Review: First Love by James Patterson

[khamneithang]

Every first love is a love which memory can never forget...

In a story that is remarkably inspiring, poignant, memorable and full of adventure, James Patterson, the bestselling author of the Alex Cross thrillers and The Women's Murder Club series, has taken a leap into a world of romance with his new novel, First Love, in collaboration with Emily Raymond. For those who have identified him with his brand of heart-pounding, out-of-this-world thrillers, the switch is like having a bad dream. But once you get into the story, you'll understand why James Patterson has to tell this tale.

Axi Moore is a 'good girl' who comes from a family ravaged by tragedy in the small town of Klamath Falls, Oregon. Her normal world was turned upside-down with the death of her younger sister, Carole Ann, from an incurable cancer. She was also diagnosed with cancer. Unable to cope with the situation, her mother ran away, never to be seen again. Her heart-broken father takes to drinking, to escape reality. It's a family devastated by tragedy in every conceivable way.

But a flicker of hope keeps burning deep inside her,and a chance encounter with another cancer patient, Oscar James Robinson, paves the way for Axi to embark on an impulsive cross-country road-trip. It is the most beautiful, funny, painful, and life-changing experience, a dream come true for both Axi and Robinson. Making the most of the best and the least of the worst, taking their fragile life one day at a time, moment by moment, Axi and Robinson make the most of it and enjoy the time they are sharing together, with Axi taking snapshots of their adventure which are spread all over the book. But their happiness is short-lived as the carefree adventure soon spins out of control. Will Axi and Robinson survive the ordeal? What has life in store for them?

First Love by James Patterson is a beautiful and heart-rending journey of laughter and tears as Axi and Robinson face the greatest test of life. Sometimes life will take a turn that you would never anticipate. It is a truly great and compelling contemporary romance. It is difficult to sum up in words the emotions you feel about it. The knowledge that it's partly based on the author's life makes it even more evocative and heartfelt. For fans of James Patterson's brand of thrillers, it's time to take a break and explore the romantic side of the author.

[Tayla]

I have always loved James Patterson. I heard about him writing a love story but I never gave it a chance because I thought pfft he is a thriller writer. Most have tried switching to the other and it was not good. But the way you wrote about it has made me think maybe I should give the book a change. Thanks.

[khamneithang]

As a huge fan of James Patterson and Alex Cross novels, I was not keen on it. But after I received ARC, I was forced to read it and he has crafted an incredible love story. I think, like you, there will be many die-hard Patterson fans who are not willing to make the transition to a romantic genre.

[smorice]

The thing about James Patterson is that he co-writes with so many different authors that he can easily morph into different genres. I'm not a huge fan of his adventure stuff, but I loved Susan's Letters to Nicholas and some of the other non-traditional romance things he has done. I'd give this one a chance.

[Ashley07]

Ive always wanted to read a James Patterson book just never knew where to start. Didnt know he wrote anything other then thrillers, ill have to make this the first i try by him.