How did a kid whose dad lived in the poorhouse become the most successful storyteller in the world? This "fizzing, funny, often deeply moving" (Daily Mail) #1 New York Times bestselling memoir is “damn near addictive. I loved it . . . that Patterson guy can write!” (Ron Howard) On the morning he was born, he nearly died. His dad grew up in the Pogey– the Newburgh, New York, poorhouse. He worked at a mental hospital in Massachusetts, where he met the singer James Taylor and the poet Robert Lowell. While he toiled in advertising hell, James wrote the ad jingle line “I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid.” He once watched James Baldwin and Norman Mailer square off to trade punches at a party. He’s only been in love twice. Both times are amazing. Dolly Parton once sang “Happy Birthday” to James over the phone. She calls him J.J., for Jimmy James. How did a boy from small-town New York become the world’s most successful writer? How does he do it? He has always wanted to write the kind of novel that would be read and reread so many times that the binding breaks and the book literally falls apart. As he says, “I’m still working on that one.”
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About the author
James Patterson
Author
James Brendan Patterson is an American author. Among his works are the Alex Cross, Michael Bennett, Women's Murder Club, Maximum Ride, Daniel X, NYPD Red, Witch & Wizard, Private and Middle School series, as well as many stand-alone thrillers, non-fiction, and romance novels. Patterson's books have sold more than 425 million copies, and he was the first person to sell one million e-books. In 2016, Patterson topped Forbes's list of highest-paid authors for the third consecutive year, with an income of $95 million. His total income over a decade is estimated at $700 million.
James Patterson by James Patterson
by James Patterson
Books Like James Patterson by James Patterson
If you're looking for books similar to James Patterson by James Patterson, here are some recommendations based on themes, tone, and narrative style.
Becoming
Michelle Obama
An inspiring memoir that, like Patterson's book, offers a deeply personal narrative about personal growth and achievement. Obama shares her journey from a working-class neighborhood to the White House, exploring themes of identity, ambition, and social change. The book combines personal storytelling with broader social insights. It demonstrates how individual experiences can reflect larger societal narratives.
The Last Lecture
Randy Pausch
A powerful memoir about life, achievement, and overcoming obstacles, written with the same direct and engaging tone as Patterson's work. Pausch shares profound life lessons and personal insights while facing terminal illness. The book combines humor, wisdom, and personal reflection in a way that resonates with readers. It demonstrates how personal storytelling can be both inspirational and deeply human.
Educated
Tara Westover
A powerful memoir about overcoming challenging circumstances and pursuing education, echoing themes in Patterson's autobiography. Westover shares her journey from a strict rural background to academic success. The book explores personal transformation, resilience, and the power of education. Like Patterson's memoir, it demonstrates how individual determination can lead to extraordinary achievements.
Born a Crime
Trevor Noah
A memoir about growing up in South Africa during apartheid, this book shares Patterson's style of personal storytelling and overcoming challenging circumstances. Noah's narrative is both humorous and deeply moving, exploring themes of identity, family, and resilience. Like Patterson's memoir, it offers an intimate look into the author's life and development. The book provides insights into how personal experiences shape a writer's perspective and career.
A Moveable Feast
Ernest Hemingway
A memoir about writing, creativity, and personal experiences in Paris, sharing Patterson's reflective storytelling approach. Hemingway offers insights into the writing life and personal struggles. The book combines personal narrative with broader cultural observations. Like Patterson's memoir, it reveals how personal experiences shape a writer's perspective and work.
Open
Andre Agassi
An honest and raw autobiography about a professional athlete's journey, similar to Patterson's candid memoir style. Agassi reveals the pressures of fame, personal struggles, and unexpected career paths. The book offers a deeply personal narrative about breaking expectations and finding one's true passion. Like Patterson's memoir, it explores themes of personal transformation and unexpected success.
Wild
Cheryl Strayed
A memoir about personal transformation and finding oneself through an extraordinary journey. Strayed's narrative, like Patterson's, combines personal struggle with moments of humor and insight. The book explores themes of resilience, self-discovery, and overcoming personal challenges. It demonstrates how personal storytelling can be both therapeutic and inspiring.
Shoe Dog
Phil Knight
A memoir by the Nike founder that parallels Patterson's storytelling approach of revealing personal struggles and triumphs. Knight shares the challenging journey of building a global brand from humble beginnings. The book offers insights into entrepreneurship, perseverance, and following one's passion. Like Patterson's memoir, it shows how determination and creativity can lead to extraordinary success.
Born to Run
Christopher McDougall
A non-fiction book that blends personal narrative with broader exploration, similar to Patterson's memoir style. McDougall investigates ultra-running while sharing personal experiences and broader cultural insights. The book combines storytelling, adventure, and personal reflection. Like Patterson's work, it shows how personal experiences can reveal larger truths.
Kitchen Confidential
Anthony Bourdain
A candid and humorous memoir about the culinary world, written with the same raw honesty as Patterson's autobiography. Bourdain reveals the behind-the-scenes realities of restaurant life with wit and insight. The book offers a unique perspective on passion, hard work, and unexpected career paths. Like Patterson's memoir, it shows how personal experiences can shape a unique professional journey.
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