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Ghosted: Dating & Other Paramoural Experiences
Fueled by cheap vodka and low standards in her twenties, Jana naively assumes that “happily ever after” is just a dark, sweaty nightclub away.
In this memoir, Jana meets men. A lot of men — at bars, online, on New York rooftops. But with every face-licker, toe-sucker, and internet creep who just wants to bathe with her, it becomes clearer that hers is a ghost story, not the fairy tale she expected. Still single in her thirties, with the specter of loneliness looming, she realizes she’ll need to adjust her approach to dating and her relationship with herself, or risk being haunted by the mistakes of her dating past, and a future of shirtless bathroom selfies.
Though Ghosted by Jana Eisenstein depicts the struggle to find lasting love in a world where romantic connections are ephemeral and difficult to conjure, at its heart, it’s a story about learning to accept that when it comes to dating, there are scarier fates than ending up alone.
In this memoir, Jana meets men. A lot of men — at bars, online, on New York rooftops. But with every face-licker, toe-sucker, and internet creep who just wants to bathe with her, it becomes clearer that hers is a ghost story, not the fairy tale she expected. Still single in her thirties, with the specter of loneliness looming, she realizes she’ll need to adjust her approach to dating and her relationship with herself, or risk being haunted by the mistakes of her dating past, and a future of shirtless bathroom selfies.
Though Ghosted by Jana Eisenstein depicts the struggle to find lasting love in a world where romantic connections are ephemeral and difficult to conjure, at its heart, it’s a story about learning to accept that when it comes to dating, there are scarier fates than ending up alone.
- GenresNonfictionHumor
245 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 24, 2022
6 people are currently reading
2095 people want to read
About the author
Jana Eisenstein
1 book17 followersJana Eisenstein is a writer. Ok, so prior to Ghosted: Dating & Other Paramoural Experiences no one technically paid for her writing, but it’s what she loves to do. Growing up, she idolized Dave Barry and, as an adult, she thirsts for anything Tina Fey creates. When she’s not writing or working her day job, she spends her time traveling (unless there’s a pandemic), dancing (poorly), trying to convince herself that she enjoys running (unsuccessfully), and dating (when she needs a good laugh, or a good cry).
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
January 11, 2022
THE WONDERFUL WORLD OF DATING, SEX...AND WHAT THE HELL JUST HAPPENED???
If laughter is the best medicine, Ghosted is an overdose for strange times. Jana Eisenstein's extraordinary memoir unveils a woman’s longing for love in a world where sex is easy but commitment is a phantom. After years of avoiding dating and working her way out of an eating disorder, the newly invented Jana decides to put herself out there, which involves multiple nights of putting out. To be clear, it’s not at all one-sided; there are plenty of mutually shared erotic adventures. But the end game—a lasting relationship? marriage perhaps?—is elusive, as prospect after prospect orders from the menu but leaves without a word, heading for the hottest new eatery.
Eisenstein is a skilled and hilarious writer, with exceptional timing and an honest sense (and even, it seems, an apparent enjoyment from afar) of her own absurd behaviors. She invites us along on her lusty adventures, and then reveals what skewers them—from her own judgmental thoughts in the moment, or a commotion that intrudes, or the lame behavior of the man at hand.
And oh, the lameness abounds.
You’ll meet Ray the weird landlord; Little Ricky, the Washington DC neighborhood bodyguard; De’Anthony the toe-sucker; and several other miscreant members of the Y-chromosome menagerie.
Eisenstein is not bragging about conquests; she’s bemoaning poor choices, in both life and men. It’s illuminating that she doesn’t really bash the guys—though many of her dates deserve it. She’s open about her insecurities, her naked hopes (and her hopes of getting naked with Mr. Right), and the constantly revolving door of setting, meeting, and reevaluating expectations.
Please read this book. You’ll laugh out loud, you’ll marvel at her frankness, and you’ll end up cheering for a heroine of our times. I pray we’ll see more writing from Jana Eisenstein.
