunty gave me a couple & then I went and borrowed the others from the library - it was circa 1997 so we were still early in the Alex Cross series and I was fully invested in his characters.
JP must be lauded as not only a successful writer, but also an internationally recognised brand. In a similar way that Henry Winkler knows the value of writing for reluctant readers, JP is too and that shines through in the way he talks about writing for other people. I didn’t know anything about his life, so each little revelation was interesting and made me realise how he could take things from the mundane to the mysterious and create a bestseller.
This is sure to be a hit and I can’t wait to buy a copy for my aunt!

I am a massive of James Patterson and this read was amazing. I enjoyed it very much and like the fact he mentions books and titles and I have read most of them. If your a fan then this is a must for you. .

As a huge fan of the author I was delighted to receive a copy of this book to read. I thought I knew a little about the man behind Alex Cross but I had no idea how little I did actually know.

This is a book which jumps from one story to another, with the typical short chapters fans have come to expect from the author. One of these stories actually explains why he chose to stick to this format in his books. The stories take us behind the scenes of his life from school to working at an advertising agency and beyond. The list of famous faces he has met over the years gets longer the further into the book you go. Such an impressive list I can tell you.

My heart broke for the author on reading one particular story. I won’t say anything more as I don’t want to spoil it for others. Suffice to say this is a man who has experienced loss.

I was so engrossed in this book that I read it in one sitting.

Huge thanks go to the publisher and Netgalley for providing a copy. Thanks also to the author for allowing us an insight into his life so far.

When this author has been one of your all time favorite authors for so so many years, it's really exciting when you see he has book about him, and his journey,
My love of reading has been going for many years and this is an author i've enjoyed following, The murder Club series, Alex Cross series, and many more have been among some of the best books i've read. It actually felt like an honour to be able to read this book.

I've read many books by James Patterson over the years and thought his autobiography or memoir would be fascinating. It is, but I also thought it was a little bit short. It's written in his usual style of short paragraphs which appear almost to be spoken. I really enjoy this style in his novels as you can fit in a chapter here and there even if you're short of time. But I think it works less well in a memoir - I wanted more detail!

The whole book is interesting. I had no idea about his early years or the fact that he originally worked in marketing. But what I liked best were all the pieces about reading and writing. He explains his process and format and how he collaborates with other authors. He talks throughout about the importance of reading and his frustration about poor literacy levels in the USA. My most favourite chapter of all is one where he lists the books which have been most important to him (I love this) and he sums it up by saying:
'...I read alot, and I really like books. But especially the ones that are dog-eared, beat-up and look well loved and well read.'
I couldn't agree more and how wonderful to perceive a writer as a reader - to me this is something which many people keep private and do not share.

Highly recommended. I wish it was longer - I am sure there was more to say on all the good charity work and work to encourage children's literacy that he has done over the years both at home and internationally.

Thank you to NetGalley for an early copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Interesting reading, once I started I didn't want to put it down.

I've read many of James Patterson books over the years, and like those JP's stories did not disappoint. Made all the more interesting when you knew which novels he was referring to (although reading them before not essential to reading this book, may draw you in to his long list of books, also noted at the back). Definite should read.