Ghost No More

Ghost No More #1

by CeeCee James

How do you keep fighting for hope, when everything around you is tearing hope down? Five year old CeeCee has already endured homelessness, dirty secrets and abuse. But somewhere amid the chaos and despair, CeeCee holds onto something precious, the only thing that drives her on – hope. She will do anything to make her mother happy, hoping against all things for a touch of her mother’s love. But when her Mother abandons her in a car fire will CeeCee accept that there is nothing she can do to make her mom love her?

Ghost No More is a memoir of tragedy, love, and strength that proves joy can be found beyond abuse.

Genres: Nonfiction, Memoir, Biography, Abuse, True Crime, Christian, Autobiography

190 pages, Paperback

First published February 18, 2014

Reviews

[Phyllis Eisenstadt · Rating 5 out of 5]

CRIES FOR HELP

GHOST NO MORE by CeeCee James

Since this book was written and narrated by CeeCee, beginning with her horrendous childhood, of necessity the early parts of the book use simplistic, age appropriate language. However, because of this simplicity, the reader may decide not to go forward with it. This would be a big mistake because as CeeCee gradually matures, so does her language. No easy feat for an author!

Ms. James slowly builds tension, so that it reaches a point in which putting the book down is no longer an option. You feel that you must discover what happens to the characters, particularly CeeCee.

Throughout her life, this poor child had been unloved, criticized, and emotionally and physically abused by her sadistic mother. Also, she was sexually abused by a close family member. You will experience every conceivable emotion, running the gamut of gut-wrenching pity for the child to intense hatred for her sadistic mother, her lecherous relative, and others who emotionally diminished CeeCee’s self-confidence and damaged her psyche.

This book is the first of a series of three, but it also serves well as a stand alone book.

Accolades to you, Ms. James for being the strong woman you are and for sharing your life with strangers. This magnificent memoir may well bring hope to other abused children.


Phyllis Eisenstadt

[Caryl Williams · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beautifully written and hauntingly sad. Once I started reading the book I read it in two sittings, well into the night on one occasion, unable to put it down. On the whole I tend to avoid books about child abuse because they are painful to read, as was this one, and because of my own childhood with a neglectful, abusive mother. If no-one was brave enough to write about their own experiences of childhood abuse however, then those of us who experienced such treatment may well believe that they are unique and it was their own fault, or there was something wrong with them. CeeCee had a much worse time than me and also had to cope with years of horrendous sexual abuse from a relative. How any child can survive such treatment is a testament to the human spirit. Why other close family members didn't realise how awful life was for CeeCee, and intervene is the mystery of the book and of life because unfortunately it is all too common in these sort of situations. Family dynamics or their own shortcomings can render relatives incapable, unaware, or powerless to intervene. Neighbours and mothers of schoolfriends became aware that all wasn't right, and for short periods CeeCee was able to experience human kindness and interest in her welfare from those kind people. A talented bright child, CeeCee eventually emerged from the horror and was able to build a loving family life of her own. I'm really sorry you had to go through that CeeCee, but thank you for writing the book. Another testimony to the sad fact that not all mothers are loving and maternal. This book will stay with me for a long time.

[Jodie · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was given this book in exchange for an honest review.

What can I say? Heart-breaking, brave, emotional, raw, jaw-dropping. I wish I could have jumped into the pages and hugged this little girl. To see such strength in a child is incredible. And yet, I wonder why. Why did people not see? Why did people not stop it when there were so many signs? Despite the failure of others a beautiful child survived. CeeCee, it was a honour to read your memoir!! <3

[Joy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written book, it's about a abused girl CeeCee - it broke my heart the way her mother talked to her , angry at the abuse CeeCee suffered not just by her mother but her grandfather as well!! I really do not understand why if a woman becomes pregnant and don't want children to began with why they don't put the baby up for adoption , cause there are so many couples in the world that can't have children that would be happy to love and cherish a baby , giving the child a loving nurturing home that every child deserves. Why keep a baby only to use and abuse , CeeCee's Mom never treated CeeCee as a precious gift from God but instead verbally abused her as well , blaming her for ruining her life , 5th wheel , etc. Never showing her any love what so ever!! Thanks to the man she eventually met and married CeeCee was finally shown what love is all about, never giving up on her , then she became a mom & not only broke the cycle of abuse but knows first hand how a real mother falls instantly in love with their precious baby. I don't feel like CeeCee's parental unit even deserves to be called mother it's a title she never earned. Thank you for courageously sharing your story CeeCee . God bless you and your family.

[Debbie · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Ghost No More" by Cee James is a five star nonfiction book. The subjects address in this book isn't for everyone but then I think everyone should be aware that abuse, in all forms, ( mental, physically and sexual do exist and are hidden for many years before they come out in the open.

