A True Story of Escape (Ghost No More Series Book 1)

A story of horror for a girl growing up mistreated and sexually abused, you feel her pain was eagerly reading to find out her fate. I am very happy she found her way, and peace. Unfortunately for he was nd of the book was a great big smack in the face advertisement for God, As a n atheist this bummed me out, I an happy that people get comfort from religion, but you can overcome anything w without calling on "God', so 3 stars as she's happy but has not resolved real life

Sometimes I wonder if many of these abuse stories are true (how to verify such?). It seems most of the child abuse books are the same story with different characters and abuses. I agree with others that no two year old or four year old can recall in vivid details what happened to them at that age. I became interested in this genre after reading 'A Boy Called It', but I'm tired of reading the same stories over and over that seem to want to copy 'A Boy Called It'.

I loved this memoir. A girl with a heart-wrenching, harrowing life grows to become a woman who understands love. It is a moving narrative that made me review my own life and my own understanding of love, most especially in how I loved myself and my family. Thank you, Cee Cee James, for gifting me with your life's story so that I may appreciate how true inner-beauty comes from the ashes of one's life. Beautiful.

This book was hard for me to read. Most children don't have such vivid memories until at least five or six and having ran a daycare for many years I have watched lots of children, and most of them forget anything that happens to them with in a few minutes. And then they are right back to playing with whoever hurt them, and don't remember it unless someone reminds them or tells them about it later in life.
I can see areas of this story some things that were physically impossible for a child so young like the fire, where she followed her mother a distance a small​ child could never have accomplished. A child that young would have stopped when​ they got tired and fell a sleep, or been overcome by the smoke.
I can understand her wanting to show the abuse from a young age, but this was unrealistic. It would have been better to do a regression scene where a physiciatrist takes her back to get at the details of when Ceecee was very young.
The story became much better and easier to read with better focus and understanding when she starts school.
This is a painfull story but I liked seeing how God was with her through all her pain and brought her through to forgiveness for herself and others.

First of all I have to say how brave CeeCee is by sharing her story. I can imagine how difficult it was to relive the memories of the abuse she suffered. This story brought out a lot of emotion in me. My heart broke for the little girl that only wanted her mother's love, but instead was treated in a way that no one deserves to be treated. And yes, I felt anger. Naturally I felt anger toward her mother and another relative who was sexually abusing her. But I also felt anger toward other adults who should have recognized the signs of abuse but did nothing. About 10 years ago I (along with others) testified against someone who was abusing a young relative of mine. This young relative was put in foster care for awhile but eventually was put back in the home of the abuser. Then they moved out of state. This young relative finally got out of the home after once again being punched in the mouth. At this time she was almost 16 and was ready to go to authorities. After this occurred she was allowed by the person (who didn't want to accept that the person he married was abusing his child) to move back with another relative. She's doing well now and is in college planning her future. But people need to wake up and realize that child abuse is real, it happens! I hope that CeeCee's story will make everyone who reads it more aware of that sad fact. I realize that children do get bumps & bruises from playing & accidents. But when you start to see this repeatedly, you need to pay attention! I'm no professional but I do know that you will also see nervousness in the child. I'm sorry my review is so long, but I am very opinionated when it comes to the subject of child abuse.

If anyone wants to know if I read this book in one sitting, the answer is yes.

When I opened this book, it was like opening a part of life stained with pain, like a beautiful (but historic) garden overtaken by diseased roses. But as always, the strength of children never ceases to amaze me. The main character in this story is proof that children have more moral fiber, and more stamina than any adult. A child's words in the eye of a most abusive storm did not surprise me. "Outside I sang la, la, la, la, and used my blue shovel to fill my blue plastic wheel barrel with dirt."

I have to give this book 5 stars for the following reasons: Initially as Cee Cee James told of her growing up years with her mother and father she maintained the curiosity factor by ending each chapter with words that force the reader to keep turning pages in order to find the next connection to her story as only a good writer can. It was sort of like watching a house being remodeled after a continuous storm, wanting to see the end result, but it wasn't a house; it was a life.
James was clearly able to seize my emotions as she translated what she was feeling, and one of those emotions was anger toward her sick and selfish abusers. Her writing was straightforward and unmodified with words or metaphors and I like that kind of writing. Those are my thoughts on her writing style, but my thoughts about her story go very far and deep along the lines of a subject that can disturb anyone with a heart when they learn how some people can demolish (without conscience) the spirit of a child.

