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Two from the Heart
From the #1 bestselling author of Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas and Sundays at Tiffany's, two heartwarming tales about the power of a good story to open our eyes to life's possibilities.
Anne McWilliams has lost everything. After her marriage falls apart and a hurricane destroys her home she realizes that her life has fallen out of focus. So she takes to the road to ask long lost friends and strangers a simple question: "What's your best story?" Can the funny, tragic, inspirational tales she hears on her journey help Anne see what she's been missing?
Tyler Bron seemingly has it all-a successful company and more money than he knows how to spend. But he has no life. So he hires a struggling novelist to write one for him. There are no limits to the fictional world that Bron's money can transform into a reality, and he soon becomes the protagonist of a love story beyond his wildest imagination. But will Tyler Bron be able to write the happy ending himself?
Anne McWilliams has lost everything. After her marriage falls apart and a hurricane destroys her home she realizes that her life has fallen out of focus. So she takes to the road to ask long lost friends and strangers a simple question: "What's your best story?" Can the funny, tragic, inspirational tales she hears on her journey help Anne see what she's been missing?
Tyler Bron seemingly has it all-a successful company and more money than he knows how to spend. But he has no life. So he hires a struggling novelist to write one for him. There are no limits to the fictional world that Bron's money can transform into a reality, and he soon becomes the protagonist of a love story beyond his wildest imagination. But will Tyler Bron be able to write the happy ending himself?
304 pages, Paperback
First published April 11, 2017
758 people are currently reading
5278 people want to read
About the author
James Patterson
955 books355k followersOfficial 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 625 reviews
June 14, 2017
It remains a gamble when a reader picks up something by James Patterson. Will it be a decent read or something that has been cobbled together to make a little pocket change? This pair of short stories seems to show some of Patterson's great work and warms the heart in that sentimental and calming way.
Tell Me Your Best Story (with Emily Raymond):
Anne McWilliams has chosen to isolate herself on a sparsely populated island around North Carolina after a messy divorce. When a tropical storm hits, it destroys her most valued possessions: her home and the darkroom she used to develop her film. Seeing this as a potential sign, Anne packs up and decides that she is going to take a long and meandering road trip across the country, in search of the 'best stories' that people have to offer. She'll write them down, add some photographs, and publish it for all to see. A wonderful idea as she sets off to see family and friends, but her final destination might be one that she least expected. While Anne has been so busy gathering stories, she forgets that she, too, has a story to tell. Hers is full of peaks and valleys, but in the end, it is heartwarming to see how far she has come in the past two decades.
Write Me a Life (with Frank Costantini and Brian Sitts):
During one of his periods of writer's block, Damian Crane receives a truly unusual visitor. Tech-genius and billionaire, Tyler Bron, has an offer that Crane cannot refuse. Write him up a new life to contrast with the one he currently lives. Crane receives total control of how it will play out and will be rewarded handsomely if it can be executed smoothly. Bumbling to comprehend the task, Crane begins work on this new life for Bron, setting him down in the desert lands of Nada. It is there that Bron encounters an interesting collection of townsfolk and a complete divorce from his tech-heavy lifestyle. Bron must return to his roots and try to interact naturally, all while Crane continues to compose this story from his own ideas. As the piece progresses, Bron makes a few significant connections and learns the power of hard work, seeing its rewards in the eyes of those around him.
I was pleased to have taken the time for these two stories, which warmed the heart on this rainy day. Patterson has chosen well as he joined forces with these three other authors. I am always fickle when it comes to Patterson's work and while this was not set in the genre I would not normally read, I did give it a try. "Tell Me..." had moments of sugary writing and I had to try not to roll my eyes, but then again, I steer away from Raymond's romance work for the most part. "Write Me..." turned into something I found somewhat confusing, as the narrative turned into reality and yet was still coming from the pen of Damian Crane. I likely missed something while driving and streaming the audio, but the premise was worth the time spent. The characters were decent in their portrayal and fit nicely into the storylines. I would recommend it to anyone who needs some lighter reading for an afternoon or those who need it to bridge into something else, as I had happen to me.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson et al. for this interesting pair of stories. I can see much promise in these collaborative efforts and know BookShots are a wonderful way to leap into the fray, Messrs. Constantine and Sitts! Madam Raymond has already dazzled many with her efforts.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
Tell Me Your Best Story (with Emily Raymond):
Anne McWilliams has chosen to isolate herself on a sparsely populated island around North Carolina after a messy divorce. When a tropical storm hits, it destroys her most valued possessions: her home and the darkroom she used to develop her film. Seeing this as a potential sign, Anne packs up and decides that she is going to take a long and meandering road trip across the country, in search of the 'best stories' that people have to offer. She'll write them down, add some photographs, and publish it for all to see. A wonderful idea as she sets off to see family and friends, but her final destination might be one that she least expected. While Anne has been so busy gathering stories, she forgets that she, too, has a story to tell. Hers is full of peaks and valleys, but in the end, it is heartwarming to see how far she has come in the past two decades.