I really couldn't put this book down but at the same time was thinking I don't want to read this, the people you trust to protect and love you are the ones who are doing such terrible things!


Cee James has written a heart felt and honest account of her life. She only wanted love from her parents, mostly her mom, but all she got was abuse in all forms. Then her grandparents enter the abuse and even the legal system lets her down! The tears were falling as I read this book. Again I stress that we all need to be aware that this happens and is happening more and more! This book is honestly written but not with graphic details!

This book also gives proof that God makes "Beauty out of Ashes" and Cee gives the steps she took to be on the road to healing and I like the fact that she doesn't make false claims that she never has to stop and be reminder that she isn't that same little girl as she was!

I was given an ebook copy for an honest review and I have written it even though it was one of the hardest ones I have written because it evoked memories from my own life. There is going be a sequel to this book and you can sign up for the newsletter at the end of the book.

[Dawn McCarthy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a sad story CeeCee managed to live through and convey. I imagine it must have been difficult for her to basically relive her traumatic childhood in an effort to share it with all of us. It astounds me that there was little to no intervention in her life, while I am not surprised given the time period in which she grew up. This is pretty well written, given the subject manner and huge undertaking this book had to be to write. I love the way she wrote it, taking her grown woman's prospective and relating how she felt as that little girl who just wanted to be loved and to please her mother. This is not an easy task and as a result, we feel her desperation and with each time her mother shows her positive attention, we, along with CeCe, think that her mother has changed, only to feel incredulous that her mother reverts back to her hateful, abusive self. The ending of her book gives me hope that despite a horrible and horrific upbringing, a happy ending can happen.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book should be read by almost all Jr. High students and older. So many kids don't realize the types of situations in which others live. It is so easy to laugh at another's clothing, hair, cleanliness, etc. I don't understand how a child could go through the school system and it not be apparent that they are experiencing child abuse, whether it is physical or emotional. This book reminded me that it is my responsibility to pay attention as I live my life. Really SEE children and really HEAR them. This is not a novel, it is a true memoir of the sad but ultimately remarkable life of one girl. It isn't as well written as it could have been, but it is a worthwhile read, nonetheless.

[Grant Leishman · Rating 5 out of 5]

When you pick up a memoir to read, I guess you can be certain of two things; either you are going to read a tale of abuse, a heroic tale...or often a mixture of both. The reality is people who lead normal, everyday lives, don't tend to write memoirs. Naturally, when I first picked up Ghost No More, by CeeCee James, I guessed it was a book about child-abuse and I wasn't wrong.

Ghost No More, details, in the main, the early years of CeeCee James' life. I think in her two sequels, she explores in greater detail her late teenage years as well as her adult years. I'm not sure if there are "levels" of child abuse, but if there are, then James' experiences are definitely at the extreme end of that continuum. Her treatment, by almost everyone who was "supposed" to love, care and protect her was appalling, by any standards and one was left with this horrible sinking feeling that her case might not even be unusual, which is an indictment on the society we live in.

Despite the abuse she suffered, James' retelling of her childhood is done in a calm and very restrained manner. Unlike many books in this genre, James' chose not to be explicit in her detailing of much of the abuse she was subjected to. Clearly this was a conscious decision, possibly governed by her faith and morality and for me, as a reader, it was refreshing not to have to wade through horrific tales of, especially, sexual abuse.

I enjoyed the reflective, self-examining style the author chose to write this book in. In many ways, the terrible life she endured, as a child, was often balanced by the whimsical thoughts she also indulged in, to try to cope with the horrors of her childhood.

I imagine it takes immense courage to put your feelings and emotions out there on public display when you have suffered so terribly, as she has. I think it is probably a sign of the acceptance and understanding of herself now, in her adult years, as a mother herself, that has allowed her to do this. I have no doubt there was a cathartic element to this story for her, but she has to be congratulated for fearlessly and honestly detailing her innermost thoughts and self-loathing, throughout those tumultuous years. More power to her for that.

I look forward to reading her other two offerings in this series; Fear No More and Lost No More. I would highly recommend this book as essential reading for anyone who feels life has dealt them some tough cards to play with. When faced with struggles, it never hurts to remind ourselves that "there but for the Grace of God, go I!". The real benefit of this type of memoir is in that very message; the human spirit is capable of dealing with and overcoming even the greatest of pain and suffering. CeeCee James does well to remind us of that in this fine book. For that reason alone, I would happily award Ghost no More, five well-earned stars and congratulate James on her courage and fortitude. She teaches us well.

[Jill Weathers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heartbreaking. Shocking. Realistic look at how it feels to be forgotten by the people who should be your protector in this cruel world. I wish I could have rescued her from her parents neglect.