Knowing this kind of adult behavior does exist, and endless numbers of children are affected by abuse, it continues to sadden an objective mind with a blanket of helplessness that adds only to the sadness.

Reading this book brought tears to my eyes, and for her courage and faith despite a childhood crushed with abuse, I salute her. This book is a must read for anyone, and everyone. Reality spoken from a child's mouth to God's ears needs to be heard.

The writer is so honest and detailed in the experience I feel as though I am there, watching. I cried through most if this. One can understand tge innocence, the naivette, the helpless, hopeless trapped feeling.
How God gave the child the strength to go on one more day.
Many children broke mentally or turned to a self destructive life style.
This child survived through the grace of God.
This treatment was all too common in the 50s, 60,s and 70s. Sometimes it was one parent, both patents, brothers, uncles, grandfather, etc. That this child found the strength to write it all down is a miracle.
Some victims have tried and fell apart reliving the memories was too much.
Well written and flowed well.

"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, There is going be a sequel to this book and you can sign up for the newsletter at the end of the book.

When I saw that this book and it's author had been the recipient of a prestigious nonfiction award, I was prompted to buy it. Having read many books of this sort, and having experienced both sexual, emotional and physical abuse myself, I was expecting this to be a truly heartbreaking story. I don't mean to minimize the miserable life described in this memoir, but it seemed to me that it was not as horrendous as it might have been, and in fact was for me and a multitude of others. I didn't find the author's writing style particularly effective, nor did the book draw me in from the first page. I do not plan to read the other two books in this series.

I loved this book. My heart ached with the author as I read. I've been in her shoes, and though my childhood wasn't nearly as bad, I felt her pain. I love that she chose not to live her life as a victim, just as I have!
For the reviewers that are saying there's no way she remembers details like that at 3-4 years old... YES it's totally possible! Four was when my abuse started and I remember every detail! Clearly none of those reviewers have experienced such a horrible event at such a young age!

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 and for short periods before CeeCee's family moved away for the umpteenth time she was able to experience human kindness and interest in her welfare. 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.

**NOTE: I received this ebook free**

Be sure to grab the tissue box when you read this story. CeeCee James has written the best description of the EMOTIONS associated with child abuse that I have ever read...and I've read everything I could find. But she doesn't stop there. She describes, in some detail, the roller-coaster ride to overcoming, and winning against the odds.

The reason I gave it 4 stars instead of 5 is because of the writing itself...not the content. Perhaps it was due to transcription errors, but I found my self reading sentences over a couple of times before I understood what I thought was meant. This happens so frequently that I just could not overlook it.

HOWEVER, this bump along the way by no means kept me from BEING right there with CeeCee in this horrific and triumphant journey.

Abuse may differ from one circumstance to another, but CeeCee NAILED the feelings, the emptiness, and the adult remains of BEING a child abuse survivor...and better still the rough road of overcoming it!

Great job!

The attention to detail in CeeCee's book painted a vivid picture I will never forget. How any little girl could survive all the hatred directed at her by her parents is difficult to understand. What came across loud and clear is the undertone in her story. Even though she lived in fear, she spent her childhood trying to gain the love and attention all children deserve. She never got it. Instead, she was hated just for being alive. Although a victim of severe abuse, CeeCee does not play that role. Through sheer determination, she has lived her life with an attitude of love, forgiveness, caring and sympathy towards those less fortunate than her. You will not be able to put this book down - it is captivating. Although it makes you angry that no one was there to rescue her, you cannot help but applaud her for her strength and tenacity. It made her the incredible woman she has become.

A heartbreaking story of abuse and survival, but not just survival, healing too. As a survivor of domestic abuse, I connected with this story on many levels. One truth held fast. All abusers follow the same patterns. The only difference is the depth of their violence. The author's story is well written, emotional, and riveting. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough. The best part, she does find escape from the ravages of abuse and her story is an inspiration to anyone caught in an abusive situation. There is hope of a better life. For those who have not encountered this kind of fear, it will open your eyes and your heart.

As someone else said on these reviews, once you start reading this book, you can't put it down. CeeCee hooks the reader from the start and reels us in, not letting go. It is truly a page-turner. She has a way of working with sentence structure and using metaphors to paint a picture of what her life was like growing up. But what she does exceptionally well is make you feel what she was feeling and thinking and how and why she reacted to certain things as she did. What I also like is she doesn't delve into the grittiness of exactly what happened between her and her grandfather, but you get the gist. I like that.