If laughter is the best medicine, Ghosted is an overdose for strange times. Jana Eisenstein's extraordinary memoir unveils a woman’s longing for love in a world where sex is easy but commitment is a phantom. After years of avoiding dating and working her way out of an eating disorder, the newly invented Jana decides to put herself out there, which involves multiple nights of putting out. To be clear, it’s not at all one-sided; there are plenty of mutually shared erotic adventures. But the end game—a lasting relationship? marriage perhaps?—is elusive, as prospect after prospect orders from the menu but leaves without a word, heading for the hottest new eatery.
Eisenstein is a skilled and hilarious writer, with exceptional timing and an honest sense (and even, it seems, an apparent enjoyment from afar) of her own absurd behaviors. She invites us along on her lusty adventures, and then reveals what skewers them—from her own judgmental thoughts in the moment, or a commotion that intrudes, or the lame behavior of the man at hand.
And oh, the lameness abounds.
You’ll meet Ray the weird landlord; Little Ricky, the Washington DC neighborhood bodyguard; De’Anthony the toe-sucker; and several other miscreant members of the Y-chromosome menagerie.
Eisenstein is not bragging about conquests; she’s bemoaning poor choices, in both life and men. It’s illuminating that she doesn’t really bash the guys—though many of her dates deserve it. She’s open about her insecurities, her naked hopes (and her hopes of getting naked with Mr. Right), and the constantly revolving door of setting, meeting, and reevaluating expectations.
Please read this book. You’ll laugh out loud, you’ll marvel at her frankness, and you’ll end up cheering for a heroine of our times. I pray we’ll see more writing from Jana Eisenstein.
January 14, 2022
In this laugh-out-loud memoir, Jana takes the reader with her on her dating (and mating) exploits with humor, intelligence, sometimes painful honesty, and a whole lot of heart. Jana is like your best, most entertaining girlfriend who you want to have drinks with every weekend. The other (male) characters in this book are also a hoot--and cautionary tales, though the writer treats them with grace. The writing is smooth and well-detailed, equal parts funny and insightful. This book is unputdownable and should be required reading for anyone who has ever felt unlucky at love. And isn't that all of us? I highly recommend.
January 26, 2022
I was given a free ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I started this book yesterday evening and had finished it by the morning, which is a record for me! I couldn't put it down. Though it's memoir, Jana's collection of awkward, relatable and oftentimes cringeworthy anecdotes of trying to find love reads more like a fiction novel. I spent most of the time reading this with a huge smile spread across my face, and a few times I genuinely laughed out loud. Hilarious, refreshing and an absolute must read.
I started this book yesterday evening and had finished it by the morning, which is a record for me! I couldn't put it down. Though it's memoir, Jana's collection of awkward, relatable and oftentimes cringeworthy anecdotes of trying to find love reads more like a fiction novel. I spent most of the time reading this with a huge smile spread across my face, and a few times I genuinely laughed out loud. Hilarious, refreshing and an absolute must read.
January 25, 2022
I was super lucky to get an ARC of this book because it brought me back to so many experiences I haven't been able to live through Covid. Reading this book is the equivalent of being in your favorite bar with a single friend deciding to have a second (and sure, why not, a third round) because they are regaling you with stories about their saucy, messy, and sometimes victorious dating lives. Jana has an accessible, charming voice that is sure to win over readers who liked the BRIDGET JONES books.
January 9, 2022
Ghosted is just downright fun to read. Eisenstein is funny, thoughtful, and honest, and reading Ghosted is like chatting with an always entertaining girlfriend. And then, right when she has you laughing so hard you might pee yourself, she sneaks in a wise, searing gut punch that gets to the heart of our relationships with each other, and ourselves.
June 5, 2022
I’m not a memoir person, but I enjoyed this a lot!! The stories were interesting, funny, and relatable. I would recommend for anyone who is going through the pains of dating.