CeeCee, I am so glad you shared what most people would keep a secret. I hope this book can save just one child from going through what you had to in your life. You are truly a miracle and I wish you twice as many good things your way as the bad that happened to you. I loved the inscription from you! Thank you again!

[Trina Houston-dotson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I kept wishing I could reach into the book and grab CeeCee, hug her and take her home with me. My heart ached for her in every sense of the word. I could feel her pain in every sentence, and I could feel her love overflowing as she talked about her husband, her children and finally, her God.

As awful as her true story is, I'm so grateful to God that she didn't lose hope and she has become an inspiration to us all.

[Jolie Pre · Rating 5 out of 5]

While reading GHOST NO MORE, all I wanted to do was throw CeeCee's mother to the zombies. I've rarely read about a woman more horrible. Yet, CeeCee loves her mother despite what she did. That is an admirable thing. ~~ GHOST NO MORE was well written and kept me engaged throughout!

[Jennie Goutet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book. I couldn't put it down. So, so sad, but impossible to miss the strength of the human spirit and the all-encompassing love of God. It's also well-written, and brings the reader seamlessly from the transition of a little girl through adolescence (and a bit into the adult years).

[Carol Graham]

CeeCee James has written a series of memoirs that you will never be able to forget. Absolutely. Guaranteed.

I was at a loss for words. I have read many stories of abuse but I never read one as intense as CeeCee's. She is an incredibly gentle, warm woman who survived horrendous pain, neglect and hatred by her mother.

You will be drawn to tears and anger as you hear CeeCee share how the only touch she had ever known as a child was one of pain. At TWO WEEKS old, her father burned CeeCee's face and body with an iron. Her mother refused to feed or change CeeCee's diaper because she did not want to be manipulated by a baby's cries. She wanted to teach her NOT to cry. This was only the beginning of a lifetime of trauma.

CeeCee never remembers a time when she was not hungry....or cold.....or alone.....or hated.

Yet, all CeeCee ever wanted was love. Even as a toddler she worked hard to please her mother, hoping for one gentle touch or one kind word. She never got one! EVER!

CeeCee holds no animosity. No bitterness. No unforgiveness. No blame. Instead, she understands the true necessity to forgive and move forward. She is not looking for sympathy and her humility is unique, feeling that many others may have suffered more. She wants people to understand how to let go of their past and hang onto hope -- the only thread to survival.

[K.Q. · Rating 4 out of 5]

I would have given it 3.5 stars if Goodreads would allow such a thing.

It's difficult to write about these kind of books because who am I to judge someone's pain or adversity?

I liked this. It's a million times better than A Child Called "It" because things actually make sense, seem to have a coherent timeline and the things poor Ceecee endured are, sadly, believable. In this story, there are no pregnant women making chlorine gas or child-stabbings.

But like A Child Called "It", I have one similar critique: why was the mother like this? She had health issues and I am curious as to what those were. But unlike A Child Called "It", there are hints of what Ceecee's mother had gone through to make her the woman she turned out to be; Health, abuse, molestation, and possibly mental issues. I don't want to presume though, it's not my place.

I think this would be a good read for anyone trying to work through their own abusive past.

I'm glad Ceecee found happiness and peace and I wish her all the best.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bitterly heartbreaking. I wanted to cry for her but was too outraged to do so. How many other children suffer so and don't get rescued by any of the numerous government spies, er, um, agencies that are supposed to be in place to protect children from just such situations? At this time, I would like to meet her mother and punch her dead in the face with no other explanation than "That's what you get!" Ms. James may have grown into a strong and forgiving person but I have yet to reach that place. Ms. James is truly an inspirational person with a heart as big as the sky.

[Kristin Bartoldus · Rating 5 out of 5]

WOW. This was a great book. Following her journey through a horrible childhood to come out to something very positive. It is wonderful to see someone overcome ye obstacles in their life and thrive. I am very surprised all concerns were dismissed and no one truly followed up when suspecting things were not right. This is a inspirational must read!

[Tanza Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love this memoir

This is a very well written memoir and I am sure it was just as healing for the author to write it as much as it was for me to read it. Abuse is normally brushed under the rug because people are scared to get involved or just don't know what is truly going on in another home. This story really brings awareness.

[Faye Ridpath · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a heartbreaking book.

I never understand how parents can be so cruel to their own children when my heart breaks if I hurt my daughter unintentionally.

CeCe James is a remarkable woman.

Her story is an inspiration.

[Maria Isabel · Rating 5 out of 5]

I cried...end of story.....Let me go sob now ok?

