In my last blog post I made a list of authors that I have avoided or just never got around to reading. I decided that I was going to read a book by one of these authors each month and then report my thoughts on the books.
For January, I chose James Patterson. I might have read ONE James Patterson several years ago but for the most part I have avoided him like the plague. How does one man produce so many books? Are they good? That's what I was about to find out. I chose to read the first book of one of his newer series, Private. The main character, a former CIA agent turned Private Investigator, named Jack Morgan. His brother and father are shady characters, his friends are a mess. A decent detective type story but character development was lacking. I would rather read Orphan X by Gregg Hurwitz.
For February, I had to read a Danielle Steele book. I admit I might have read one of her books 30+ years ago but it's sappy, unbelievable romance did not impress me. I don't do romance novels - you know the bodice ripper type with the bare chested, long haired, muscle bound hero and the damsel in distress on the cover. I believe these books contribute greatly to the divorce rate due to the incredibly, impossible "romance" in them. I took a lot of time to determine which of Ms. Steele's books I would read. I wanted something that told a good story that wasn't full rich people in their mansions or on their yachts. I wanted a "realistic" tale. I chose Granny Dan, which tells the story of Danina, a woman who, at the age of 7, was sent to ballet school in Russia in 1902 and became a very famous prima ballerina. Her dancing wins the admiration and patronage of the Czar and Czarina. It was a great story and I have to admit that I thoroughly enjoyed the book.
So...I've made it through my first two "avoided" authors. Next month...Robert Galbraith.
Thanks for reading.
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