January 26, 2022
Reading this memoir felt like spending a night with a best friend, laughing at all the ups and downs of life in our 20s and 30s while also reflecting on our deepest insecurities and screw ups. Eisenstein is both funny and self-deprecating; she has a knack for finding the humor in uncomfortable situations, but she also doesn't shy away from interrogating her own beliefs and missteps. I found this memoir deeply relatable, not to mention fun and easy to read. Eisenstein has a way with words that had me rereading sentences multiple times out of sheer delight. Highly recommend!
January 12, 2022
Jana Eisenstein's Ghosted grabs you from the very beginning, with awkward moment after awkward moment, written in such a way that you have to laugh out loud and sympathize with the narrator. It's a speedy read and funny all the way through, with a narrative voice that brings you along for the bumpy ride easily. A great and engaging read--especially if you're in the mood for a bit of something funny and light!
January 8, 2022
Ghosted is a laugh-out-loud page turner that had me hooked from the get go. I immediately felt like I was having a late-night glass of wine with an old friend regaling those all too familiar tales of dating woes. This fast-paced read is both poignant and heartwarming. It is an honest book about love and acceptance that so many will relate to.
August 6, 2022
I highly recommend this fun, fast, hilarious journey of the trials and tribulations of dating life. There were many parts that I could relate to from my past dating life. I love how she puts everything out there with no shame because so many of us have had similar experiences.
June 14, 2025
This is the best memoir I’ve read so far. From start to finish this is a page turner. Jana doesn’t hold back when it comes to online dating. There is something for everyone to learn about the crazy world of dating and what we want in a relationship. Pick up a copy today.
January 13, 2022
Hilarious and fun to read, Eisenstein speaks to the horror and beauties of dating, while simultaneously offering profound wisdom along the way. If you want to laugh out loud, this book is for you!
December 7, 2024
This book isn’t going to stay with me but I liked hearing the stories and the feminine urge to do anything just to talk about it with your friends afterwards is so real
June 7, 2025
Funny, easy to read, accurate account of dating experience in the DC area. Really didn’t put it down once I started reading, finished in just a few hours.
December 5, 2022
I cannot give this enough stars. I loved this and fully and completely understand every bit of it.
That said, I suspect people who haven’t dated much in the past 10-15 years won’t understand this story. They may think that the author is flawed or “no good at dating” or is exaggerating her experiences. But I am here to high-five this author and to say that her experiences in this book *are* what modern day dating is. She has perfectly depicted the current female dating experience in DC (with or without some of her explicit sexcapades and with or without the kinda high volume of alcohol she partakes of). I don’t love this book because it has new ideas or made me think about anything differently. I love it because she has perfectly surmised female dating in this era and I felt represented. I suspect that most single women who read this book will completely agree with me and any non-singles who read it will think these are bizarre vignettes by a weird author who is exaggerating her experiences to make them into a book.
It was also great fun that this book is set in DC. I recognized every bar and neighborhood she referenced.
I wish that she had reflected a bit more at the end about where all of this now leaves her. The ~3 page ending felt a bit meager. (On the other hand, I wouldn’t know what else to say, either. There is a limit to how much you can wax poetic about any of this dating reality.)
Favorite quotes:
As a single, independent woman in the post-feminist era, the world was supposed to be my oyster. But, as it happens, I don’t really care for oysters. p134
I was fiercely independent, which felt alarmingly similar to being completely alone. p134
I had proven that I could do it all alone, but I didn’t want to anymore. p135
Loneliness is a powerful motivator… p184
Before I left for work that day, I wrote down his address in my day planner, and on a Post-it note on my desk at work. If Dustin murdered me, I wanted the police to know where to find my body. The mere fact that I thought there was a small chance he would kill me should have precluded another date. But I didn’t have anything else going on in my life, and if I survived, it might be a story worth telling. p196
Maybe there was a way I could turn it into a friends-with-benefits situation, except for the fact that I really didn’t want him as a friend. p197
That said, I suspect people who haven’t dated much in the past 10-15 years won’t understand this story. They may think that the author is flawed or “no good at dating” or is exaggerating her experiences. But I am here to high-five this author and to say that her experiences in this book *are* what modern day dating is. She has perfectly depicted the current female dating experience in DC (with or without some of her explicit sexcapades and with or without the kinda high volume of alcohol she partakes of). I don’t love this book because it has new ideas or made me think about anything differently. I love it because she has perfectly surmised female dating in this era and I felt represented. I suspect that most single women who read this book will completely agree with me and any non-singles who read it will think these are bizarre vignettes by a weird author who is exaggerating her experiences to make them into a book.
