James Patterson is a highly successful American author, best known for his thriller and mystery novels. With a prolific output of approximately ten books per year, Patterson has become an ubiquitous presence in bookstores around the world. His works have captivated audiences for decades, resulting in the sale of over 230 million books.
Born on March 22, 1947, in Newburgh, New York, Patterson pursued higher education at Manhattan College and Vanderbilt University, where he graduated summa cum laude with a Bachelor's and Master's degree in English, respectively. His writing career began in 1976, and he has since produced a vast array of popular fiction, including the Alex Cross and Women's Murder Club series. In addition to his thrillers, Patterson also writes romance stories and non-fiction.
Patterson's success as an author has earned him numerous accolades and awards. He has received ten Emmy Awards, an Edgar Award, the National Book Foundation's Literarian Award, and the National Humanities Medal. Furthermore, Patterson has collaborated with notable figures such as Bill Clinton and Dolly Parton on co-authored novels. He has even ventured into writing about his own life, as seen in his memoir, "James Patterson by James Patterson."
Beyond his own works, Patterson is a strong advocate for literacy and encourages young readers to develop a love for reading. Inspired by his own son's struggles with reading, Patterson has created a range of books for young readers, including the Middle School, I Funny, Treasure Hunters, Dog Diaries, and Max Einstein series. He has also donated millions in grants to independent bookstores and has been the most borrowed author of adult fiction in UK libraries for the past eleven years in a row. Patterson currently resides in Florida with his wife and son.