First Love

By: James Patterson, Emily Raymond

Narrated by: Lauren Fortgang

Length: 5 hrs and 53 mins

Publisher's Summary

We thought we could run away from the world.

A mad adventure across the country

We thought we could escape time.

And for a while - we did....

Axi Moore is a "good girl": She studies hard, stays out of the spotlight, and doesn't tell anyone that what she really wants is to run away from it all. The only person she can tell is her best friend, Robinson - who she also happens to be madly in love with.

When Axi impulsively invites Robinson to come with her on an unplanned cross-country road trip, she breaks the rules for the first time in her life. But the adventure quickly turns from carefree to out-of-control....

PLEASE NOTE: When you purchase this title, the accompanying reference material will be available in your My Library section along with the audio.

©2013 James Patterson (P)2013 Hachette Audio

James Patterson where are you?

Would you say that listening to this book was time well-spent? Why or why not?

I got this book to listen to on a long car trip and did not really have any other option at the time or I might have turned it off. It really reminded the people in the car of a poorly written The Fault in Our Stars.

What could James Patterson and Emily Raymond have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

The book seemed way too unrealistic. If they had not taken so many liberties with the crime spree it might have been a little better. Also, his parents were a little to accepting of the spontaneous return home. I'm not sure if this book was supposed to be a young adult novel or not, but it definately belongs in that category and should be marketed directly to young adults (aka teenagers).

What about Lauren Fortgang’s performance did you like?

Lauren Fortgang made the book tolerable. She is a talented reader.

Do you think First Love needs a follow-up book? Why or why not?

I am not really interested in the further tales of Axi.

Any additional comments?

I wish James Patterson would contribute a little more of his style to some of the books he is lending his name to.

5 of 5 people found this review helpful

An OK Y.A. story

Would you be willing to try another one of Lauren Fortgang’s performances?

Maybe...if she doesn't try to be a teenage boy again. It wasn't convincing and distracting at first.

Was First Love worth the listening time?

Sure, it passed my time appropriately while I was traveling.

Any additional comments?

This is very much a Young Adult / Teenage novel. Not sure what I was expecting?? It was OK, nothing special, a nice little story.

3 of 3 people found this review helpful

Childish and boring

What could have made this a 4 or 5-star listening experience for you?

I normally don't read or listen to books like this - it's been on the bestseller list for a while now so I thought I'd give it a try. Reminded me of a Jodi Picoult-style story but I was so disappointed, I couldn't even finish it. In order to make a 4 or 5 star rating the characters have to have some depth and not be cliche; I've read Judy Blume books that were more interesting than this book.

Has First Love turned you off from other books in this genre?

Yes. Won't make this mistake again.

Would you be willing to try another one of Lauren Fortgang’s performances?

No thanks.

Any additional comments?

Don't waste your money or time!

5 of 6 people found this review helpful

Too Close To Home - Thumbs Up

This book hit very close to home and was very unexpected. I cant't go into detail without spoiling and I won't do that that. But, both the place and subject matter resonate. Don't read this book without a tissue handy. The formula has been done before; but the way in which the novel unfolds is rather unique and there are numerous surprises and very nice moments. It leaves your wondering and feeling. Give it a listen.

10 of 15 people found this review helpful

terrible

What disappointed you about First Love?

what wasn't

What could James Patterson and Emily Raymond have done to make this a more enjoyable book for you?

not write it

What character would you cut from First Love?

all.

Any additional comments?

by far the worst, James Patterson has to stop putting his name on every book that comes accross his desk. I think he is maybe trying to be the "author with the most books with his name" prize, but come on...boring story that was going nowhere.

2 of 3 people found this review helpful

It was okay

I love James Patterson and I have read a book of his in a while. I loved all his other love stories and those this one would be good as well. It was good, but it wasn't great.

best book I have heard in all the books ive heard

loved it, finished it in 3 days because i couldnt stop lisyening to it. the book just made me want more and more, and when i finished, i listened to ten other books and none of them were the same, and the i listened to it again.

Great read

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed this book. The narrator has a great tone telling the story that just drew me into the story.

Sweet but predictible

What made the experience of listening to First Love the most enjoyable?

The not often seen/heard of people putting someone else first and not wanting or expecting anything else in return.

What was one of the most memorable moments of First Love?

When they went to Robinson's house and the family welcomed her in as one of their own.

Which scene was your favorite?

When Robinson said he was just kissing the older lady because he didn't want to be rude.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

At certain points I didn't want to put it down but it didn't just grab me from the start.

Any additional comments?

Love reading Patterson books and am always amazed how good they are even out of his "norm" crime thrillers.

Little Disappointed for a JP book

Would you try another book from James Patterson and Emily Raymond and/or Lauren Fortgang?

Yes, I am a James Patterson fan.

What was your reaction to the ending? (No spoilers please!)

It was real.

Would you listen to another book narrated by Lauren Fortgang?

Maybe

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Probably wait for the DVD

Any additional comments?

As a James Patterson fan I was a little disappointed with this book. It was slow, but I kept on listening because I knew eventually it would keep my interest and prove to be a great story in the end and it was.

1 of 2 people found this review helpful