It was also great fun that this book is set in DC. I recognized every bar and neighborhood she referenced.
I wish that she had reflected a bit more at the end about where all of this now leaves her. The ~3 page ending felt a bit meager. (On the other hand, I wouldn’t know what else to say, either. There is a limit to how much you can wax poetic about any of this dating reality.)
Favorite quotes:
As a single, independent woman in the post-feminist era, the world was supposed to be my oyster. But, as it happens, I don’t really care for oysters. p134
I was fiercely independent, which felt alarmingly similar to being completely alone. p134
I had proven that I could do it all alone, but I didn’t want to anymore. p135
Loneliness is a powerful motivator… p184
Before I left for work that day, I wrote down his address in my day planner, and on a Post-it note on my desk at work. If Dustin murdered me, I wanted the police to know where to find my body. The mere fact that I thought there was a small chance he would kill me should have precluded another date. But I didn’t have anything else going on in my life, and if I survived, it might be a story worth telling. p196
Maybe there was a way I could turn it into a friends-with-benefits situation, except for the fact that I really didn’t want him as a friend. p197
May 28, 2024
You could not waterboard these stories/inner monologue out of me on my death bed. Not for me
January 26, 2022
I was lucky enough to receive an advance reader copy of "Ghosted."
This book is full of humor, awkward moments, and the reminder that the dating world is a weird place! I loved reading about all of her different experiences! So many laugh-out-loud moments. This book is layered with reminders of our connection to one another and this crazy journey we call life.
Loved this book!
This book is full of humor, awkward moments, and the reminder that the dating world is a weird place! I loved reading about all of her different experiences! So many laugh-out-loud moments. This book is layered with reminders of our connection to one another and this crazy journey we call life.
Loved this book!
January 16, 2022
This dating saga was just the escapism I needed! Eisenstein has written a book full of hilarious and cringey moments in the life of a young, single woman finding her way in the world. While this book made me happy not to be on the dating market anymore, I kept coming back for more of her narrator's stories about looking for a good match and finding lots of losers and jerks --and a sweetheart or two -- along the way.
January 15, 2022
I was lucky enough to get an ARC of this funny, relatable book in exchange for an honest review. Single ladies and formerly single ladies will find so many familiar stories here, even if their own details are not exactly the same. From one-night-stands to online-dating-fiascos to almost-the-real-thing, Eisenstein takes readers on a tour through the quest for something that, if it isn't love, is at least good company - for now.
January 12, 2022
GHOSTED is a laugh-out loud relatable and conversational account of the author's dating (and other paramoural--very cool take on this word!) experience. Crisp, and direct, Eisenstein uses humor to talk about serious dating topics and what the dating life brings, warts and all and what it means to realize when not to compromise and when to acknowledge the hardness of mental health, and frankly, life in general. Loved the narrative style, and the author's reflection on heartbreaking issues in a very relatable way.
December 30, 2023
Jana is a fabulous storyteller able to capture the absurdities of online dating characters while being honest with her own self-assessment. Waiting for the second edition of this book!
January 16, 2022
In Ghosted, Jana Eisenstein recounts adventures and misadventures both poignant and laugh-out-loud funny. Eisenstein’s narrative voice is engaging, vulnerable and compelling in this highly readable memoir.
January 14, 2022
A compulsively readable tale of misadventures in love, with a wild cast of characters in a vibrant New York. Jana Eisenstein is as thoughtful and unflinching as she is hilarious, and I loved her ghostly twist, which sets his memoir apart from the rest.