Write Me a Life (with Frank Costantini and Brian Sitts):
During one of his periods of writer's block, Damian Crane receives a truly unusual visitor. Tech-genius and billionaire, Tyler Bron, has an offer that Crane cannot refuse. Write him up a new life to contrast with the one he currently lives. Crane receives total control of how it will play out and will be rewarded handsomely if it can be executed smoothly. Bumbling to comprehend the task, Crane begins work on this new life for Bron, setting him down in the desert lands of Nada. It is there that Bron encounters an interesting collection of townsfolk and a complete divorce from his tech-heavy lifestyle. Bron must return to his roots and try to interact naturally, all while Crane continues to compose this story from his own ideas. As the piece progresses, Bron makes a few significant connections and learns the power of hard work, seeing its rewards in the eyes of those around him.
I was pleased to have taken the time for these two stories, which warmed the heart on this rainy day. Patterson has chosen well as he joined forces with these three other authors. I am always fickle when it comes to Patterson's work and while this was not set in the genre I would not normally read, I did give it a try. "Tell Me..." had moments of sugary writing and I had to try not to roll my eyes, but then again, I steer away from Raymond's romance work for the most part. "Write Me..." turned into something I found somewhat confusing, as the narrative turned into reality and yet was still coming from the pen of Damian Crane. I likely missed something while driving and streaming the audio, but the premise was worth the time spent. The characters were decent in their portrayal and fit nicely into the storylines. I would recommend it to anyone who needs some lighter reading for an afternoon or those who need it to bridge into something else, as I had happen to me.
Kudos, Mr. Patterson et al. for this interesting pair of stories. I can see much promise in these collaborative efforts and know BookShots are a wonderful way to leap into the fray, Messrs. Constantine and Sitts! Madam Raymond has already dazzled many with her efforts.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
April 20, 2017
I miss the days when James Patterson would sit down (by himself) and write a great story outside of his typical genre like Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas and Sam's Letters to Jennifer. I assumed this was similar to those given the premise. This book was split into two individual stories, the second of which I didn't care for at all. The first story was a decent concept that could have created an entire novel on it's own had some extra thought and time gone into the writing. As it stands, this was just another carelessly mass-produced book for the sole purpose of adding another notch to Patterson's belt.
April 26, 2017
I really enjoyed this one. Two different books in one that are completely different. I did enjoy the first one more but the 2nd was still good. A breezy quick read that settled my brain a lil bit like I took a break from the real world.
August 19, 2020
I got nothing from this book. I've listened to it for 36 minutes and it was boring. I don't know if it was the co-author or narrator or me.
I like many of Patterson's books but he just put out too many books (with co-writers) and some are just blah.
I like many of Patterson's books but he just put out too many books (with co-writers) and some are just blah.
February 13, 2018
I didn't realize when I started this that it was really two short stories in one, not a whole book, which is okay, just not quite what I wanted it to be. Definitely not one of his better books.
April 11, 2017
Two From The Heart is two very different short stories; both I really enjoyed.
The first story follows a woman trying to rebuild her life from a new divorce. That journey is further complicated when her home is ruined by a hurricane. Talk about adding insult to injury! But all of that leads her on a road to a self discovery she would have missed out on if those two tragedies hadn't happened. She heads out on the road and meets some incredible people and has some life-changing experiences. I really enjoyed watching Anne find her true self and eventually finding her happy ever after.
The second story had a much different feel and one I really took to. It reminded me of that movie, The Truman Show, in a way. It really got me thinking while I was reading, wondering what would happen next and what part of the story was real and what part was made up of actors. Filled with more than a few interesting players in the game of reality/fiction that the main character is playing, it was a great change of pace for me. It was fun and interesting!
Overall, if you're looking for two enjoyable short stories to spend an afternoon with, this is a book for you!
