A Thursday Special

I don’t generally read James Patterson. It’s not that I think he’s a bad writer. He isn’t. I’m just not interested in the type of books that we writes.

That all changed a while back when I had the opportunity to read this for a blog tour. And I LOVED it. So much, in fact, that I went out and purchased the first two books in the series for my son when he gets old enough to read them.

Not long ago, I noticed that the fourth installment of the Maximum Ride series is in the bookstore where I work. Once I finish a few other things, I will take it home and read it.

But until then, I need to share something else that Patterson has on the shelf.

Here it is:

James Patterson and Michael Ledwidge have teamed up to bring the story of Daniel X to life. The goal is to get boys interested in reading. You know, without having to tie them to a chair first. This is a great book for the ten and over set.

The inside jacket flap sums up the feel of the book: “Spider-Man meets Men In Black in this heart- stopping novel…”

Daniel X is a fifteen year old boy who was orphaned as a three year old when his mom and dad were brutally murdered by an alien. He’s got awesome powers that I can remember dreaming about when I was younger, like shape shifting and moving objects with his mind.

Reading this book was like experiencing a character who is a cross between the avian mutants in Patterson’s Maximum Ride series, and Eoin Colfer’s Artemis Fowl, another favorite series of mine. Daniel X is smart, talented, and vigilant in wanting to destroy the creature who took his parents’ lives. You can’t help rooting for him, and once you get to the end of the book, you’re left wanting more.

I would highly suggest getting this book for a reluctant reader on your list. It’s incredibly age appropriate, and definitely something that would engage a child with a yearning for adventure.

Here’s a link to a NY Times article.

Patterson discusses both the Maximum Ride series and Daniel X in the article, as well as his hope that booksellers will keep copies of these books near the front of the store. He hopes to appeal to mothers by encouraging them to buy books for their kids.

I know personally that his books are going to be given to kids on MY gift list this year.

I can’t wait for the next installment.

If you read it, or know someone who has, let me know what you think.