“First Love” illustrates James Patterson’s limited writing range

By Emily Petillon
Managing Editor

The singular thrill of first love is a feeling that many authors have attempted to capture in books. Author James Patterson tries his hand at expressing this unique experience, with disappointing results, in his latest novel, “First Love.” Patterson utterly fails to stir any real sentiment or emotion, illustrating that his storytelling prowess may be dwindling.

“First Love” has the potential to be a heartwarming coming-of-age story but is rather plagued with clichés and burdened by boring characters and a stale plot. While it is intruiging to see Patterson branch out to the romantic genre, “First Love” demonstrates that he is better off writing his usual mysteries and thrillers.

Patterson is one of this generation’s most successful authors. He has written 95 novels since 1976, including 19 consecutive No. 1 New York Times bestselling novels and holds The New York Times record for most bestselling hardcover fiction titles by a single author. Patterson is known for crafting compelling thrillers and gruesome, graphic murder mysteries, with his most renowned series being “Alex Cross” and the “Women’s Murder Club.”

“First Love” is the story of a shy and obedient teenage girl named Axi, who longs for adventures and romance. Axi runs away from her stifling home town with her charismatic but cancer-ridden friend, Jackson, attempting to give him an unforgettable experience before he dies. The book follows Jackson and Axi as they steal cars, visit Classic American landmarks and fall in love.

The book’s greatest weakness lies in its clichéd premise. Patterson utilizes the overdone road-trip narrative, with the experiences they have helping them grow up and learn about themselves. There is absolutely no originality, resulting in a stale book with no twists or interesting ending.

The dull narrative is reflected in the shallow personality of the main character. Axi is a studious girl with an alcoholic father who is helplessly in love with her best friend. She receives no characterization outside of her burning love for Jackson, resulting in a one-dimensional protagonist.

Jackson himself proves to be no more than a rebellious carjacker who manipulates everyone around him. He is an unapologetic jerk, while Patterson seems to believe that the fact that he has cancer makes up for his abhorrous flaws. The fact that Axi and Jackson are such underdeveloped characters makes feeling affectionate toward their doomed romance nearly impossible.

The story is heavily reminiscent of John Green’s hit novel, “The Fault in our Stars,” which also follows teens, very similar to Axi and Jackson, who go on a life-changing trip. These heavy similarities make “First Love” look not like a novel merely inspired by “Fault in our Stars,” but a blatant copy.

Even worse is Patterson’s suprisingly unnatural writing, as Axi and Jackson’s dialogue is forced and inorganic. The book is filled with sappy declarations of love and longing, which ultimately leave the reader feeling empty and unaffected.

“First Love” contains a horribly predictable plot and one-dimensional characters. Patterson’s total failure in attempting to write a compelling romantic novel speaks to his now, very apparent lack of range as a writer.

“First Love” is available digitally and in retail with prices starting at $13.95.