The first story follows a woman trying to rebuild her life from a new divorce. That journey is further complicated when her home is ruined by a hurricane. Talk about adding insult to injury! But all of that leads her on a road to a self discovery she would have missed out on if those two tragedies hadn't happened. She heads out on the road and meets some incredible people and has some life-changing experiences. I really enjoyed watching Anne find her true self and eventually finding her happy ever after.
The second story had a much different feel and one I really took to. It reminded me of that movie, The Truman Show, in a way. It really got me thinking while I was reading, wondering what would happen next and what part of the story was real and what part was made up of actors. Filled with more than a few interesting players in the game of reality/fiction that the main character is playing, it was a great change of pace for me. It was fun and interesting!
Overall, if you're looking for two enjoyable short stories to spend an afternoon with, this is a book for you!
April 24, 2017
Not great - don't waste your time
June 17, 2017
2 and 1/2 stars- 2 stories in 1 book- quick read.
July 1, 2017
This is an uneven collection of two novellas that really explore how stories can help change our take on life. As the first story, "Tell Me Your Best Story," starts Anne McWilliams finds herself an a second life-altering event in a short period of time. She recently moved to the Outer Banks of North Carolina after finding out her fiance had been cheating on her, and now a minor hurricane is racing through the area. Unfortunately, it destroys her new home. With nowhere to live, Anne finds herself heading out on the road, and she most certainly doesn't have a plan. Her goal is to start a book project. She is a professional photographer, and while she is on her journey to visit friends and family all over the country, she is going to talk to people (those she knows, and those she doesn't know) and ask them a simple question: "Can you tell me your best story?". The book will be a collection of those stories and pictures of the storytellers. And like most road trip stories, Anne will be on a journey that will help her get her own life back on track.
The second story, "Write Me a Life," seems to have two main characters. At first we meet Damian Crane, a struggling published author who is approached by our other main character. Tyler Bron, a very wealthy tech wizard not unlike Elon Musk. Tyler has approached Crane with the hopes that the author will be able to write a story to reinvent the billionaire's life. Whatever Crane writes will be recreated, and Tyler will settle into it as a new life. The result sends Tyler into the tiny town of Nada on the border with Mexico with absolutely nothing. It is up to him to meet the locals and build a new life all while having everything directed by Crane's imagination in a real-life Create Your Own Adventure story. The question is whether Tyler will find his life improved in the end.
The first story is definitely stronger, though Patterson and Emily Raymond (his co-writer/actual writer) do seem to struggle with having Anne ask the question to start hearing each person's story.
It always comes across a little flat, corny, and fake. The second one struggles with getting going, but the ending is really heart warming. Readers will fine a little bit of happiness at the end of both of them.
The second story, "Write Me a Life," seems to have two main characters. At first we meet Damian Crane, a struggling published author who is approached by our other main character. Tyler Bron, a very wealthy tech wizard not unlike Elon Musk. Tyler has approached Crane with the hopes that the author will be able to write a story to reinvent the billionaire's life. Whatever Crane writes will be recreated, and Tyler will settle into it as a new life. The result sends Tyler into the tiny town of Nada on the border with Mexico with absolutely nothing. It is up to him to meet the locals and build a new life all while having everything directed by Crane's imagination in a real-life Create Your Own Adventure story. The question is whether Tyler will find his life improved in the end.
The first story is definitely stronger, though Patterson and Emily Raymond (his co-writer/actual writer) do seem to struggle with having Anne ask the question to start hearing each person's story.
It always comes across a little flat, corny, and fake. The second one struggles with getting going, but the ending is really heart warming. Readers will fine a little bit of happiness at the end of both of them.
May 26, 2018
If this book would have only been about the second story, I would have only rated this book 3 stars, but I really enjoyed the first story and that is why I will give this 4 stars. James Patterson books are a "hit or miss" for me.
May 20, 2018
All my reviews can be found at: http://www.jessicasreadingroom.com
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Two From the Heart is made up two novellas: Tell Me Your Best Story and Write Me a Life. They were both decent stories but for me something was missing. It was a quick read at just five discs for the audiobook. There is a theme explored for both novellas: How stories can shape our life in one form or another.
Tell Me Your Best Story:
Anne McWilliams is our protagonist and she has dealt with two life changing events in a very short time. The first event was her failed marriage. The second event is what changes her life forever. Her home and darkroom (which is her livelihood) is destroyed by a hurricane. She is anti-technology so she loses everything with her photography. Instead of dealing with this devastating loss she decides to go on an adventure all over the country. She sees old friends and also meets new people along the way asking “What is your best story?” During this adventure she decides to turn this into a book with these people’s stories and a picture of them. As with all road trip adventures, it becomes life changing — for the better — for Anne.
