"Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" by James Patterson Book Review

"Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" is a 2001 novel by James Patterson chronicling the life and tragedies of Matt Harrison through the eyes of the two women who love him. It is a romance novel, but it contains all of the suspense that Patterson fans have come to expect. Furthermore, it is more than just a romance novel. At the core, it is about how romance can bring about a greater love -- the love parents have for their children. It is also a book about grief and how difficult it is to overcome it.

The format of "Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas" is a diary written by a loving mother for her son coupled with flashes to the woman who is reading the diary. The woman reading the diary is the lover of the diary writer's husband. James Patterson starts the novel by implanting a series of questions. Is Matt Harrison still married? Is he hiding his infidelity from his wife? Where is his child?

James Patterson, of course, does a lovely job of writing this story. It really deserves all of the praise it has received over the years. However, I will say this: The ending was tres predictable. You can see it coming a mile away. Nevertheless, it is easy to get emotionally caught up in it once you see it on paper. Reading this novel is an emotional task -- one that can be undertaken in one sitting. I would recommend it to anyone who loves stories about family, love, hope and loss.

Shelly Barclay