It can be fun to look back on your past and see what things about you have changed. Beyond the obvious things (age, weight, career come to mind) I find it really fascinating to see how my taste in books has evolved. By reviewing and posting a review of every book I've read for the past eight years, I've got a pretty thorough record of how my reading habits have transformed. There are some trends that have remained strong. I can't help but get hooked into a solid mystery/thriller novel, for example. New trends, such as a newfound appreciation for a well-written memoir, have also emerged.
On the other hand, a change in taste has seen me turn away from the kinds of things I used to love to read. One noticeable casualty of this shift in preference has been the novels by James Patterson. In the past, I would treat each new Patterson novel as a "must-read" event. His books have always been some of the most readable in terms of pacing, so I could turn to him as a reliable escape from my daily life. Whether it was the dwindling quality in Patterson's massive output, or simply an evolution of my personal taste in reading material, I now only routinely read his Alex Cross series. For years now, my mother has gifted me a copy of the latest Cross novel. In keeping with tradition, I've finally gotten around to reading Target: Alex Cross.
This one starts out with a plot that seemed like something more at home in a Vince Flynn novel than a Patterson one. A sniper has shot down a prominent U.S. Senator in the heart of D.C. Alex Cross is quickly thrust into the scene, and the evidence is alarming. It seems like the perpetrator is plotting to enact more violence against elected officials. A coup of sorts has begun and constitutional crisis is imminent. This goes far beyond the usual murder cases, the entire fate of the country is resting in Alex Cross solving this case. He must work quickly before he becomes the next target!
Here's the thing. The plot to Target: Alex Cross, like many James Patterson novels, is a bit ridiculous. That being said, I'd be lying if I said I wasn't completely glued to the pages of the book from start to finish. When Patterson novels work, they really work, and this one does just that. Looking back on my reviews for previous novels in the series (this is number 26), I usually comment on how the key piece to making the Cross story work is the investment we have to Alex and his surrounding family. Patterson strikes the perfect balance here between plot-driving action and developing the Cross family. Even if the story gets a little too unbelievable for my ever-evolving taste, I still had a good time with Target: Alex Cross. Bring on book 27, Mr. Patterson!
For more information, visit the author's website, Amazon, and Goodreads.
(2019, 32)
Target: Alex Cross by James Patterson
I love that your mother gifts you the latest Alex Cross book. That is really sweet. The most important things to me, when I read a book, is that I feel something and am entertained. Even with my changing tastes, I sometimes like slipping into something I used to really love, and the revisit is usually really enjoyable. I have only read one Patterson book, a YA romance, where they stole a lot of cars, which was ridiculous, but I was glued to the pages and cried quite a few tears. Glad you still enjoyed it.
ReplyDeleteIt is a great tradition!
DeleteSam is right; that is such a lovely tradition. I recently started reading Patterson's books bc of his partnership with an Australian author. When i have ventured out of that pairing, it's been hit and miss I must admit.
ReplyDeleteThis seems to be the experience with most of his readers. They either love or hate his novels depending on the various partnerships with other authors. I definitely recommend you look into reading some where he is the sole author.
DeleteI've found by keeping a blog, it's is easy to go back and see how my tastes have changed. I'm a pretty eclectic reader so that presents some problems though. At one point in my life, I was on track to head to law school. During that time, I read everything John Grisham published. Now I haven't read one of his books in years! I have enjoyed some of Patterson's books in the past but like Grisham, it's been a while.
ReplyDeleteI'm the same way with Grisham too! He used to be a must read, but it has been years since I read one of his novels. I did just pick up his latest though...
DeleteHis books can be over the top, but like you I always find myself turning the page to see what happens next! Great review.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Kimberly. Even at his most over the top, I keep coming back for more!
DeleteI used to read Patterson's books all the time back in the day, but now I only read them occasionally. There's reason that he's one of the top paid authors in the world, and even though portions were a little bit out there in reasoning, I thought Target showed the reason why he's able to rope us all in and continue to keep us coming back, book after book. RO
ReplyDeleteThere's no topping the Alex Cross series to me, but John Sandford's Virgil Flowers is certainly a contender!
Delete