I did not like Anne dropping everything with her home. She all but forgets about it and just moves on. No clean up, nothing! What a way to ignore your responsibilities. I would be devastated if this happened to me, but I can’t see myself just dropping everything else and becoming carefree. Now, I did like the premise of the book she decides to write and photograph. In fact it would be one I would most likely buy. Everyone has a ‘best story’, what is yours?
Write Me A Life:
We meet Damian Crane, a struggling author who is approached by Tyler Bron, an extremely wealthy man, who happens to have no life. Tyler Bron tells Damian to write him a life and whatever he writes WILL happen, with no limitations. So begins a “create your own adventure” type story. Both Crane and Bron wonder what they got themselves into and you wonder how the story will end. Will Crane continue the story or will Bron be able to create his ending on his own?
I liked the premise of this novella better. Audio may not be the format for this story as the narration goes between Crane and Bron and I had difficulties keeping them straight. Reading it in print may be clearer as to who the narrator is for each chapter. It did not help that the narrator did not distinguish the two character’s voices in any way. I had to go back several times; I was getting confused as to who each narrator was. I lost some interest in the middle of the story. The ending is satisfying.
Though not the best, Two from the Heart is not the worst either. If you want a quick read in between books, I would recommend it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Two From the Heart is made up two novellas: Tell Me Your Best Story and Write Me a Life. They were both decent stories but for me something was missing. It was a quick read at just five discs for the audiobook. There is a theme explored for both novellas: How stories can shape our life in one form or another.
Tell Me Your Best Story:
Anne McWilliams is our protagonist and she has dealt with two life changing events in a very short time. The first event was her failed marriage. The second event is what changes her life forever. Her home and darkroom (which is her livelihood) is destroyed by a hurricane. She is anti-technology so she loses everything with her photography. Instead of dealing with this devastating loss she decides to go on an adventure all over the country. She sees old friends and also meets new people along the way asking “What is your best story?” During this adventure she decides to turn this into a book with these people’s stories and a picture of them. As with all road trip adventures, it becomes life changing — for the better — for Anne.
I did not like Anne dropping everything with her home. She all but forgets about it and just moves on. No clean up, nothing! What a way to ignore your responsibilities. I would be devastated if this happened to me, but I can’t see myself just dropping everything else and becoming carefree. Now, I did like the premise of the book she decides to write and photograph. In fact it would be one I would most likely buy. Everyone has a ‘best story’, what is yours?
Write Me A Life:
We meet Damian Crane, a struggling author who is approached by Tyler Bron, an extremely wealthy man, who happens to have no life. Tyler Bron tells Damian to write him a life and whatever he writes WILL happen, with no limitations. So begins a “create your own adventure” type story. Both Crane and Bron wonder what they got themselves into and you wonder how the story will end. Will Crane continue the story or will Bron be able to create his ending on his own?
I liked the premise of this novella better. Audio may not be the format for this story as the narration goes between Crane and Bron and I had difficulties keeping them straight. Reading it in print may be clearer as to who the narrator is for each chapter. It did not help that the narrator did not distinguish the two character’s voices in any way. I had to go back several times; I was getting confused as to who each narrator was. I lost some interest in the middle of the story. The ending is satisfying.
Though not the best, Two from the Heart is not the worst either. If you want a quick read in between books, I would recommend it.
April 21, 2017
Two stories mixed in this one and I didn't enjoy either one. The first one was a little more interesting than the second, but it still sucked. Not my cup of tea!
June 22, 2017
Two so-so novellas, the first better than the second. With a little more development there was potential for better stories, but they both seemed to be rather unbelievable with abrupt endings.
2.5 stars rounded to 3
2.5 stars rounded to 3
January 23, 2020
This book is a short novella or two Book Shots in Patterson terms/language. A woman is going through a divorce, and loses everything she owns due to a tropical storm, so she decides to take off and set up housekeeping on an island after a terrible tropical storm destroys everything she owns. It's an okay story and reads fairly well. Anne McWilliams has lost everything. After her marriage falls apart and a hurricane destroys her home she realizes that her life has fallen out of focus. So she takes to the road to ask long-lost friends and strangers a simple question: “What’s your best story?” Can the funny, tragic, inspirational tales she hears on her journey help Anne see what she’s been missing?
