Date of Birth: March 22, 1947
Zodiac Sign: Aries
Biography
James Brendan Patterson is an American author and philanthropist, best known for his prolific output of thriller novels. Born on March 22, 1947, in Newburgh, New York, Patterson initially pursued a career in advertising before turning to writing full-time. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in English from Manhattan College and a Master of Arts in English from Vanderbilt University. Patterson’s breakthrough novel, “The Thomas Berryman Number,” won the Edgar Award for Best First Novel in 1977. He is the creator of several enduring series, including the Alex Cross, Women’s Murder Club, and Michael Bennett series. Patterson’s novels are characterized by their fast-paced, short chapters, which have made them incredibly popular worldwide. He has written or co-written more than 200 books and has sold over 400 million copies globally. Apart from adult thrillers, he has also authored numerous young adult and children’s books, making him one of the most versatile authors in contemporary literature. In addition to his writing, Patterson is a passionate advocate for literacy and education, donating millions to schools, libraries, and independent bookstores.
5 Interesting Facts about James Patterson
1. James Patterson holds the Guinness World Record for the most #1 New York Times bestsellers by a single author.
2. He has collaborated with former U.S. President Bill Clinton on the novel “The President Is Missing” (2018).
3. Patterson is a major philanthropist in the realm of education and literacy, having donated over $70 million to various initiatives.
4. He has a unique writing process, often working with co-authors to produce multiple books simultaneously.
5. Patterson’s Alex Cross series, featuring a psychologist and detective, has been adapted into several films starring Morgan Freeman and Tyler Perry.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from James Patterson
1. “There’s no such thing as a kid who hates reading. There are kids who love reading, and kids who are reading the wrong books.”
2. “The best way to get children excited about reading is to read to them from day one.”
3. “I love bringing both adults and children into worlds of imagination.”
4. “If you love reading, you’re halfway to becoming a writer.”
5. “I want my readers to turn the page and feel a sense of urgency, to keep going.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
James Patterson’s highest net worth has been estimated to be around $800 million.
Children
James Patterson has one son, Jack Patterson, born in 1998. Jack has been a frequent collaborator and inspiration for some of his young adult novels.
Relevant Links
1. [James Patterson’s Official Website](https://www.jamespatterson.com
2. [James Patterson’s Goodreads Page](https://www.goodreads.com/author/show/3780.James_Patterson
3. [James Patterson’s Biography on Biography.com](https://www.biography.com/writer/james-patterson
