James Patterson by James Patterson: The Stories of My Life

“It's quite a life, Patterson's, and this fizzing, funny, often deeply moving memoir is a perfect way to understand the dizzying world of a best-selling writer." —Daily Mail “Damn near addictive. I loved it . . . that Patterson guy can write!” –Ron HowardTHE INSTANT #1 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER—How did a kid whose dad lived in the poorhouse become the most successful storyteller in the world? * On the morning he was born, he nearly died. * His dad grew up in the Pogey– the Newburgh, New York, poorhouse. * He worked at a mental hospital in Massachusetts, where he met the singer James Taylor and the poet Robert Lowell.   * While he toiled in advertising hell, James wrote the ad jingle line “I’m a Toys ‘R’ Us Kid.” * He once watched James Baldwin and Norman Mailer square off to trade punches at a party. * He’s only been in love twice.  Both times are amazing. * Dolly Parton once sang “Happy Birthday” to James over the phone.  She calls him J.J., for Jimmy James. How did a boy from small-t