Sundays at Tiffany's by James Patterson, Gabrielle Charbonnet Summary and Reviews
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Book Reviews of Sundays at Tiffany's
Book Review: Book Reviews
Summary: 2 Stars
I was disappointed and thought it would be more in the lines of Sams letter to Jennifer and Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas. I like the fact that these books are different then the Alex Cross and Women's Murder club books even though I love those books. I guess for me the imaginary friend was stretching it.Book Review: Bring your inner child - and you will delight in this book
Summary: 4 Stars
I am no light weight when it comes to intellectual activities and enjoyments. But I learned long ago that, just as you must stretch muscles you want to work well - once in a while you must completely open yourself to see the world as a child.
This takes some courage. We find a lot of security in our adult logic and structures. But delight and joy are not measured in the ways of adulthood. They are experiences not of the cognitive self but of the core self. This book speaks to a need our world has to relearn the values of compassion, the importance of a lack of pretension, and the essential need to learn to let go of the requirement to have all the answers (or find someone who does).
Loving another person does not always make sense. And that is OK. Stories do not always have all the loose ends tied up. And that is OK.
Letting go of perfection and reality now and then are good for you. Many people can only let go with the use of alcohol or drugs. But this book is a far better way to do it. If you let the story carry you along, you will end up as I did - filled with joy.
Book Review: Charbonnet's fantasy and Patterson's mystery prowess unite for an entertaining story
Summary: 4 Stars
James Patterson is acclaimed for his thrillers, detective series and countless #1 bestsellers, including the Women's Murder Club novels (which were adapted into a television series that aired on ABC) and SUZANNE'S DIARY FOR NICHOLAS, a memorable love story. SUNDAYS AT TIFFANY'S, co-authored with children's book writer Gabrielle Charbonnet, is the latest Patterson effort to have its audience buzzing. While reading, I theorized about which chapters were penned by which writer, or co-written and edited by both. The secret remains just that.
The gift of love is the basis upon which SUNDAYS AT TIFFANY'S develops a tender yet magical story. For anyone who has not experienced the wonder of an imaginary friend, the authors fill the pages with this real possibility. Imaginary friends appear and disappear, filling the needs of children who lack comfort and playful companionship. Jane Margaux, a lonely little eight-year-old girl, spends Sundays with her mother, Vivienne, window shopping at Tiffany's jewelry store. But Vivienne, a successful Broadway theater producer, fills her time with production and boyfriends rather than Jane's daily upbringing.
Michael --- who is in his 30s, witty, funny and handsome --- is Jane's diligent imaginary companion. He is steady, and a rock for her insecurities. Their favorite treat together is a scrumptious double-scooped coffee ice cream sundae, heaped with drizzles of hot fudge sauce. Michael's most painful day occurs when he has to bid the now-nine-year-old farewell and move forward to befriend another child.
According to the authors, children mature and forget about their past securities. Like the worn-out blanket dragged behind in "Peanuts" stories, the make-believe companion becomes a discarded memory. However, Jane carries Michael into her future when, at 31, she immortalizes his memory in her theatrical production Thank Heaven. The play is a smash hit and will be brought to the silver screen.
Hugh McGrath is a deliciously handsome actor with ambition to play Michael in the movie. He has wooed Jane and become her lover. Vivienne supports his landing the role, but Jane feels that she is being used by both her mother and Hugh. Her choice to deny Hugh the role destroys their future together, and this distraught young woman revisits the source of her childhood pleasure. Re-enter Michael. >From this point forward, the reader questions the hypothesis asked of him. Is Michael real, or merely a figment of Jane's imagination?
Collaboration in writing is a recent trend more commonplace than in years past. Alternating styles carry the tale forward in SUNDAYS AT TIFFANY'S. Michael is written in third person, while Jane is portrayed in the first. The action tracks Michael's journey from Jane's playful childhood companionship to a grown-up role in her adult life. Her struggle with self-discovery into maturity is well-written from her viewpoint. At crisis points in the book, the reader might find denial. By its conclusion, the combined writing styles produce satisfaction. Charbonnet's fantasy and Patterson's mystery prowess unite for an entertaining story.
Michael's diligence to Jane's protection is an obsession that transforms his character from pure fantasy to near-reality. Jane's unwillingness to forget Michael's place in her youth affects her realities as an adult. If he leaves her for a second time, will she have the strength to overcome her insecurities? SUNDAYS AT TIFFANY'S is unforgettable because Patterson's twist is "teddy bear" comfort at the conclusion.
--- Reviewed by Judy Gigstad
Book Review: Children's Fairytale
Summary: 1 Stars
Oh my, what a silly little book. For true James Patterson fan's this is not for you, and not what we/you are accustomed to. It was a child's fantasy. Of course co-author is a children's author.Book Review: City of Angels meets Drop Dead Fred
Summary: 3 Stars
The good about the book:
1.) Interesting premise regarding imaginary friends.
2.) Quick read. 300 pages that probably should have been 150 in normal cirumstances.
3.)A lot of "aww" moments within the love story.
The BAD:
1.) Older imaginary friend has lover. Michael, knew Jane as a child for 5 years (from 4-9). Yet he falls head over heels in love with her after knowing her as an adult for 2 days? Isn't it once you know someone as a kid, they're always a kid to you? Everytime it's mentioned about him noticing her acting childlike "she had a child's curiosity.", it made me cringe.
2.) Stereotypical characters. Jane's Mom is overbearing and super critical. Michael is the perfect man, stereotypically, think of what the perfect man is to a woman (good listener, sensitive, loves kids, handsome, good in bed, loves your flaws). Perfect is boring, Michael is boring. He has no weight as a character whatsoever. Jane, is miserable without a good man in her life to show her how to live and run her life. Ugh.
3.) Never explained imaginary friend position. Michael is an imaginary friend but he lives and interacts as any other person, BUT he can be invisible when he wants to, snaps to get money. Huh? When Jane asks him he says "I don't know." I don't know either.
All in all, it's ok.