Miracle at Augusta

Travis McKinley #1

by James Patterson

An inspiring story of hope, redemption, and trying to hit the ball straightA little over a year ago, Travis McKinley, an unknown rookie, shocked the world by winning the US Senior Open at Pebble Beach. Now he's famous, he makes his living playing the game he loves, and everything should be perfect. Still, Travis can't shake the feeling that he's a fraud, an imposter who doesn't deserve his success – and after a series of disappointments and, to be honest, personal screw-ups, he might just prove himself right.A shot at redemption arrives in an unexpected a teenage outcast with troubles of his own – and a natural golf swing. As this unlikely duo sets out to achieve the impossible on the world's most revered golf course, Travis is about to learn that sometimes the greatest miracles of all take place when no one is watching.

Genres: Fiction, Sports, Audiobook, Drama, Contemporary, Adult Fiction, Novels

240 pages, Hardcover

First published April 6, 2015

About the author

Official US Site
Official UK Site
JIMMY Patterson Books
ReadKiddoRead

James Patterson is the most popular storyteller of our time and the creator of such unforgettable characters and series as Alex Cross, the Women’s Murder Club, Jane Smith, and Maximum Ride. He has coauthored #1 bestselling novels with Bill Clinton, Dolly Parton, and Michael Crichton, as well as collaborated on #1 bestselling nonfiction, including The Idaho Four, Walk in My Combat Boots, and Filthy Rich. Patterson has told the story of his own life in the #1 bestselling autobiography James Patterson by James Patterson. He is the recipient of an Edgar Award, ten Emmy Awards, the Literarian Award from the National Book Foundation, and the National Humanities Medal.

Reviews

[Paula Phillips · Rating 4 out of 5]

One of the things that I love about James Patterson's novels, is that it doesn't just write in the mystery genre, every now and again he will write alongside another author an inspirational story. One that resembles love, romance for either another person or in this case a sport. One of my favourite movies growing up was The Legend of Bagger Vance which was a golfing movie starring Will Smith and Matt Damon and now I happen to be dating someone who plays the sport, so reading this book and knowing some golf terminology came in useful as it discussed about birdies and bogeys and handicaps. This book comes as a sequel of sorts from his earlier book Miracle on the 17th Green where Travis McKinley found his golfing spark after being in a rut one Christmas and discovered he had the perfect swing. This book is set a few years later and Travis is on his way to playing in the US Seniors Open but often bad things can happen , but really they are blessings in disguise. When Travis finds himself suspended , he meets Jerzy - a Romanian kid and takes him to practise some rounds of golf and soon by doing something great for the kid, he will re-ignite not only the passion for the golf game but also he may grasp the opportunity to play at his dream golf course - the Augusta.
If you love Golf and Inspirational Stories or know someone who loves the sport but isn't much of a reader, Miracle at Augusta is the perfect size book as it's not too long and quite fast-paced as is James Patterson's writing and has the romantic aspects of a Nicholas Sparks book.

[Gary · Rating 3 out of 5]

I would like to thank Net Galley for allowing me to read this novel in exchange for a honest review. I have now read in excess of 80 James Patterson books and some are excellent reads full of action and suspense. This one did not quite do it for me, I read 'The miracle on the 17th green' many years ago and thoroughly enjoyed it, so I hoped I would have a similar feeling about this one. Unfortunately this was not the case, like most of his books it was fast paced and a quick easy read but found it a little too much full of golf. Don't get me wrong I knew it was a golf story but I had hoped for a lot more substance to the story. Releasing so many books over so many genres it is always going to be difficult to please everyone all of the time so Mr Patterson you are forgiven. A decent read but not one of his best.

[Matt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Patterson and de Jonge return with the sequel to their golf-themed inspirational novella. After a surprising win at the PGA Senior Open the year before, Travis McKinley basks in the fame. McKinley may be living the good life, but cannot shake that he does not belong among the greats, which is supported by a lacklustre second season on the Tour. After getting into a skirmish after one event, McKinley finds himself suspended and heads back home to spend time with his family. Pining for a return to the Tour and dreaming of playing a round at Augusta National, McKinley soon discovers that his talents need not go to waste. When a neighbourhood boy, Jerzy, finds himself on the wrong end of bullies' wrath, McKinley takes him under his wing and introduces the game of golf, where the fiercest competitor and enemy tends to be one's self. McKinley painstakingly works on perfecting Jerzy's stance and honing in on an already impressive swing. Inflating Jerzy's confidence through hard work and determination, McKinley promises him a gift of a lifetime if he'll face those bullies; the chance to play a round at Augusta National. True to his word, McKinley plans for a trip down to Georgia, where all the miracles begin. Patterson and de Jonge inject more humour and less hokeyness into this sequel, peppered with golf references and just the right amount of inspiration.