The Second book "Write me a Life" is about a wealthy guy that hires a writer to write him a life. Very different concept in how he makes things happen for this guy. He gives him friends, things to do, etc. Very different. Not necessarily my favorite type of reading.
Tyler Bron seemingly has it all: a successful company and more money than he knows how to spend. But he has no life. So he hires a struggling novelist to write one for him. There are no limits to the fictional world that Bron’s money can transform into a reality, and he soon becomes the protagonist of a love story beyond his wildest imagination. But will Tyler be able to write the happy ending himself?
A different way for Patterson to write. Interesting try for him. Recommend.
The Second book "Write me a Life" is about a wealthy guy that hires a writer to write him a life. Very different concept in how he makes things happen for this guy. He gives him friends, things to do, etc. Very different. Not necessarily my favorite type of reading.
Tyler Bron seemingly has it all: a successful company and more money than he knows how to spend. But he has no life. So he hires a struggling novelist to write one for him. There are no limits to the fictional world that Bron’s money can transform into a reality, and he soon becomes the protagonist of a love story beyond his wildest imagination. But will Tyler be able to write the happy ending himself?
A different way for Patterson to write. Interesting try for him. Recommend.
July 27, 2021
This book is actually made up of 2 short stories, which I didn't realize until I got to the second one. That made it slightly difficult to rate the book overall, since I liked the second one much more than the first. But I decided to simply average my ratings together, and it turned out to be 3 stars.
Two From the Heart - 2 stars
I didn't like this story that much. There wasn't anything remarkably terrible about it, I just didn't really like it. There wasn't much of a plot and Anne was really flighty.
Write Me a Life - 4 stars
This was actually a really unique idea. I loved the plot, and the characters were all pretty good. It was like a book inside a book inside a book. I've just never read anything like it before, and I liked it because of that.
Two From the Heart - 2 stars
I didn't like this story that much. There wasn't anything remarkably terrible about it, I just didn't really like it. There wasn't much of a plot and Anne was really flighty.
Write Me a Life - 4 stars
This was actually a really unique idea. I loved the plot, and the characters were all pretty good. It was like a book inside a book inside a book. I've just never read anything like it before, and I liked it because of that.
May 26, 2017
Wasn't too impressed with this book. I finished it, but felt like it was a waste of my time. I didn't even realize it was two short stories until the title page for the second book popped up. Very disappointing.
June 13, 2017
Despite the fact that James Patterson is "one of the best known and biggest-selling writers of all time", this is the first book of his I've ever read. At least, it's the first book of his I've attempted to read. I make this distinction because I couldn't finish it. Split into two novellas, I read the first last night and enjoyed it well enough. I picked it up again this evening to read the second one and within two pages, I was already experiencing disbelief. Within ten, I closed the book. I have no idea how someone could possibly think that 'The Lifesaver' qualifies as a credible story for adults. In first person present tense, it's juvenile angle was just unbearable. It truly reads like a novella aimed at a ten year old boy yet is entirely inappropriate for that age group on account of the swearing and themes. I'm confused.
The first novella, Tell Me Your Best Story, I quite liked. It lacked depth, but had a nice premise and a likeable main character. Anne was self depreciating but not overboard with it. I liked the sentiment of a person travelling around collecting the best story a stranger can offer and then turning this into a book with accompanying photos. I also liked the idea of reconnecting with people who once meant something to you but with whom you've lost touch over the years, which was the initial motivation for Anne's epic road trip. Writing wise though, this was pretty basic stuff. There was one line that stood out for me which is worth mentioning as I found the imagery of it appealing:
"I traced the calluses on his fingertips from his guitar, and it was almost like I could still hear the melody if their last song."
Overall, Tell Me Your Best Story was a nice read to sit down with at the end of a busy day. There wasn't much to dwell on and it didn't command much attention.
But Tell Me Your Best Story was only half of this book. I really can't in all good conscience recommend Two From The Heart. Also, I don't even know if James Patterson even wrote it. It's co-authored, the first novella with one other author, Emily Raymond, and the second novella co-authored with two others, Frank Costantini and Brian Sitts. I don't know who wrote what parts, there's nothing in the book to indicate this, so for all I know, James Patterson could have written none of it.
Anyway, you live and learn. He may be "one of the best known and biggest-selling writers of all time", but he's not for me. Apologies to all the hard-core James Patterson fans out there, but we all like different things, and this has left me unimpressed.
