Love James Patterson, the man and his books. He used to be my neighbor and was just a wonderful gentleman. My daughter went to a lecture he gave and she became an avid and devoted reader (like myself) of his novels. That letter was a treasure.

I always give a book to each of the kids in my family at Christmas. I hope to also instill a love of reading in each one of them. Books can take your mind places you’ve never imagined.

Awesome letter.

Tyannah, I cried, too. I completely agree with what you said. I have been a fan of James Patterson for years. He is great escapist reading, but it is reading, nonetheless.

We give our kids books for Christmas, Birthdays, Easter, and just about any other occasion we can think of. We give books just to give books. If the kids find out I have gone to the library without them, they get mad. My husband and I are so happy and proud that we were able to pass on our love of reading to our kids.

That is a wonderful present. This year I am going to give one of my firends a letter too, a long letter, hope she will appreciate it.

It’s nice to see it on the Internet because it makes people realize there is not only huge expensive presents..and if some children read it they may be moved by James Patterson’s words..

It made me cry because of its sincerity. I totally agree with him, and hope Jack will listen to his advice…

Sarita I was thinking the same thing. It is a wonderful letter, but why share it with the entire world? Especially if it is a Christmas present … why is CBB posting it on the website a week before the holiday?

Sarah’s note: It’s part of an article published it PARADE magazine, we would have no reason not to post it…Patterson released it as part of a public column.

If this is a letter to his son why is it on the internet for the world to read? It would have been more precious if this was truly a present just for his son.

Wow, that was very moving. Jack will appreciate that so much when he is older.

I started a thing a few years ago that all new babies in my family get a stuffed toy for their first Christmas and then every year after they get a book. I usually go for the classics where I can – although last year ‘Walter the Farting Dog’ was a huge hit with the little boys – but if I can’t go classic I make sure they’re not tie-in books from TV or movies. I know there are plenty of great picture books out there that are beautiful and magical and have nothing to do with cartoon/animation characters! It’s also interesting to get them old versions of stories that have since been Disney-ed and sanitised.

Buying books has the added benefit that most of my present are square-ish and easy to wrap!

I loved it…and it is so true to find the love of books…and to love your children…or anyone ..and enlighten them over something that we take for granted so often….

Jack you have a good POP

What a sincere letter. It speaks volumes to me because like Patterson I love to read. And like him, it is the one passion I hope to pass on to my children. I absolutely agree that loving reading at a young age is all about finding the right books.