In comparison to the first book, this instalment is the proverbial hole-in-one. It builds on the golf-centric nature of the story and keeps the heartstring plucking to a minimum. McKinley is no longer out to shed a tear or rekindle his love for family, but instead looking to show a young man that there is much to be gained from the game of golf. Add to that, de Jonge is yet another author helping Patterson to resurrect his fledging writing (which, as the attentive reader will know has suffered a quintuple-bogey with a series of subpar novels [ok, enough puns!]) and finally impress readers with something decent to say. The narrative is clean, the story clear, and the delivery quick paced. Just want the reader needs for a shorter Patterson novel.

Kudos, Messrs. Patterson and de Jonge for this sequel that surpasses the original story. Anything else in that bag of tricks for longtime fans? Preferably not nineteen years from now!

Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/

[Bob plunkett · Rating 4 out of 5]

nice fast read...a little far fetched but any golfer would enjoy

[Sheryl · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a sweet story. How often can you say that about a James Patterson book? I enjoy an underdog tale, especially when there are moments of pure kindness.

[Denise · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was advertised by Patterson, himself, while I was watching the 2015 masters. Therefore mixing golfing with my reading addiction was a perfect combination! I enjoyed the characters and this sweet story. I feel that anyone could enjoy this novel, but having knowledge and a love of playing golf makes it very entertaining. I now will look forward to reading Miracle on the 17th Green by James Patterson. 3.5 stars

[Ted · Rating 3 out of 5]

I know. I broke a New Year's resolution and vow never to read another book written by James Patterson, or whoever is actually doing the writing for him these days, but it's a book about golf. I made it through 121 days in 2015 before giving in to temptation. I enjoyed the book. A little sappy. It is obvious that Peter de Jorge did the lion's share of writing in this one. You mustn't take James away from directing his money making empire. Now back to that resolution.

[Wendy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miracle at Augusta

What a wonderful story. Many years ago I remember reading "Miracle on the 17th Green" and I know I enjoyed it but this book was much better. I'm not a really big golf fan but I actually wouldn't mind if this turned into a series. Good writing James Patterson and Peter De Jonge!

[Mike French · Rating 2 out of 5]

If this wasn't from one of my favorite authors and favorite subjects I would have given it 1 star. I was really looking forward to reading this book and I am disappointed !

[Jim Eisenhauer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Solid quick read, your typical troubled older gent finding a new path and helping out the young nerd. Based on this book I expect to shoot 68 if I ever play Augusta.

[Nancy Geary · Rating 1 out of 5]

A very, short quick 2 hour read, and I wish I could get those hours back.

A Senior PGA pro on suspension (the believable part) takes a young, Romanian immigrant teenager who shovels his driveway once & later sees being bullied under his wing and teaches him golf fundamentals (still believable).

Promises to take the kid to Augusta (having never been there himself before and leaves his young son who idolizes him at home?) if he stands up to bullies or asks a girl out on a date? C'mon now.

Sneaks on the course but doesn't play himself, meets up with Hootie Johnson who lets them play through (like he doesn't know every member), and the kid who's been playing less than a year posts under 80? Only for those who have never picked up a club. "Miracle" doesn't even begin to describe it, and I think I have a pretty good imagination... gah!

[Don Gorman · Rating 1 out of 5]

There are few things in life as lightweight and fluffy as a 200 page sappy golf book. I have read my share and this one is every bit as sappy as the worst. The story is overwhelmingly predictable, the characters are remarkably warm, fuzzy and colorful and an amazing time is had by all. I think the world of Patterson, he revolutionized the book business at many levels and I know he is a golf fan but this book is not worth your time.

[Pat Calchera · Rating 4 out of 5]

Time for Golf

I am not a golfer, but I enjoy watching th Masters in Augusta each year. I also like cheering for the underdogs. This book was a quick read and enjoyable.

[Marc-Antoine · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick read, moving and heartfelt. Golf fans and suckers for a touching story will enjoy.

[Barbara Nutting · Rating 3 out of 5]

After just slamming James Patterson for Never Never he recouped himself with this nice little book ( he probably didn't write it - it's and Peter de Jonge). I'm not a golfer but I have watched enough on TV to appreciate this uplifting tale played out at Augusta.