The first novella, Tell Me Your Best Story, I quite liked. It lacked depth, but had a nice premise and a likeable main character. Anne was self depreciating but not overboard with it. I liked the sentiment of a person travelling around collecting the best story a stranger can offer and then turning this into a book with accompanying photos. I also liked the idea of reconnecting with people who once meant something to you but with whom you've lost touch over the years, which was the initial motivation for Anne's epic road trip. Writing wise though, this was pretty basic stuff. There was one line that stood out for me which is worth mentioning as I found the imagery of it appealing:
"I traced the calluses on his fingertips from his guitar, and it was almost like I could still hear the melody if their last song."
Overall, Tell Me Your Best Story was a nice read to sit down with at the end of a busy day. There wasn't much to dwell on and it didn't command much attention.
But Tell Me Your Best Story was only half of this book. I really can't in all good conscience recommend Two From The Heart. Also, I don't even know if James Patterson even wrote it. It's co-authored, the first novella with one other author, Emily Raymond, and the second novella co-authored with two others, Frank Costantini and Brian Sitts. I don't know who wrote what parts, there's nothing in the book to indicate this, so for all I know, James Patterson could have written none of it.
Anyway, you live and learn. He may be "one of the best known and biggest-selling writers of all time", but he's not for me. Apologies to all the hard-core James Patterson fans out there, but we all like different things, and this has left me unimpressed.
June 21, 2020
I read the first of the two "stories" and didn't feel the first was good enough to warrant reading the second one, and I don't typically abandon a book... huh...
September 23, 2020
The first novella in this two pack was a little meh. The second one was a thinker and I’m still considering the ending hours after finishing. This would be an easy read or in my case an easy listen.
July 16, 2023
This book was a disappointment.. I don’t even know what else to say.. Uggrrr. I had to push myself to read it page by page and that has NEVER happened with any of his books!!!
February 20, 2018
This book was a major disappointment. I didn't realize until after I got it that it was James Patterson "WITH" other authors. What a sham!!! He's attaching his name to some mediocre authors in order to sell more books. The first chapter or two was excellent writing (probably Patterson's!!) and then it turned to crap soon after. Then halfway through the book, it was done. Somehow I had missed the fact that this was TWO crappy mini-novels mashed together. I'm sure this is a profitable scheme for a super-successful author, but it left me extremely disappointed in him. Skip.This.Book!!
April 20, 2017
Two From the Heart by James Patterson is a different type of read for me from Patterson. This is two different stories written by Patterson and other co writers. The stories revolve around two people who either had drastic life changes or someone who has everything but a life. These are separate stories which have nothing to do with each other.
In the first story Anne McWilliams is currently living on an island when a hurricane hits causing her to lose her house and her beloved camera dark room and equipment. Anne has already had disasters in her life including a divorce. She picks herself up, and decides to travel to see friends, family and find her way again. Her first stop is her brother, whom she has not seen in a few years, and he gives her a gift (new high tech camera ) that he meant to give her when she was supposed to visit awhile back. Now Anne will continue her way, meeting either strangers or old friends, using her new camera to take the pictures she so loves, and asking those she meets “tell me a story about something in your life”.
This was a nice interesting story listening to all the different events that have changed people’s lives, which lead Anne to find herself again, possibility meeting someone for herself and putting her adventure into a career of pictures and words.
_________________________________________________________________________
In the second story, Tyler Bron is a multi billionaire, who has everything he has ever wanted, but a life. He lives for his work, and now he wants something different. Damian Crane is an author, who lives a quiet secluded life, and is shocked when a helicopter lands in his yard. Damian doesn’t think of himself as a successful writer, but then he meets Tyler Bron, who thinks he is a great writer. All Tyler wants from Damian is to write a different life for him to live, and his high tech people will bring his words to reality. The following morning, Daisy, who is Bron’s assistant, knocks on his door at 6am and brings him to Bron’s huge offices. At this point, Damian begins to type and we watch Tyler find himself in the middle of nowhere. The story switches between Damian, Daisy and the tech staff as they watch Tyler trying to live in this town with no technical ability, and with no money, cards, phones if he wanted to leave. It was a different and nice storyline to see Tyler totally out of his element, and making friends with the locals, who are poor, as they open themselves to help Tyler, who has no money or anything. Along the way, Tyler will begin to relax a bit and go to the local bar with some of the men; get to know the kids at school and teach them those things that he learned about building things when he grew up; and he also meets a waitress, who makes his heart feel something he has never known. It was a very sweet story, and a very nice sweet ending.
