Newburgh Native and Award Winning Author Gives Back in a Big Way

A Newburgh, New York native and an award winning mystery writer is giving back to bookstores across the US.

Everyone likes a holiday bonus right? Well, author James Patterson is handing out special bonuses this year.

James Patterson Gives Bonuses to Hundreds of Bookstores Nation Wide

It's a yearly tradition for author James Patterson. Every year he doles out thousands of dollars in bonuses. Not to his personal staff, but to bookstore employees across the United States.

Since 2015 James Patterson has been giving bookstores the opportunity to apply for a big holiday bonus. According to the American Booksellers Association "Patterson has pledged a personal contribution of $300,000, to be distributed in amounts of $500, to 600 booksellers from ABA member bookstores."

Nominations were taken until early November 2024 and the donations would be distributed

How Many Hudson Valley Book Stores Got 'Patterson Bonuses'?

Unfortunately, not too many. And surprisingly, no small independent bookstores in his hometown of Newburgh, New York.

To be fair, Patterson has given to many local bookstores in the past. As for the 2024 recipients in the Hudson Valley they are Richard Fulco of Big Red Books, in Nyack and Ella Maslin of Oblong Books in Millerton.

You can see the full list of recipients of the James Patterson Holiday Book Store Bonus Program at Bookweb.org. 

What's James Patterson Working on in 2025?

What is the Newburgh author working on for the new year? Apparently, a lot!

According to Patterson's website he has 11 new books coming out in 2025. Many of them are with co-writers, but one in particular is an advice book by Patterson himself. It's called The #1 Dad Guide. They say it's an "advice book that actually works- and that dads will actually read."

Actor, director Ron Howard writes “Hilarious and sharp…everything ​(and more) about being a dad.”

The #1 Dad Guide comes out on May 12th, 2025 just in time for to get it for Father's Day. Find out what other projects James Patterson is working on at JamesPatterson.com