Jim can't count the times his mother accused him of being just like his father -- the last man on Earth he'd want to emulate. He spent his childhood shielding his brothers from his abusive, alcoholic Dad.
Now Jim's met the girl of his dreams, and his life's turned into a nightmare. His deepest fears come to life as he discovers his will isn’t enough to stop him from following his father's tortuous path.
He needs to prove his mother is wrong, but how can he change? And can he change in time?
Based on a True Story, Lost No More is Book 2 of the Ghost No More Series
Having read Ghost No More, I wasn't sure that CeeCee James could write a story about her husband's difficult childhood in a fashion as compelling as her own life story. Did she ever. In Lost No More, she so effectively makes the reader believe that her husband Jim is the writer, that in the passages where she appears as a character, it seems natural when she writes about herself in the third person. For people who read Ghost No More and are expecting Lost No More to be a replay of the former, they need not worry. The circumstances in Jim's household were different from CeeCee's, and how their suffering was imposed also different so that taken together, the reader gets a wide view of the sorts of circumstances that are generally called "abuse". Taking a difficult personal story and turning it into not only a public event but also a good read is not an easy trick, and CeeCee James has done it twice. It's a shame that a child has to suffer at the hands of those who should protect them but sharing the story is a hopeful positive in heightening public awareness and maybe preventing needless tragedies. Thank you, CeeCee - and Jim - for sharing.
Life doesn't have to be perfect. I really enjoyed reading this memoir, which is honest, open, frank and unapologetic. I almost felt like I was there at times. There were parts that I could relate to, having grown up in an abusive household myself. In spite of all of the ups and downs and constant thread of violence and alcoholism, Jim manages to grow into a strong, loving, and responsible person. There are also some very powerful moments when he goes through the process of realizing that, in spite of his dad's faults, Jim loves him. The ending of the story is both beautiful and satisfying.
This is an excellent read for those who grew up in a dysfunctional family. Having grown up in a dysfunctional family I can say that reading this book helped me to heal.
Addictions can definitely destroy families. The heart aches and physical pain as in this memoir are definitely out there. Jimmy however is one very amazing young man! As a couple See See and Jimmy heal each other and form a very loving strong family of their own.☺
A boy tries all his life to get his father to say he loves him. This a story of violence, drinking to excess and child abuse. It is not a story I enjoyed and I can't recommend it.
I love the first book in this series and Ghost was even better. I am really looking forward to read the final book. I know it won't be a disappointment. Great writer!!!
Another great book by CeeCee James. I had so many emotions reading this book, being married to an angry drunk was so hard for me and our children. Some parts brought up past memories of hurt fear pain etc. My ex was able to quit drinking for 14 years and my 2 youngest children didn't see this side of thier father until much later in life when he went back to it, however my 2 oldest have those bad memories during those first 7 years of my marriage , it breaks my heart. And the end of the story is what I fear my kids could go thru with not being as close due to his drinking again then not being able to get that back until his drinking has made him to sick , I pray he can find the strength once again to stop and be apart of their lives and stop missing out on getting to know his grandkids. Another heartbreak is I now live thru the heartbreak of one of my son's fight the drinking and its so hard to see him struggle with it everyday, I have cried many tears for my son , tried to help him but it's a battle only he can do when he is ready sadly. Thanks for sharing your story and I'm really going to work very hard to get my son to read your story and pray it helps him see how he needs to stop drinking if he can't on his own , I pray he seeks help with AA or rehab or both. God bless you both :)
The afterlife is a mystery to many, but inferring that an alcoholic, unrepentant soul would be in heaven just because it would help real the son's grief is too much of a stretch for me. The author explored the family dynamics well and brought me along as the reader as the main character grew and matured. I anticipate heaven, but also acknowledge the existence of hell. The conclusion of this story may be comforting for those whose loved ones have passed away without reconciling their hearts with God, but the reality of our choices while we live and breathe will play out in eternity. This ending ignores the truth, as the Bible teaches, about man's need to be born again before death, so that heaven becomes one's home after life is over.
COMPLETING THE STORY? NOW THERE IS ANOTHER ONE TO GET. I read CeeCee James’ first book about her troubled life growing up and this one tells the story of her husband’s early days. For me it completed the picture and you have to admire both of them for their resilience and their courage. Thank you for sharing this with us and I wish you both all the success you wish yourselves in the future. CeeCee is an author I can admire for her personal strength as she tells it in her writing. I applaud her and I can also relate to much of what she went through, so I know how hard it has been. If you read this I hope some of her strength will inspire you, especially if you too were not brought up by perfect parents.
Growing up wanting what a broken father couldn't give.
This book was incredibly good. Told first person; simply but beautifully. Young boys growing up in a chaotic home making their way through life. The author tells the story so well that the reader feels the emotion of the family. I'll stop there to not reveal too much of the redemptive part of the story. Definitely recommend this book.
I liked this a lot. It makes me appreciate my parents a lot more. It is hard to read about people who have grown up with an alcoholic parent and the struggles they faced. Even though it wasn't the main message, it reminds me not to judge others because they may have a tough story. God's love and forgiveness does shine through and shows God's power to turn bad to good.
Lost No More (Ghost no More series) by CeeCee James is based on her husband’s true story about a boy growing up with an alcoholic father and how their relationship changed over the years. It is a touching story about the complicated feelings between a father and son. This was an interesting read that I enjoyed. I really liked the ending. (Karen's review)
A book of dysfunctional family and how they traverse the emotions of drug abuse and enabling. We grow up in spite of our childhoods and the marks that Are left on our emotional well being. Our parents are our parents no matter how difficult it was to be their child and death has a way of making us deal with those thorns of childhood that ripped at our hearts. A book of survival and hope...
I feel like this story was taken from a chapter in my life. My husband and I both had troubled childhoods. Reading Cee-cees then her husband's has been a huge eye opener and left me searching for that peace.
Thought I would try something a little different than what I'm used to reading. I could not get interested. I tried up to the 4th chapter and gave up. I'm sure it's a great read, just not for me
I liked the story but I thought Jim should have had a better relationship with is mother instead of blaming her. She put up with his dad more than I could imagine anyone would. It keep me reading tho and I liked it.
Jim's story is truly amazing. The way he grew up with a dad with a addiction is sad. You will love the way he looks out for his brothers to protect them. His life will really change when he meets Ceecee. These two are incredible together. You will feel God working in this book.
A wonderful read! So many different emotions from anger to love and forgiveness. This is a must read book. Really makes you think about life and the differences we can make in our choices we have.
WOW! So I definitely was not expecting all of the events that happened in this book. there were many times that I was left in complete awe. I thought this book was written very honestly and it was raw. The details did not seem farfetched or made up. It was an eye opener.