I rather not tell too much more. You will have to read this book to see how life can change for people. I enjoyed the book, though it was a different kind of read for me.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
In the first story Anne McWilliams is currently living on an island when a hurricane hits causing her to lose her house and her beloved camera dark room and equipment. Anne has already had disasters in her life including a divorce. She picks herself up, and decides to travel to see friends, family and find her way again. Her first stop is her brother, whom she has not seen in a few years, and he gives her a gift (new high tech camera ) that he meant to give her when she was supposed to visit awhile back. Now Anne will continue her way, meeting either strangers or old friends, using her new camera to take the pictures she so loves, and asking those she meets “tell me a story about something in your life”.
This was a nice interesting story listening to all the different events that have changed people’s lives, which lead Anne to find herself again, possibility meeting someone for herself and putting her adventure into a career of pictures and words.
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In the second story, Tyler Bron is a multi billionaire, who has everything he has ever wanted, but a life. He lives for his work, and now he wants something different. Damian Crane is an author, who lives a quiet secluded life, and is shocked when a helicopter lands in his yard. Damian doesn’t think of himself as a successful writer, but then he meets Tyler Bron, who thinks he is a great writer. All Tyler wants from Damian is to write a different life for him to live, and his high tech people will bring his words to reality. The following morning, Daisy, who is Bron’s assistant, knocks on his door at 6am and brings him to Bron’s huge offices. At this point, Damian begins to type and we watch Tyler find himself in the middle of nowhere. The story switches between Damian, Daisy and the tech staff as they watch Tyler trying to live in this town with no technical ability, and with no money, cards, phones if he wanted to leave. It was a different and nice storyline to see Tyler totally out of his element, and making friends with the locals, who are poor, as they open themselves to help Tyler, who has no money or anything. Along the way, Tyler will begin to relax a bit and go to the local bar with some of the men; get to know the kids at school and teach them those things that he learned about building things when he grew up; and he also meets a waitress, who makes his heart feel something he has never known. It was a very sweet story, and a very nice sweet ending.
I rather not tell too much more. You will have to read this book to see how life can change for people. I enjoyed the book, though it was a different kind of read for me.
Barb
The Reading Cafe
July 17, 2017
This book is divided into two short stories. The first is about Anne McWilliams. She lives on the beach in North Carolina, where she has lived for the past few years following a divorce from her husband. She is an old school photographer, so when a hurricane moves through and takes out half of her house that includes her darkroom, she is beyond devastated. Instead of dealing with the mess, she decides to travel the country and take new pictures and hear the stories of the people that go with those stories. How will this journey change the rest of her life?
In the second story, Tyler Bron is a millionaire, who, on paper, appears to have it all. But in reality, he has never had a life. Always focused on himself and getting to the top of his career field. He has no friends, only work colleagues who he really knows nothing about. So he hires a writer, Damian Crane to write a new life for him. But will Tyler be able to handle all that life has to offer?
This is a newer James Patterson novel released earlier this year. On my quest to read all of his stand alone books, I'm giving this on 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the stories and the one about Tyler was the most interesting to me. Each main character is at a point in their lives, where they need to make some changes in order to continue to live. I think that Tyler makes the most extreme change of all.
Even though James Patterson pumps out several books a year, he is still one of my favorites and I enjoy reading his books. I always know I can finish one of his books in 2-3 days and it will hold my attention.
In the second story, Tyler Bron is a millionaire, who, on paper, appears to have it all. But in reality, he has never had a life. Always focused on himself and getting to the top of his career field. He has no friends, only work colleagues who he really knows nothing about. So he hires a writer, Damian Crane to write a new life for him. But will Tyler be able to handle all that life has to offer?
This is a newer James Patterson novel released earlier this year. On my quest to read all of his stand alone books, I'm giving this on 3.5 stars. I enjoyed the stories and the one about Tyler was the most interesting to me. Each main character is at a point in their lives, where they need to make some changes in order to continue to live. I think that Tyler makes the most extreme change of all.
Even though James Patterson pumps out several books a year, he is still one of my favorites and I enjoy reading his books. I always know I can finish one of his books in 2-3 days and it will hold my attention.
June 17, 2017
Two stories in this book - Tell me your best story and --then---2nd story, Write me a life.