[Kathy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Seeing as I read this book for a challenge and really could care less about golf, it wasn't a bad book. Also, it was short. Last year's Senior Open winner gets suspended and feeling sorry for himself, decides to mentor a teenager and teach him golf. Turns out the kid was pretty good.

[Betsy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a sweet, corny predictable story. Even the author comments on the implausibility of the plot (What did you expect when you bought a book with 'miracle' in the title?) It took less than three hours to read and was a nice palate cleaner after some pretty heavy reading I had been doing.

[Adrienne]

Dnf. My understanding of golf stopped me from enjoying this book.

[Klare · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick read but didn’t find it as enjoyable as the 17th green story.

[JC Roadman · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book a little different than the first. Did enjoy the ending. Can't wait to read the third and probably final book in the series Miracle at St. Andrews.

[Ray Merrill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great story, hard to believe ending, but made the story that much better

[AJourneyWithoutMap · Rating 4 out of 5]

When you think of the name James Patterson, what immediately comes to mind are thrilling and suspenseful novels like Alex Cross series, Women’s Murder Club series, Detective Michael Bennett series, Private novels, NYPD Red series and the riveting stand-alone thrillers, or at least the fun-packed cool Middle School or I Funny series. Very few would remember him for writing some intensely painful and nerve-wracking romance like First Love. Probably, there would be very few who remembered that he also authored some soul-searching, inspiring and stirring tale of life, love, and the power of miracles.

Some years back, when James Patterson in collaboration with Peter de Jonge authored Miracle on the 17th Green, I was not sure if I was ready for a family saga from the master of thrillers, yet when I jumped into the story of Travis McKinley and the miracle that transformed him overnight, I was so caught up in the story I finished reading the story in no time.

Miracle at Augusta is the sequel to Miracle on the 17th Green, which continues the story of Travis McKinley, his family and his personal struggles as he fights his demons to rediscover his true self. The story is entertaining and inspiring, and at times funny. Both Patterson and de Jonge have combined well to bring out a well-written book with a well-imagined story that blends golf and family, with a dose of miracle will linger on in memory for a long time.

[John Toffee · Rating 2 out of 5]

A first person tale from the perspective of Travis McKinley, a golfer on the Senior Tour, about his time on and off tour and his buddy Earl, nemesis 'Stump' and his 17 year old Romanian prodigy Jerzy, who is being bullied at school.
The book is ok and nothing like Patterson's excellent thrillers. My main problem with this book is that the golfing elements in the book are just so ridiculously unbelievable, as an example a kid who has only had 6 rounds of golf shooting 83.... No way in the world! This actually ruins the book for me as the reader, if they know anything about golf, will struggle to have any empathy with the characters. As for the end of the game at Augusta, well that just takes the biscuit.
Can't recommend this book other than it's very, very short and can be read in a couple of hours. Buy Patterson's thrillers instead.

[Kim · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a short quick read. I usually enjoy the thrillers by James Patterson and the odd romantic one that I've read. This one wasn't really my cup of tea - being predominantly set in the golf world. Travis has been suspended for fighting another player. After a young lad clears the snow from his drive and he later see him being bullied- he decides that he's going to teach the lad to play golf.

I quite enjoyed the camaraderie between the two- but the golfing description flew over my head. I think it's a book my husband would really enjoy- as he'd know the courses mentioned and the club choices and the caddies job!

Many thanks to Net Galley for the opportunity to read this one.

[Gerry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I'm pretty sure this is my first novel about golf. And even though it's about golf, it's about more than that.
It's about relationships, misunderstandings and golf. oh yeah, and miracles!
I think Dave's dad would enjoy it because he does live golf.

[Ryan Saban · Rating 4 out of 5]

When your wife borrows a book for you from the library because she knows that you like golf, there is plenty of Patterson on the bookshelf and that I need to read more than just things for work... this is all it took to enjoy this book. A quick read with plenty of moments that made me smile.

[Ronell Warren 'Brooklyn' Alman · Rating 5 out of 5]

James Patterson does it again. The Travis McKinley character finds himself in trouble quite a bit after winning a PGA Senior Open. He gets a shot at redeeming himself in a most peculiar way. Great read here.

[Jeff]

DNF ... Did Not Finish

Golf Crap

James Patterson's worst yet

[Nancy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great story, quick read. I finished it in two days. This is a great book if you play golf. I don't, so it is just a good book.

[Kelly Schwartz · Rating 4 out of 5]

pleasant story