January 17, 2022
Relatable and hilarious, Ghosted traces Jana's misadventures in dating. And what an awesome title!
March 16, 2024
So much fun. Loved all the local call outs!
December 31, 2024
Laughed out loud. A fun and quick read.
July 12, 2023
This book was entered in The Wishing Shelf Book Awards. This is what our readers thought:
Title: Ghosted: Dating & Other Paramoural Experiences
Author: Jana Eisenstein
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘clarity of message’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Enjoyed this book very much. The author’s writing style is light and often funny. The author offers an interesting insight into dating, and the many pitfalls.” Male reader, aged 29
“I’m a bit old for dating now, but I was still enthralled by this book. I loved how the author balanced ‘helpful advice’ with ‘amusing anecdotes’. I would recommend this to anybody trying to find love and not fall into every love trap along the way.” Female reader, aged 69
“Jana is a likable character most younger adults will relate to. It’s a fast read which often made me laugh. If you are thinking of entering the dating game, this might help you to get out alive!” Female reader, aged 32
“This book has the best title ever!” Male reader, aged 22
“A funny book; I couldn’t put it down.” Female reader, aged 21
To Sum It Up:
‘Insightful, thought-provoking, and often very funny. A SILVER MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
Title: Ghosted: Dating & Other Paramoural Experiences
Author: Jana Eisenstein
Star Rating: 5 Stars
Number of Readers: 15
Stats
Editing: 9/10
Writing Style: 9/10
Content: 10/10
Cover: 5/5
Of the 15 readers:
15 would read another book by this author.
15 thought the cover was good or excellent.
15 felt it was easy to follow.
15 would recommend this book to another reader to try.
Of all the readers, 3 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘subject knowledge’.
Of all the readers, 5 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘writing style’.
Of all the readers, 7 felt the author’s strongest skill was ‘clarity of message’.
15 felt the pacing was good or excellent.
15 thought the author understood the readership and what they wanted.
Readers’ Comments
“Enjoyed this book very much. The author’s writing style is light and often funny. The author offers an interesting insight into dating, and the many pitfalls.” Male reader, aged 29
“I’m a bit old for dating now, but I was still enthralled by this book. I loved how the author balanced ‘helpful advice’ with ‘amusing anecdotes’. I would recommend this to anybody trying to find love and not fall into every love trap along the way.” Female reader, aged 69
“Jana is a likable character most younger adults will relate to. It’s a fast read which often made me laugh. If you are thinking of entering the dating game, this might help you to get out alive!” Female reader, aged 32
“This book has the best title ever!” Male reader, aged 22
“A funny book; I couldn’t put it down.” Female reader, aged 21
To Sum It Up:
‘Insightful, thought-provoking, and often very funny. A SILVER MEDAL WINNER and highly recommended!’ The Wishing Shelf Book Awards
May 8, 2025
Unfortunately I did not like this book despite being a target audience. I can relate to a lot of her experiences when it comes to dating, dating apps, being ghosted but her approach/mindset was triggering, upsetting and in some instances screamed desperation. I know we all approach dating differently and our experiences are diverse but instead of enjoying this book I was getting upset and bored with every new guy mostly because I saw the signs how it would end.
May 9, 2025
Ghosted by Jana Eisenstein is the laugh-out-loud, cringe-in-recognition memoir every modern dater needs. From face-lickers to rooftop disasters, she recounts her romantic misadventures with brutal honesty and biting wit. It’s not just about the guys—it’s about learning to stop waiting for the fairytale and love your own messy story. Smart, hilarious, and sneakily hopeful. Please, someone make the movie or series (think Fleabag in DC)—and don’t fix the ending.
May 21, 2024
The first story in this book is about how she goes home with a guy who's deaf in a "haha, why would I want to date a deaf guy" kind of way. Ableist as fuck. The rest of the stories aren't very inspired either, but hard to get past that first one. It's 2024, come on.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews