3.88

4

Jan 13, 2018

“I miss you already.”


This light and lovely piece of fiction has more in common with Robert Nathan’s tender stories from the 1930s and 1940s than it does modern day romances. It is a charming but nearly undefinable romantic novel which is light and breezy, yet touches the heart. I’m usually not a big fan of Patterson, and have to wonder if co-author Gabrielle Charbonnet (Cate Tiernan) did more of the actual writing here, working from an outline and story provided by Patterson. At any rate, both “I miss you already.”


This light and lovely piece of fiction has more in common with Robert Nathan’s tender stories from the 1930s and 1940s than it does modern day romances. It is a charming but nearly undefinable romantic novel which is light and breezy, yet touches the heart. I’m usually not a big fan of Patterson, and have to wonder if co-author Gabrielle Charbonnet (Cate Tiernan) did more of the actual writing here, working from an outline and story provided by Patterson. At any rate, both receive credit for an old-style romantic fantasy marred only by one scene, which I’ll talk about later in the review.

Having seen the film starring Alyssa Milano a couple of years ago, I finally got around to reading this. I wish I’d opted to read it much sooner, because it is utterly charming. The basic premise is that those imaginary friends some children have are actually angels that only they can see. These angels exist to make it easier for a child to fit into the world, so they’ll feel less alone, and won’t be afraid. Michael is such an angel, and one of his assignments is little Jane Margaux, the lonely daughter of an overbearing and famous mother. Why Jane needs an angel during her youth is hinted at early on as her mother takes a bow onstage after a performance:

“I stood up too, and clapped the hardest, and I loved her so much I could hardly bear it. Someday she would love me back just as much, I was sure of it.”

There is something special about Michael’s connection to Jane, and hers to him. At the age of nine, when he has to move on, she is supposed to forget him, as all the others have. But she doesn’t. He continues his “work” for twenty-three years. He lives as normal humans do between “assignments” and everyone can see him. He boxes and enjoys life, but never forgets Jane. Though nowhere near as resonant, this is definitely Robert Nathan-land, at least in conception. There is nothing even remotely tawdry or inappropriate in tone, nor is there anything "creepy" about the story as some have suggested. This is rather an old-fashioned and innocent otherworldly fantasy, updated to modern times. It would have been quite at home in a more innocent, less uber-sensitive-to-everything era.

Years pass. Michael spots the grown up Jane (now in her early thirties) and is flabbergasted. In all the years — hundreds, thousands? — he’s been doing this, he’s never run into one of his former assignments as an adult. He observes that poor little Jane is still getting hurt; by her mother, Vivienne, and by a loser boyfriend named Hugh. Because we get moments from both Jane’s and Michael’s viewpoint, we know that unlike all the others, Jane never forgot Michael. Once they meet again, it is new territory for Michael, who realizes there must be a reason she didn’t forget him, and that reason could be heartbreaking.

Sweet and hopeful, and with a very special ending that fills the heart, this is almost a throwback story from another era. But there is a caveat. Either Patterson had some formula he wanted his co-author to adhere to, or one or both of these writers didn’t trust that modern readers would accept a romantic fantasy without a fully described sex scene.

I’m perfectly fine with sexual intimacy in "some" books, "some" series, especially if it’s beautifully realized, sensual or sexy. I myself write a series where sensuality is a major component to the visualized dystopian world I've created, but it happens to fit that story, that world. I understand, as an author, that even if you write a series that has no sex, graphically described or otherwise, but has interaction between the sexes, that someone will take exception in the current male-unfriendly climate. Don't misunderstand me, I'm not doing that at all.

It's unfair to criticize any book for being true to its genre, but I'm doing the exact opposite here; I'm criticizing the scene because it was very untrue to its genre. It's obvious that a lot of readers had not read the type of story from the 30s and 40s that Sunday at Tiffany's aspires to be. But I had, and that's why in this particular instance, the sex scene, which is relatively mild, but graphically described, is contrary to the old-fashioned romantic fantasy genre to which Sunday at Tiffany's is paying homage. If the author(s) had not done such a nice job up to that point in the story, it would be okay, but because they had, the sex scene inserted here just did not belong, not in the type of story they'd created. It didn't fit with the narrative which had preceded it at all. It felt so out of place for anyone familiar with this older style of story that it was jarring, taking the reader out of the older romantic fantasy and pulling them back into the modern world from which the story had been an escape.

Having become immersed into the grove and older style of the story, when I suddenly came upon the scene, it took me completely by surprise. It felt like something dropped in by parachute from a different book — or perhaps from a James Patterson formula? It was totally unexpected, like a slap in the face with a wet towel. Not because it was tawdry, or badly written, or unduly explicit; but because it was there, in THIS type of story.

These authors (or perhaps just Patterson, who most likely didn’t have time to write it by himself) wanted to tell an old-fashioned, Robert Nathan-like story, but I had to wonder if either of these authors had ever actually read one of Nathan’s books. To give readers an idea of how awkward that scene felt within this sweet and magical narrative, imagine Robert Nathan's Portrait of Jennie with an explicit sex scene between Eben and Jennie. Yeah, it was like that. Either fortunately, or maddeningly — I’ve still yet to decide — it was only a blip on the radar, and the ending was so lovely and heartwarming it almost made up for it. Almost.

This is still a wonderful read, and I highly recommend it. However, “formula” over appreciation for a style, a certain type of story and its mood, and its boundaries, force me to give Sunday at Tiffany’s four stars rather than the five I wanted to give it. Charming and wonderful overall, but it just missed being timeless because it was afraid to remain true to its origins, and the type of story to which it was paying homage. ...more

1

Jan 24, 2008

OK, I finished. I didn't know I could roll my eyes that hard. I'm pretty sure a dude was watching me on the Metro as I closed the book multiple times, tried to refrain from making noises of disgust, and rolled my eyes at every paragraph. Seriously, they took a tolerable (if sort of creepy) book and then KILLED IT in the last 50 pages. Oh god.

Yeah. Well, hey James Patterson and person whose name will be tiny on the cover but probably wrote most of the book, I gave 1 star to JD Salinger too, so at OK, I finished. I didn't know I could roll my eyes that hard. I'm pretty sure a dude was watching me on the Metro as I closed the book multiple times, tried to refrain from making noises of disgust, and rolled my eyes at every paragraph. Seriously, they took a tolerable (if sort of creepy) book and then KILLED IT in the last 50 pages. Oh god.

Yeah. Well, hey James Patterson and person whose name will be tiny on the cover but probably wrote most of the book, I gave 1 star to JD Salinger too, so at least you're in good company? (I guess?)

***

DAY 1 of reading:

The advanced reader's copy came in at work today. After reading the back, it was sort of like I was compelled to read it, because surely, it could not be a book about a woman falling in love with her childhood imaginary best friend.

It is.

And while it has its flaws, it is sort of oddly entertaining, in that sort of if I turn my brain off this book is maybe ok, as long as I pretend it isn't a creepy knock-off of the Time Traveler's Wife with a minor plot change.

I've got maybe another 60-75 pages to go, which I will probably read over my morning latte at work, so I'll let you know how that goes. ...more

4

Sep 17, 2009

I thought "Sundays at Tiffany's" was a very sweet romance. The story itself is very simple and uncomplicated. I can easily see this book being made into a movie.

8 year old Jane Margaux feels like she doesn't live up to her extravagant mother's expectations. Vivienne, her successful broadway producer mother pays little attention to Jane, except for their weekly trip to Tiffany's every Sunday. Jane spends most of her time with the only person she can really depend on in her life, her imaginary I thought "Sundays at Tiffany's" was a very sweet romance. The story itself is very simple and uncomplicated. I can easily see this book being made into a movie.

8 year old Jane Margaux feels like she doesn't live up to her extravagant mother's expectations. Vivienne, her successful broadway producer mother pays little attention to Jane, except for their weekly trip to Tiffany's every Sunday. Jane spends most of her time with the only person she can really depend on in her life, her imaginary friend, Michael. Michael always knows the right thing to say to cheer her up and build up her self esteem. He's always there for her when she needs him no matter what. But unfortunately, imaginary friends don't last forever and Jane loses the one person she counts on the most.

Twenty-three years later, Jane is still under her mother's rule and is in a miserable relationship with a man who cares more about her Broadway connections than about her. Jane and Michael find themselves miraculously crossing paths again, and are faced with many new choices and questions about themselves and each other.

The story and writing style are simplistic but the story itself is so sweet, it doesn't really need filler to make the story longer. This is a fantasy story in a way, but Michael's job as an imaginary friend is explained well and wasn't hard for me to believe. I found it a little odd that Jane's chapters were told in 1st person and Michael's were told in 3rd person, but I got used to it quickly. It wasn't hard to understand, but I did wonder why the author wrote the book this way.

Michael was pretty much flawless, so he really wasn't realistic at all. But I was viewing this novel as a fantasy anyway, so it didn't bother me that he was too good to be true. Jane was very much a pushover but still likeable. It was fun to see her become stronger as she built her self esteem with Michael's help.

I thought this book was very innocent and refreshing and I will probably read more in this genre by Patterson.

Reviewed for: http://inthehammockblog.blogspot.com/

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5

Apr 04, 2008

Picture this, you are an eight year old child and you have an adult imaginary friend of the opposite sex. When it is your ninth year birthday your imaginary friend tells you it’s time for him/her to go and that you won’t remember them tomorrow. Yet, you never forget your friend. One day you see him/her in your city when you’re an adult and the imaginary friend hasn’t changed one bit. Well this is what James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet Sundays at Tiffany’s is all about.

Jane is now an adult Picture this, you are an eight year old child and you have an adult imaginary friend of the opposite sex. When it is your ninth year birthday your imaginary friend tells you it’s time for him/her to go and that you won’t remember them tomorrow. Yet, you never forget your friend. One day you see him/her in your city when you’re an adult and the imaginary friend hasn’t changed one bit. Well this is what James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet Sundays at Tiffany’s is all about.

Jane is now an adult working not only in the company her mother started, but also for an overbearing mother. Jane has successfully created a Broadway show called Thank Heaven which is based on her imaginary friend Michael whom she has never forgotten.

Michael has found himself in New York City waiting on his next assignment. Most of the children he has forgotten and there are some he never forgets. There’s only one he’s really loved and that’s Jane. As he strolls through the city he wonders if she is still here and what she is doing. He begins to seek her out and one day sees her strolling through the park. The next morning he returns to see where Jane works. When she gets to the company, Jane is met by her boyfriend Hugh. Michael then decides he has to let Jane go.

One day Jane is enjoying a coffee ice cream sundae at the Astor Court of the St. Regis Hotel. She glances up and thinks she see’s Michael her imaginary friend. As she walks over she is astonished that it is Michael and that he’s talking to another girl. Michael is real and not imaginary anymore. James Patterson and Gabrielle Charbonnet take the reader on a magnificent ride as Jane and Michael become more acquainted with each other and discovering why Michael is in human flesh and there in New York.

Sundays at Tiffany’s clearly blows James Patterson previous two books Sam’s Letters to Jennifer and Suzanne’s Diary for Nicholas out of the water.

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1

Feb 09, 2009

Let me start by saying I love romances with a supernatural twist, usually. Having had imaginary friends as a child I thought this book was right up my alley. I was sooooooooo mistaken. It was a little creepy. It was so syrupy sweet that I thought I was going to go into sugar shock. It was probably one of the silliest stories I have ever read. And the ending... all neatly tied up in the last twenty pages. Boring! The only good thing about it is that it only took me a few hours to finish.

1

Feb 19, 2009

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. I read this book for a book club that I recently joined and it just really wasn't my style. I have to admit that I was less than excited when I noticed the book was written by James Patterson. Whether accurate or not, I have always viewed him as more of a money-making book factory than a real storyteller.

As far as this particular book is concerned, I didn't care for the main character at all. She played the victim from beginning to end. Mommy didn't love me, Daddy is too busy for me, my I read this book for a book club that I recently joined and it just really wasn't my style. I have to admit that I was less than excited when I noticed the book was written by James Patterson. Whether accurate or not, I have always viewed him as more of a money-making book factory than a real storyteller.

As far as this particular book is concerned, I didn't care for the main character at all. She played the victim from beginning to end. Mommy didn't love me, Daddy is too busy for me, my imaginary friend left me (seriously), my boyfriend is a total jerk...etc, etc, etc.

I'm not a huge fan of love stories that I find to be TOO unrealistic. So, the thought of a love story between a woman and her childhood imaginary friend was certainly not for me. Also, was no one else creeped out by the fact that Michael, the imaginary friend...watched this little girl grow up and was her best friend when she was little and then sleeps with her when she is an adult. Creepy uncle style.

I was also unsure as to what demographic this book was supposed to be targeted. The language was pretty elementary and the plot of falling in love with your imaginary friend also seems to skew to a young audience for me...but due to the nature of the one sex scene in it, I think this book was probably marketed to middle-aged lonely women and that bothers me.
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5

Feb 12, 2014

Love love love this book!

Love the main characters, the romance, the feels!! The plot is a unique one: Girl has an imaginary friend. Imaginary friend leaves her. Girl grows up. Imaginary friend shows up. And here's the twist... everybody else can see him. That's a love story to tell the grandkids.

I cannot say too much about this book without spoiling it, but I can say that the story really delivers... and that epilogue... WOW. A perfect end to a perfect romance.

A movie was made based on this Love love love this book!

Love the main characters, the romance, the feels!! The plot is a unique one: Girl has an imaginary friend. Imaginary friend leaves her. Girl grows up. Imaginary friend shows up. And here's the twist... everybody else can see him. That's a love story to tell the grandkids.

I cannot say too much about this book without spoiling it, but I can say that the story really delivers... and that epilogue... WOW. A perfect end to a perfect romance.

A movie was made based on this book, and although it was a fun film to watch, readers of the book will be disappointed since they took away many crucial points from the book that is the heart of the story.

But I do recommend this book to fans of Patterson and hopeless romantics like me. =) ...more

2

Jun 08, 2008

This was a fairly short and predictable read. I finished it in a matter of hours but that's just the way I go about reading any book I start. Unless I must put the book down, I'd rather try my best to keep reading (keep the movie reel spinning).

I enjoyed the book for the idea behind it but I felt it lacked a lot of development and the style of writing felt very... I don't know, junior high-ish? I don't find that to be a big factor in my thoughts of the story however I do find that not enough This was a fairly short and predictable read. I finished it in a matter of hours but that's just the way I go about reading any book I start. Unless I must put the book down, I'd rather try my best to keep reading (keep the movie reel spinning).

I enjoyed the book for the idea behind it but I felt it lacked a lot of development and the style of writing felt very... I don't know, junior high-ish? I don't find that to be a big factor in my thoughts of the story however I do find that not enough descriptions and attention to details were present. There were too many chapters because most of the chapters were about two pages long. I understand that usually it signifies a change of setting, etc., however, combined with the large print, that just makes the book so much more shorter than it could have been.

As this being my personal review, I felt the author(s) could have done much more justice to the story than what had been done. Unlike some authors and/or readers out there, I'd rather there be too much details than not enough details. The relationships could have been developed better as well. I could not find myself feeling anything for Jane or Micheal or Vivienne or even Hugh. I did not feel any strong emotions for the relationship between Jane and Micheal in their relationship as "imaginary friends" or as adults.

So to sum it up: it's an okay story with not enough pages to get the readers to feel anything for any of the characters.
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5

Jan 18, 2009

How can I begin? Sundays at Tiffany's was delightful. It embodied everything I enjoy about reading James Patterson. His stories have such an incredible beat and flow to them. It is like reading a song. You get so caught up in the story that before you even realize it, you are three quarters of the way through. For me, this is when the anxiety hits. This is when I realize that I am almost to the point where I have to wait for another James Patterson story to take me away.

I immediately fell in How can I begin? Sundays at Tiffany's was delightful. It embodied everything I enjoy about reading James Patterson. His stories have such an incredible beat and flow to them. It is like reading a song. You get so caught up in the story that before you even realize it, you are three quarters of the way through. For me, this is when the anxiety hits. This is when I realize that I am almost to the point where I have to wait for another James Patterson story to take me away.

I immediately fell in love with young Jane. Such a sweet child so lost in the world of her glamorous mother. Jane has the fortunate gift of a wonderful friend, Michael. Michael is the utmost in imaginary friends. He is handsome, a great listener, and he is entirely devoted to his Jane. Michael's and Jane's friendship is completely charming and wonderful, and I found myself thinking I should have thought larger when I had my own imaginary friend.

Jane as an adult is equally loveable. You find her likeable from the get go and you desperately want to see this woman happy. I do not want to go into anything that could remotely give the story away, but I will say that this goes above and beyond in good story telling with an ending that is not predictable.

Sundays at Tiffany's is a truly remarkable story, and I am so glad that I was given the opportunity to read it.

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2

Oct 31, 2016

I liked the concept of this book, but what started out as a riveting story about an adult woman's imaginary friend from childhood returning to her, soon became just another typical chick-lit romance with little else going for it. :(

5

Sep 15, 2008

This book was wonderful. Halfway through I told my kids and husband the story at dinner and they were all enthralled. Jane and Michael are great characters with comendable personalities. The book made me laugh several times. The characters were so real life. Other than the fact that Jane was very rich and Michael's occupation was an invisible friend that is. My 9 year old daughter asked if she could read the book because she thought it sounded so good. Up til the last hour of the book I would This book was wonderful. Halfway through I told my kids and husband the story at dinner and they were all enthralled. Jane and Michael are great characters with comendable personalities. The book made me laugh several times. The characters were so real life. Other than the fact that Jane was very rich and Michael's occupation was an invisible friend that is. My 9 year old daughter asked if she could read the book because she thought it sounded so good. Up til the last hour of the book I would have said yes. The only thing that happened that I wouldn't want her to read up til that point was that Jane's boyfriend Hugh said the F word a few times. There is a very short love scene at the end that she is not old enough to read but I am sure today at dinner I will have to finish the story for them. I would recommend this book to anyone. It made me laugh, love life and tear up a couple of times. It was GREAT! ...more

1

Feb 28, 2009

I was aware that I was not the audience for this book going in. I don’t read a lot of formula fiction, though I did when I was younger, but someone in my book club chose it and I decided to keep an open mind.
I did. I felt high minded about it too, and secretly hoped that it would be a fluffy, fun read. Suffice it to say, mind’s shut. I hope never to read something so ridiculous and poorly written again. This is a “story” of a lonely girl who later falls in love with her imaginary friend. I can’t I was aware that I was not the audience for this book going in. I don’t read a lot of formula fiction, though I did when I was younger, but someone in my book club chose it and I decided to keep an open mind.
I did. I felt high minded about it too, and secretly hoped that it would be a fluffy, fun read. Suffice it to say, mind’s shut. I hope never to read something so ridiculous and poorly written again. This is a “story” of a lonely girl who later falls in love with her imaginary friend. I can’t even type about the plot without wondering, who would like this? Still, I’m well aware that it’s a “Patterson” best seller, so someone liked it.
It was actually written not by James Patterson, but by Gabrielle Charbonnet. Patterson does this often, comes up with an outline or a plot idea, contracts it out, slaps his name on it and makes a fortune. Far be it from me to judge, but I do know that this book under some unknown name would never get published. With so many worthy writers out there, this is a shame.
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3

Feb 05, 2009

This is one of those books that I am not supposed to like for a variety of reasons. One being that it is a mass marketed author which I seem to have a prejudice against. There is no real reason for this mind set, I just seem to have it. Secondly, it is a really sappy sort of love story and I think that kind of book is just for girls. (I know, I know, another unreasonable mind set, but I felt like I should be under a umbrella at the beach behind a pair of Ray Ban Sunglasses) And finally, it is This is one of those books that I am not supposed to like for a variety of reasons. One being that it is a mass marketed author which I seem to have a prejudice against. There is no real reason for this mind set, I just seem to have it. Secondly, it is a really sappy sort of love story and I think that kind of book is just for girls. (I know, I know, another unreasonable mind set, but I felt like I should be under a umbrella at the beach behind a pair of Ray Ban Sunglasses) And finally, it is written by a mass marketed author whom has numerous books for sale in the check outline at the local grocer right next to the M & M's.

But you know what? I liked the book. True, it is a sappy love story. And true, it is mass marketed. But for some unjustified reason I liked it. I found it a simplistic read that required no background knowledge (but it would be nice to have been to Astors in New York City at some point in my lfe) and I finished it quite rapidly.

The story is about a little girl who has a imaginary friend that no one else can see and who, when the girl turns nine, must leave her forever. But later in life, when this little girl grows up, her imaginary friend comes back into her life by accident. (I now what you are thinking. "I thought he was imaginary?" It does get a bit convoluted there but you have to go with it) You see, they are each others true love and in this story even angels can fall in love. The second half of the book Michael, the imaginary friend, tries to rationalize why this is happening, why are all the rules being broken, why did he cut himself shaving, why does his heart hurt? But Michael can never stay in one place long, he always has another job and no one ever remembers him. Why is this time different? But it can't last.....can it.... ...more

3

Dec 05, 2017

Honestly speaking, I’m in two minds about this book.
I started this book expecting to be a sweet, heart-warming holiday-ish read with a bit of a fantastical element. Granted, it indeed is a delightful, fantastical read to some extent, and I actually enjoyed reading this, but I cannot deny I was left feeling underwhelmed when I closed the book.

The premise is intriguing and the plot flows nicely. I would say this is such a page-turner with a strong first half. Yes, the first half is really strong Honestly speaking, I’m in two minds about this book.
I started this book expecting to be a sweet, heart-warming holiday-ish read with a bit of a fantastical element. Granted, it indeed is a delightful, fantastical read to some extent, and I actually enjoyed reading this, but I cannot deny I was left feeling underwhelmed when I closed the book.

The premise is intriguing and the plot flows nicely. I would say this is such a page-turner with a strong first half. Yes, the first half is really strong as far as I’m concerned, with Jane bumping into her old-imaginary friend, Michael, after 23 years and Michael’s bewilderment about the encounter is such a sight to behold. Jane was supposed to have forgotten about Michael at an instant when he left Jane on her 9th birthday. But surprisingly, she does remember Michael, she has never erased Michael from her memory and SHE RECOGNIZES HIM even after 23 years.

Michael is such an adorable character. The way he gets all flustered by the encounter with Jane which was what he least expected is such a delight to read, it had me giggling so many times and my anticipation was just on the rise as I kept turning pages.
That Michael himself hasn’t grasped what he really is – whether he is an Angel or not – is quite an added intrigue, giving some depth to the story and I think it is one of the stand-out element of this book. The development from old friends to love interests is also captivating, such a fun to follow.

Nonetheless, while I immensely enjoyed Jane’s self-development and her drastic transformation from a meek, Mommy’s girl to a strong woman (both mentally and physically) as well as the changes Michael goes through the interactions with Jane, the latter half especially from 70% of the book (I guess) felt lackluster compared to the first half.
Despite the interesting, promising start, the plot started taking a paint-by-numbers approach and turned into a typical romance.
Once again, I did quite enjoy their friends-to-lovers relationship development and I found the writing strong. There were lots of compelling scenes that drove me up the walls and made my heart squeeze with sadness.

But at the same time, I felt there were a lot of clichés in both the character arcs (I’m particularly talking about Hugh. Oh, Classic son-of-a-bitch-type-of bastard, Hugh), and the story line. As much as I find Micheal’s hazy identity intriguing, I was unsure about him the whole time. One part of me was telling me to take it in as is, but another part of me was trying in vain to put two and two together and figure out what he really is. ON top of all this, I found the twist in the end which happens in the last 20 pages a bit over the top. Yes, this book could be pigeonholed into ‘contemporary fantasy,’ but it just didn’t sit well with me. I wasn’t particularly invested in the story as much as I had expected.

Micheal’s reasoning for his being in NYC, and for his encounter with Jane also fell flat for me. As he said so himself in the story, his rationale is just a stab in the dark, nothing is concrete nor clearly explained. In fact, I’m still feeling confused with some unanswered questions going through my mind, it’s kind of akin to indigestion and I don’t really appreciate this feeling. Loose-ends do work often times, but this type of loose-end just didn’t work for me and made me feel a bit underwhelmed.

To put it in a nutshell, just like my scatterbrained looking review, I don’t know what to think of this book. I honestly don’t know. I don’t dislike this book, but I wouldn’t shout my love for this book from the rooftops either.
I would have loved this book if the plot had stayed as strong as the first half, but alas, it didn’t.
I wouldn’t go so far as to say I was disappointed – because it did hook me and I did enjoy reading this. This is a cute, heart-warming read with a solid writing, it’s just that I might be too jaded for this kind of books. But I wouldn’t say this is my favorite James Patterson. I think 3 stars will be a fair rating, for me, that is. ...more

5

May 14, 2012

If I was Jane what will I do to release myself from the jaded mediocre life..? This is how Patterson will teach me - through this novel.

I found the book online and placed it in my handheld gadget. As soon as it was stored I get comfortable on my bed and started reading. Enjoying the moments, both happy and sad, it made me realize some things.

Review and Reflections:

[Entry made to wisely spend the slack time in the wee hours in the morning.]

There are a lot of times that I am surrounded with If I was Jane what will I do to release myself from the jaded mediocre life..? This is how Patterson will teach me - through this novel.

I found the book online and placed it in my handheld gadget. As soon as it was stored I get comfortable on my bed and started reading. Enjoying the moments, both happy and sad, it made me realize some things.

Review and Reflections:

[Entry made to wisely spend the slack time in the wee hours in the morning.]

There are a lot of times that I am surrounded with childhood friends, playing laro ng lahi when facebook, or even friendster was not yet a hype in Manila. We work our assignments together, play our games together, even run some errands together. We have owned such precious moments, and it will forever stay in our hearts.

That is why I cried a tear when Michael told Jane that her 9th birthday is the last day he will stay with her, thus, the end of his assignment. Whatever will happen to Jane from that night on? Michael told us that Jane will simply forget that he arrived and became her friend.

But you know what? Such treasure etched in her heart. As well as in mine.

Fast forward and Jane is a messed-up. She is supposed to be living thirty, flirty and thriving but hell, she is with her mom and acting "okay" with her boyfriend named Hugh who is an actor - living the life "okay" though she is crying inside. Depressed and on the brink of tears, she took down a memory lane and finally, to where her happiest moment was - taking a large sundae on a Sunday afternoon across Tiffany's.

Suddenly it felt right. But what about Michael? Is he real?

I will not elaborate the lovey-dovey parts of the story for I do not want to spoil the magic, but Patterson taught us to not forget, and no matter how tough the situation is, holding on to the happiest moment is the key to make it all right.

We have the power of attraction, a successful mantra that whatever challenge we are facing, we are to undergo and survive all this. In life and in love, the mantra is so powerful, it can mold faces and make two total strangers look like the same over the years. It can leap through time, transcend through generations, and fly sky-high.

I may not yet experience the kind of love that does not forget, but I have my power of attraction as my weapon. And believe me, I can give you one too. What you need is to BELIEVE. ...more

4

Oct 12, 2008

This is a novel to buy Mum for Mother's Day! It's filled with the instant gratification of a Mills and Boon combined with the sigh-worthy love story of 'The Notebook'. If you made me do a blind read on this one, I would never believe it was written by a man....much less a thriller author!

Now, I can't tell you too much without giving it away so I'll let the novel's byline do the talking: What if you're imaginary friend was your one true love? Think about it. What a cool concept! I must admit This is a novel to buy Mum for Mother's Day! It's filled with the instant gratification of a Mills and Boon combined with the sigh-worthy love story of 'The Notebook'. If you made me do a blind read on this one, I would never believe it was written by a man....much less a thriller author!

Now, I can't tell you too much without giving it away so I'll let the novel's byline do the talking: What if you're imaginary friend was your one true love? Think about it. What a cool concept! I must admit that part of the novel's charm is trying to figure out exactly who or what Michael is and how on Earth he and Jane are going to get a happy ending.

It is sorrow and joy, childhood and adulthood, beginnings and endings, all in one compact, delightful little novel. Patterson has created another great little read that will leave you feeling, well, happy. If you've read 'The Notebook' or 'Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas', you'll know that when I say happy ending, I'm not guaranteeing it won't be sad.

Read this novel if: You've loved 'The Notebook' or any of Nicholas Sparks's novels. The similarities between these two are significant. If you DO read this book and enjoy it, MAKE SURE you read 'Suzanne's Diary for Nicholas', also by James Patterson. That book is easily worth 5 stars.
Don't read this novel if: Emotions make you feel uncomfortable! Lol, seriously, if you don't cry at movies or commercials, you may not enjoy this one. Definitely a book for the saps! ...more

4

Jun 26, 2008

Reading this book for me was akin to curling up with a cup of hot chocolate and fuzzy blanket next to a fireplace. Cozy, sweet, warm, and just lovely.

I really enjoyed the story of Jane and her journey of self discovery. The love story may have waxed a bit sappy in some places or racy in one...but I still loved it. The relationship between Michael and Jane was so sweet. I also thought it was interesting to observe the dynamic between Jane and her mother. I was so proud of Jane when she started Reading this book for me was akin to curling up with a cup of hot chocolate and fuzzy blanket next to a fireplace. Cozy, sweet, warm, and just lovely.

I really enjoyed the story of Jane and her journey of self discovery. The love story may have waxed a bit sappy in some places or racy in one...but I still loved it. The relationship between Michael and Jane was so sweet. I also thought it was interesting to observe the dynamic between Jane and her mother. I was so proud of Jane when she started to come into her own. The ending surprised me, but I thought it very appropriate and actually liked it. So, if you are looking for a really lovely book that is pure enjoyment and fun, pick this one!! ...more

1

Feb 27, 2009

I think this book is LAME! I rolled my eyes throughout the story...interesting idea, but it pans out badly!

1

Mar 03, 2016

"Why do things this beautiful make me want to cry?" I asked Michael as I leaned into him, it was an unguarded question, one I'd never have asked of Hugh.
"I don't know," said Michael. "Maybe beauty, true beauty, is so overwhelming, it goes straight to our hearts. Maybe it makes us feel emotions that are locked away inside." He blinked and gave a bashful smile.


Sundays at Tiffany’s is a romantic melodrama that follows the story of Jane, initially as an eight year old little girl and then in her "Why do things this beautiful make me want to cry?" I asked Michael as I leaned into him, it was an unguarded question, one I'd never have asked of Hugh.
"I don't know," said Michael. "Maybe beauty, true beauty, is so overwhelming, it goes straight to our hearts. Maybe it makes us feel emotions that are locked away inside." He blinked and gave a bashful smile.


Sundays at Tiffany’s is a romantic melodrama that follows the story of Jane, initially as an eight year old little girl and then in her adulthood. Jane is an often lonely character; she has a difficult and strained relationship with her mother and an absent father, and so as a young girl she has an imaginary friend, a grown man named Michael. However on her ninth birthday, as is the rule, Michael must leave Jane’s side and allow her to grow up without him.

We then flash forward some twenty-three years to the still lonely and insecure adult Jane and what happens when she becomes reunited with Michael. Is it all just a dream? Did she wish him up? Or is he her guardian angel? Or is he her lifelong soulmate, her life’s counterpoint, the one who will…in the immortal words of Atomic Kitten (*giggles*)…make her whole again…


Oh this book… *sigh* Bland followed by banal followed by fifty shades of beige… It's a book by the numbers. Take Michael, our leading man: he is the perfect blend of mysterious, sensitive and dashing good looks all rolled up into one little dreamboat package…*YAWN* No emotional depth, no sense of realism…okay maybe expecting a little grit and realism is a stretch too far on my behalf because I wanted something light-hearted and frivolous but this was a stretch too far even for me!

