At this point, there are very few of us living in South Jersey who don’t get at least some of our weather forecasts from “Nor’Easter” Nick. Even people who don’t consider him their primary source likely still encounter and watch his videos at least some of the time. Honestly, Facebook should probably be paying him to post there, as weather videos are one of the few good things left amid the algorithm-driven slop that site feeds us every day. This of course means that he has become something of a local celebrity, and what are you supposed to do once you achieve any level of fame? Write a book of course!
Anyone who has watched his chattier morning broadcasts probably knows at least a little about Nick’s life story and will be familiar with some of the anecdotes contained within these pages, but outside of his immediate circle of friends, readers will still find plenty to learn.
Pittman’s life has had its share of challenges, though what many will construe to be the biggest one is somewhat glossed over. His relationship with his mother looks to have been pretty toxic, but the lone chapter that is devoted to it feels like it barely scratches the surface. It’s his story to tell and he is not obligated to share anything he doesn’t want to but avoiding adding more detail to what sounds like it might have been the most trying period of his life does rob some of the triumph and joy from his ultimate emergence on the other side.
He writes in a straightforward, chatty tone, that will make the reader feel as if they are engaged in a conversation with a friend, discussing the ups and downs of life. Comprised of short, punchy chapters the book breezes by, though the chronology of events can sometimes be confusing. Each chapter opens with a little forecast quote and ends with a brief entry from his “Weather Journal.” These sentences use descriptions of a day’s supposed weather to proffer a bit of related wisdom. They will likely appeal to readers who enjoy self-help books, but others may find them a bit corny. Likewise, the inclusion of a Prologue that serves to basically lay out the aims of the book like a thesis seems unnecessary and peculiar.
Still, this is an easy read that only further solidifies Pittman’s likability. Learning about the inner workings of how his forecasts got to air through various outlets proves fascinating, as is his experiences with the rise and fall of many of them. The moments involving how he met his now-husband are sweet and his struggles with accepting his homosexuality will be relatable to anyone who has dealt with them themselves. Most affecting of all though will be the sections about being raised by his grandmother and then ultimately losing her to Alzheimer’s. Many readers will be familiar with the ravages of that disease and the toll it takes on everyone, and as a result it’s almost impossible to emerge from that section without shedding a tear or two.
I don’t know that anyone expected him to be as good a writer as he is a weather forecaster, but he acquits himself well enough. He has led an interesting life, and with his friendly tone it’s a treat to learn more about it. The drops of wisdom throughout may not say anything especially new, but his heart is in the right place and there will still be many who benefit from reading them. While storm clouds do swirl throughout a few sections of this memoir, for the most part it will provide readers with some much-needed rays of sunshine and a better understanding of someone a whole lot of local viewers welcome into their homes every day. ★★★½
★★★★★ = Excellent | ★★★★ = Very Good | ★★★ = Good | ★★ = Fair | ★ = Poor
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