New York Times best-selling author James Patterson (center) and 1st Sgt. (Ret.) Matt Eversmann (right) hold a USO flag and pose for a picture with Army cadets from The United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., on Oct. 12, 2024. Patterson and Eversmann visited West Point with the USO for a Q&A session with cadets and faculty about their new book, “American Heroes.” (USO)

“The cost of freedom is high, and people don’t really necessarily understand that. That’s what this book is about,” said New York Times best-selling author James Patterson.

Patterson is well-regarded for his suspenseful thriller and mystery novels such as the Alex Cross series and “Women’s Murder Club,” but his new best-seller book, “American Heroes” holds a different pace and purpose.

Co-authored by Patterson and Army 1st Sgt. (Ret.) Matt Eversmann, “American Heroes” is a collection of true accounts told by more than 30 recipients of America’s most distinguished military awards, up to and including the Medal of Honor, for their actions in conflicts from World War II to Afghanistan and Iraq.

Each turn of the page tells an inspiring story from a service member’s own words, captivating readers in each personal experience told.

With this book, Patterson felt it was especially important to connect with a younger audience, hoping to inspire them with real, powerful stories that help them to understand duty, sacrifice and the costs that come with preserving the nation’s freedoms.

“This is the real deal … young people will really benefit from reading this book,” said Patterson.

On Oct. 25, Patterson and Eversmann visited The United States Military Academy in West Point, N.Y., with the USO for a Q&A with Army cadets and faculty about their new book.

“As much as they have learned, as much as they have read, most of them haven’t actually experienced combat, and this [American Heroes] is a big dose of it … there was certainly a lot of interest in it,” said Patterson.

Patterson grew up in Newburgh, about 15 miles from West Point, which made the military academy an attractive place to promote and talk about the new book. He said it was his first time speaking at West Point and that it was an exciting experience for him.

Patterson said cadets and faculty were intrigued by the history, the book covers, and the opportunity of being able to meet in-person with a true American hero, Eversmann.

New York Times best-selling author James Patterson (center) and 1st Sgt. (Ret.) Matt Eversmann (left) speak with Army cadets during a Q&A session for their new book, “American Heroes,” during a visit with the USO to The United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., on Oct. 12, 2024. (USO)

New York Times best-selling author James Patterson signs the inside of his new book, “American Heroes,” for a service member during his visit with 1st Sgt. Matt Eversmann and the USO to The United States Military Academy at West Point, N.Y., on Oct. 25, 2024. (USO)

Eversmann was assigned to the 3rd Ranger Regiment which was sent to Mogadishu, Somalia as part of a U.N. peacekeeping operation in 1993. He led a group of 12 rangers in the most hostile district of Mogadishu in a fight against an enemy militia until they were rescued. Eversmann’s account of this experience, which he earned a Bronze Star medal with valor device for, was later immortalized in the Ridley Scott film “Black Hawk Down,” released in 2002.

It is because of Eversmann’s testament to war and heroism that Patterson thought he would be perfect to co-author “American Heroes.” Eversmann and Patterson collaborated on previous books including “Walk in my Combat Boots,” “Walk the Blue Line,” “Walk in my Classroom,” “E.R. Nurses” and “The Secret Lives of Booksellers and Librarians.”

Patterson says “American Heroes” is meant to be memorable by those who read it, and to convey the true meaning of being an American hero.

“It’s not one of those books that’s drudgery … it holds your attention, and the stories are mind blowing,” said Patterson.

“American Heroes” is available now at many bookstores and retailers including Barnes & Noble, Books-A-Million, Target, Walmart, Bookshop.org and Amazon.