Then there was our leading lady, Jane: a once shy chubby sweet innocent little girl now grown up and is still that same blend of shy, of innocence of extreme kindness but who is living only a shell of a life, she is living in the shadow of her domineering mother. Stop me if you’ve never heard these characterisations before!!

And Jane's mother Vivian: A high-powered New York showbiz executive, always dressed up to the nines, always busy, always caring about appearances, never feeling genuine, domineering, manipulative , plastic surgery junkie….gosh could she have been any more of a pantomime villain????? PUUUUUUHleeeeeeeeeeease!!!!


And then there was this small little thing that I just couldn’t really get past… it creeped me out. Michael was Jane’s grown up adult imaginary friend when she was just a little girl and then suddenly he was in romantic love with her????? So while this may have been bittersweet it was definitely on the creepy side of things if you let your mind go there… Yeah just.. just don't go there if you can… cos I did and it ruined the book for me… so it is best to go with the shallow surface thinking and be all ‘oh how sweet and lovely and romantic and oooh and aaah’ rather than ‘ewww how creepy and gross and disconcerting and yuck’!!!

“...my breath left me in a whoosh. I stopped thinking about whether Michael was experienced at this or not. We were together, and I just loved being with him. Maybe because I could tell that Michael was happy to be with me too. I could feel it in his touch, and I could see it in his green eyes. He was loving this as much as I was. I kissed him again, tasted the sweetness of his mouth, then pulled my face away. I looked into his eyes and whispered, "okay, yes, please."
I think I just threw up a little in my mouth… Pass me a sick bag and an antiemetic please... and if somebody could find a way to stop my eyes from rolling??? Yup cos here it comes.... Yet ANOTHER *eye roll*

I guess I could revel in the politeness of it all, the okays, the yes pleases, the loooong lingering touches...I could have laughed myself silly at it all but that still didn't make me think that it was fundamentally creepy so à la Eurovision voting: nul points all around!!


So unfortunately I didn’t really like this book. I wanted an easy non-taxing read and yes I got that…. but it was just too clichéd, too formulaic, too eye roll-worthy and too icky when I thought about the two main characters together so I’m sorry to say I’m only awarding this one star…sorry!
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3

Jan 18, 2009

WHY did the author have to put in that one scene??? what is the POINT? ARGH!

*sigh*. This did not live up to my expectations at all. The first half of the book is adorable, and reading about the imaginary friends was exciting, but then...boy meets girl...and it goes downhill. I personally got just a little sick of hearing a) how amazing Michael was, b) how low Jane's self-esteem was, c) how horrid Vivienne was and d) how horrid Hugh was! It was like James Patterson had four ideas left and half a WHY did the author have to put in that one scene??? what is the POINT? ARGH!

*sigh*. This did not live up to my expectations at all. The first half of the book is adorable, and reading about the imaginary friends was exciting, but then...boy meets girl...and it goes downhill. I personally got just a little sick of hearing a) how amazing Michael was, b) how low Jane's self-esteem was, c) how horrid Vivienne was and d) how horrid Hugh was! It was like James Patterson had four ideas left and half a book to write, so he just replayed scenes over and over and over and over and over and OVER....seriously. How many times does Hugh have to swear at Jane before she figures out that maybe she should just stop seeing him? And - I really think that if an author insists on adding profanity he should at least be imaginative. what, Hugh can only two swear words in one sentence? And then Vivienne's death - all of a sudden! bang! She loves her "Jane sweetie!" out of thin air! in fact, she never loved anyone else!

Which is why she was totally horrible for all of Jane's life. She had to keep her sweet innocent kind caring long-suffering and totally BORING daughter from becoming Vivienne Junior.

Right.

But - the first half was sweet enough that I have to give it three stars. ...more

1

Aug 01, 2008

I have to say I am truly disappointed in this book. I think it takes a lot to make me unsatisfied with a read but this book just didn't do it for me. James Patterson has written a few softer novels like Sam's Letters to Jennifer and Susan's Diary to Nicholas. Both of those books were fabulous and very quick reads. I loved them. I thought Sundays at Tiffany's would be the same but it wasn't. It was a quick read but the plot was WEIRD. I am not giving anything away here but the main character I have to say I am truly disappointed in this book. I think it takes a lot to make me unsatisfied with a read but this book just didn't do it for me. James Patterson has written a few softer novels like Sam's Letters to Jennifer and Susan's Diary to Nicholas. Both of those books were fabulous and very quick reads. I loved them. I thought Sundays at Tiffany's would be the same but it wasn't. It was a quick read but the plot was WEIRD. I am not giving anything away here but the main character falls in love with her imaginary friend. It says this right on the front of the book. I had reserved the book at the library on-line and did not really know the premise of the story. After seeing the cover and reading the back I was skeptical but I thought I would give it a shot. As I was ready the book is frustrating and confusing. Is the imaginary character real? Can other people see him? Sometimes it seems so and sometimes it doesn't. The imaginary character, Michael, doesn't even understand what he is. It's just weird. I stayed with it in hopes that the ending would some how redeem itself but it doesn't. I wouldn't waste my time with this book if I were you. Just too weird for me. It reminds me of the movie City of Angels.....but worse! ...more

3

May 09, 2018

This is a sweet, easy read romance novel with a twist. For me, it was an excellent poolside read. 3.5 stars