[Stephanie Collins · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great read - heartbreaking, of course, but great all the same. It points out a few tragic truths about abuse. First, it's frustrating just how much our emotional make-up seems almost designed for abuse. Children generally love their parents, regardless of their behavior. Children often don't have an understanding of what is "normal", what is not, or even what is "acceptable" and what is not until it's too late to even try to remedy a situation (or at least until after staggering amounts of damage have already been done). Children tend to be easily manipulated with guilt and shame. And the thought of child abuse is "unsavory" enough that it is all too often easier for people to dismiss clues of abuse or even reports of it from a child, choosing the "easier" belief that their suspicions are unfounded or the child is not being truthful. This story also reminded me of the generational nature of abuse. As I read about Mama's behavior, I wondered about what abuse she may have never recovered from that likely [at least] contributed to her abusive behaviors. As I read about her parents, I wondered what possible abuse might have led the [maternal] grandmother to her drinking problem and her obvious "look-the-other-way policy" regarding the behavior of her husband. I even wondered about abuse the grandfather may have suffered that led to his abusive actions. It is for all of these reasons that I'm extremely proud of CeeCee for doing the near impossible - breaking the chain. She recognized and rose above the culture of abuse that plagued her family and began a new family with a new outlook and a new tradition of love and acceptance. This story could be interpreted as a tragic tale. I choose to see it as an inspiring "rising phoenix-type" story that showcases the triumphant strength of an incredible woman. Hugs to you, CeeCee, and thank you for sharing your story with us!

[E.J. Bauer · Rating 5 out of 5]

My heart ached for the little girl in this memoir. All she ever wanted was to be loved and I just wanted to reach out and hold her tight. That anyone could survive the physical and emotional abuse endured by the author is a testament to her courage and resolve. Rest assured that she does find a way out of her loveless prison but her journey is fraught. Beautifully written and drawing sharp contrasts between unbearable suffering and child-like joy in small blessings, this is a poignant chronicle of hope and faith.

[Wulfwyn · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a difficult book for me to review. It’s too close to me. I hope, if the author reads this, she understands. I can say I think it was well written and has something important to say. She gives me hope. I want to read the other books in this series. If you’re reading this, your interested in the book. I encourage you to try it. It might be difficult, don’t give up. It took me awhile to really read it. I started and stopped a few times before I was able to read it all. The end was so inspiring.

[Becky · Rating 4 out of 5]

Troubling

This book is an easy read but it seemed to me that much was left out. not that I wanted more drama, more horrific tales but something is missing.

CeeCee had a terrible childhood to be sure and it seemed like luck is what found her and saved her. She believes it was God, and maybe it was but it certainly was convenient timing to have such a happy ending at such a young age.

the happy ending is part of what's missing, throughout the story she skins through so many things that I was left wondering all the time.

But, this is her story not mine. I am sorry she lived the childhood she did and am happy things turned around for her. We never found out and could only guess at why her mother was the way she was and why the man who became her stepfather allowed it.

so, I gave it 4 stars, for the easy read and what she did manage to convey of her life. She shared and we read her story.

[Margot Genger · Rating 2 out of 5]

Not for me. The characters are one sided, which isn't believable to me. The plot arc was exactly straight until the last few chapters. A long list of abuse, from birth to parenthood until the end resolution. I see that CeeCee writes romance novels, and that must be why her rating for this memoir is so high. It's a memoir for people who read romance novels.

On the positive side, the sentences are well written. Clear, concise and straight forward. (But one more read through would have helped correct her re-writing errors.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Heavy Reading

Having been raised in an intact loving family, it is hard to believe Parents could be that cruel. I don't know when she was born but I blame her teachers and doctors for not reporting what they saw as although CeeCee tried to hide them many things seemed obvious to this nurse. To become a loving adult she did, I'm sure she had help from a source deep within her. As I read this book, I flattering stir within me. I will read the rest of the books in the series. Thank you, CeeCee for this book.

[Teena Stewart · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was so disturbing it kept me awake at night. It is the story of great suffering and great triumph. CeeCee James' courage inspires me to become a better person, to not complain about the faults of my parents, who despite their faults, did love me. I am motivated, more than ever to volunteer with the Foster Care program in my area. I only wish I had been there for CeeCee. This will be a book that stays with me for years to come and I will recommend it to others.

[Sunflower Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This book reminded me of my childhood of which I am still working thru. Cee Cee is a very strong person and she stopped the abuse like I did and found God.
I would recommend this book to anyone abused or not.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

this is a true story and is really sad

[K.L. Randis · Rating 5 out of 5]

CeeCee delivers a powerful testament to overcoming and dealing with the 'Ghosts' so many child abuse victims and survivors try to part with. Quick and easy read.

[Dahlia · Rating 5 out of 5]

I applaud Ceecee for having the courage to write about her abusive childhood in such a blameless and in a non-angry manner... Truly inspirational