In the first story Anne has a hurricane destroy her home. She THEN---- take off on a cross country trip to find people she has not seen for awhile, long lost friends, family and even strangers. She wants to write a story and uses the answers from these people to help her find what she has been missing.
It is an ok ---story, but not really much substance to it.
In the second story, a rich young man, Tyler has everything he thinks he needs, but then realizes he
does not have a life. He seeks out a novelist to ---- write him a life. The story takes on a fictional
world that Tyler's money can transform into reality with everything he has been lacking.
I guess all I can say is It is never to late to discover all that can matter to a person. New places and
ideas can create many possibilities if one wants to venture out and give it a whirl. Money is not everything. Love and creating memories with loved ones is the most important part of life (in my opinion).
Both stories are easy reads, but not really what I call ---a good read for me, just OK.......
In the first story Anne has a hurricane destroy her home. She THEN---- take off on a cross country trip to find people she has not seen for awhile, long lost friends, family and even strangers. She wants to write a story and uses the answers from these people to help her find what she has been missing.
It is an ok ---story, but not really much substance to it.
In the second story, a rich young man, Tyler has everything he thinks he needs, but then realizes he
does not have a life. He seeks out a novelist to ---- write him a life. The story takes on a fictional
world that Tyler's money can transform into reality with everything he has been lacking.
I guess all I can say is It is never to late to discover all that can matter to a person. New places and
ideas can create many possibilities if one wants to venture out and give it a whirl. Money is not everything. Love and creating memories with loved ones is the most important part of life (in my opinion).
Both stories are easy reads, but not really what I call ---a good read for me, just OK.......
January 4, 2020
I just love the contemporary novels by James Patterson and his Co-authors. I have yet to be disappointed. I just feel like most of the time I can relate to the people he so brilliantly writes in. I can just immerse myself into the story like I am actually there with them. And I absolutely love that feeling.
In this book there are 2 separate stories with such great characters, and brilliant storylines. Story one is the tale of Anne McWilliams who had a broken marriage, turned to photography and then survived a hurricane, in which she lost everything. Can she ever find happiness? In our 2nd story we meet Tyler Bron, Entrepreneur extraordinaire, running a very successful business, but he is missing something in his life, so he wants a new story wrote for him by a struggling author, Damian Crane. Tyler got a bit more than he bargained for. I just loved both of these stories so much! Definitely worth the read.
In this book there are 2 separate stories with such great characters, and brilliant storylines. Story one is the tale of Anne McWilliams who had a broken marriage, turned to photography and then survived a hurricane, in which she lost everything. Can she ever find happiness? In our 2nd story we meet Tyler Bron, Entrepreneur extraordinaire, running a very successful business, but he is missing something in his life, so he wants a new story wrote for him by a struggling author, Damian Crane. Tyler got a bit more than he bargained for. I just loved both of these stories so much! Definitely worth the read.
January 24, 2018
When am I going to learn to pass up on a James Patterson book with co-authors I've never heard of? This book contains two stories:
1) Tell Me Your Best Story
2) Write Me A Life
Neither story was all that great, but if I had to choose the better of the two, I'd go with Tell Me Your Best Story. Very disappointed.
1) Tell Me Your Best Story
2) Write Me A Life
Neither story was all that great, but if I had to choose the better of the two, I'd go with Tell Me Your Best Story. Very disappointed.
September 14, 2022
Classic Patterson with the short chapters, which are great in my opinion. This was two stories in one book. The first, Tell Me Your Best Story was decent, cutsie, which I would give a 3. I thoroughly enjoyed the second, Write Me A Story which I give a 5. Implausible but fascinating in its premise. If you want a book that doesn’t require a huge time commitment and which will probably leave you smiling, this should do the trick.
August 16, 2024
I’ve tried to read this book twice in different yesrs. This time I was able to finish it with a lot of difficulty. I am a book lover and it’s difficult not to fall in love with a book, but this one was terrible. I wasted my time reading a book with two different stories that made no sense. I am so sad to say this, but I don’t recommend this book to anyone.
April 5, 2018
This was a great story. After reading mysteries that involved murders, accidents, deaths and betrayal this was a refreshing, light hearted story that had a happy ending. If you need lifted, this is your book.
June 12, 2022
I enjoyed the two stories in this book very much. They’re both nice light reads with beautiful endings and meanings to them. Warms your heart when reading and makes you remember the important things in life.
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