5

Feb 20, 2009

OH MY GOODNESS!!!! This book is amazing!!! I highly, highly recommend it. It's so darn awesome. It's one of THE best love stories I have ever read, and that's saying something, because I have read a lot of those. Awww <---I'm going to be thinking this every time I think about this book. I already miss Jane and Michael awwwww!!!! ehem..Anywho..this book is like none I have ever read before (yeah, yeah I saw that often, but it's soo true!) It's so darn original you have no idea, unless you've OH MY GOODNESS!!!! This book is amazing!!! I highly, highly recommend it. It's so darn awesome. It's one of THE best love stories I have ever read, and that's saying something, because I have read a lot of those. Awww <---I'm going to be thinking this every time I think about this book. I already miss Jane and Michael awwwww!!!! ehem..Anywho..this book is like none I have ever read before (yeah, yeah I saw that often, but it's soo true!) It's so darn original you have no idea, unless you've read it of course haha I absolutely love the idea of imaginary friends, which is one of the reasons I love Foster's Home for Imaginary Friends hehe. This book is about Jane and her imaginary friend Michael(!!!) who of course no one but her can see. When Jane's ninth(I know for sure it's her ninth birthday, on bn it says eight..hmm weird) birthday comes around, it's time for Michael to go. What always happens is that imaginary friends (yes there are more!) leave their kids then those kids forget about them, forever. But this time, for some crazy reason, it's different. Michael leaves, but Jane never forgot Michael like she was supposed to. :( The universe or The Man, has something in store for these two because..something very interesting is about to happen in the crazy world of Jane. :)
The writing is AMAZING! I loved the story and how it was put together. The chapters alternate from Jane's point of view to Michael's, so the reader finds out what each is thinking, it's nice. :) At times it could be so very funny and at others so very sad :( , at some point I wanted to cry because I thought something horrible was about to happen, this book is just so gripping! It is a completly lovely page turner that I had to finish once I got started. Like I said before, I highly recommend it. And hey, it's perfect for valentine's day coming up. :) ...more

4

Jan 03, 2015

A very different type of read for James Patterson. It becomes a sloppy gushy romance, the kind I quite love. I thought "Sundays at Tiffany's" was a very sweet romance. The story itself is very simple and uncomplicated.

Eight year old Jane Margaux feels like she doesn't live up to her extravagant mother's expectations. Vivienne, her successful broadway producer mother pays little attention to Jane, except for their weekly trip to Tiffany's every Sunday. Jane spends most of her time with the only A very different type of read for James Patterson. It becomes a sloppy gushy romance, the kind I quite love. I thought "Sundays at Tiffany's" was a very sweet romance. The story itself is very simple and uncomplicated.

Eight year old Jane Margaux feels like she doesn't live up to her extravagant mother's expectations. Vivienne, her successful broadway producer mother pays little attention to Jane, except for their weekly trip to Tiffany's every Sunday. Jane spends most of her time with the only person she can really depend on in her life, her imaginary friend, Michael. Michael always knows the right thing to say to cheer her up and build up her self esteem. He's always there for her when she needs him no matter what. But unfortunately, imaginary friends don't last forever and Jane loses the one person she counts on the most.

Twenty-three years later, Jane is still under her mother's rule and is in a miserable relationship with a man who cares more about her Broadway connections than about her. Jane and Michael find themselves miraculously crossing paths again, and are faced with many new choices and questions about themselves and each other.

This is a fantasy story in a way, but Michael's job as an imaginary friend is explained well and wasn't hard for me to believe.

Michael was pretty much flawless, so he really wasn't realistic at all. But I was viewing this novel as a fantasy anyway, so it didn't bother me that he was too good to be true. Jane was very much a pushover but still likable. It was fun to see her become stronger as she built her self esteem with Michael's help.

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5

Jul 12, 2016

Jane Margaux is a lonely girl who does not have any friends. Although her mother Vivienne is present in her life,she is not there when she needs her the most. Rather she is busy romaning her latest Beau. However,she continues to keep tabs to Jane,much to her daughter dismay.

There is one person that Jane can turn to,Michael her imaginary friend. As an attentive listener, he is the only one who remains constant in her life. Yet Michael knows that his time with her is only temporary. Afterall,he is Jane Margaux is a lonely girl who does not have any friends. Although her mother Vivienne is present in her life,she is not there when she needs her the most. Rather she is busy romaning her latest Beau. However,she continues to keep tabs to Jane,much to her daughter dismay.

There is one person that Jane can turn to,Michael her imaginary friend. As an attentive listener, he is the only one who remains constant in her life. Yet Michael knows that his time with her is only temporary. Afterall,he is only sent for an assignment to deal with little kids,then he leaves never to see again. Still Jane does not want him to leave just yet ....If ever. Pressing through his conflicted thoughts,he leaves without a hopeful explanation.

Years later,Jane is grown and in a unstable relationship. Constantly her thoughts are consumed with Michael. Reality stings her when she sees him again,only this time he is real. Picking up the pieces where she left off is implausible,especially when Michael does not ecen understand how it is possible for her to remember him.

Michael is on another assignment,but Jane may not be the only one who he loses in this mermerizing novel of bliss and fantasy!

This is by far the best fantasy novel I read. Somewhat creepy,but the story was told beautifully. Michael felt so believable,he reminded me of Bruce Willis from the Sixth Sense. The title of this book reminded me of a movie that I may or may have not seen.

I don't know why it took me this long to discover James Patterson,very gifted storyteller!

Highly recommended to all! ...more