I don't want to tell the ending or what happens throughout the book, but suffice it to say, this author has a keen insight into the workings of the mind, and a keen insight into herself.

I admire CeeCee, and truly expect to see her rise as a talented author.

CeeCee tries so hard to be perfect so her mother won't punish her. She can never succeed, so spends her childhood trying to keep out of her irrational mother's way. Locked out of the house, she finds hideaways from the weather and on rare occasion, a kindly neighbor who gives her a bite to eat.

She tells her story in a matter-of-fact way, taking the blame upon herself for never pleasing her mother. It's a grueling read, but captures the reader as you follow her tiny triumphs and rue her setbacks.

I love this book. It shows the power of hope, although it breaks my heart that this is a true story. ? I have great respect for CeeCee James, who has not only proved herself to kind and loving, but also strong, and an amazing person. She has shown true will power and revealed some of the cruelty in the world. GHOST NO MORE, is a book that shows both the beauty of the world and the hatred. CeeCee James is an amazing person and may be one the most strong, caring, willful, and true people that I have ever heard of, and GHOST NO MORE, is just as beautiful.

A very tough read! I cried at different points in CeeCee's story. She endured so much abuse to "prove" she loved her mother. Her family was horrible, in all regards!
I couldn't stop reading because I kept hoping for a "happy" ending: an ending to the abuse; an ending that would relieve the anger and pain I felt for the life CeeCee had. Thank goodness I got it.
But mostly, thank goodness for the love and respect that CeeCee learned to give despite the terrible upbringing and abuse she lived for so long.

This story drew me in from the first page. I found myself unable to put it down, and even when I should be working, I felt drawn back to little CeeCee and her struggles. It is a miracle someone could go through all that she has and come out whole. This is a true testament to God's healing power. The circumstances were so sad; I had to keep reminding myself this was a true story. Very moving and emotional book! Thank you, CeeCee for sharing your testimony.

This book breaks your heart, but makes you know that you can overcome anything. You can make sure that abuse doesn't define who you are. This story also helps people realize that whatever they are going through, it could be worse. But no matter what, God loves you and together you can endure and overcome the obstacles. It also reminds you that you never know what some people are going through, be careful how you treat them. I love this book. I would recommend it to anyone that struggles or has struggled with any type of abuse, or suffers from anxiety and/or depression.

This is a story you know has to be true, as it is impossible to tell this story without experiencing it yourself. This book is engrossing, heart wrenching, yet shows how the human mind can be healed against all odds. Reading it makes you wonder how on earth CeeCee could face a new day, yet she did, and what a ride she gives in relaying her struggles as well as putting forth such personal details I can only imagine being impossibly painful to even think about. I highly recommend this book, especially if you have experienced a dysfunctional family, on any level. You will not be able to put this book down!

I wouldn't say that I was full of joy reading this. Some of the parts hit very close to home and held a lot of truth. It was riveting and intense through the hole book and entranced me even more wanting to understand, feel, and comfort that girl. She had a rough life all through her childhood, yet she remained strong and gave me reminders in my life of how I should handle things. Heartbreaking story but major meaning to ones life in difficult times.

From the moment I started this book I couldn't put it down. Luckily I had 10+ hours on a flight to read it through. I've been home for a week and everyday something from the book comes to mind. It's a story that sticks with you and your heart breaks for that little girl. CeeCee delivers and makes her childhood story completely transparent. I won't give away any details but this book hit close to home as my wife had a very similar story herself. It left me with tears but to see where she's come from to where she's at now is truly inspirational!

This memoir by this author was written from the heart. My heart was with this young girl as she struggled within the bounds of her family. And I can't imagine why everyone turned a blind eye. The final chapter touched me so much it brought me to tears and changes the way I look at my own trials of life. An honest story written through pain, yet holding hope for the future. I highly recommend this book.

I’ve never read a book where by the end I wanted to give the author a hug, but this book made me want to do that. It’s a hard read, but the fact the author had the strength to tell her story, I’d endure the hard read to hear it!

I don't even know what to say. Especially knowing this is someone's true story. Little CeeCee pulled at my heartstrings so much that I wanted to breakthrough and scoop her up, and you will feel the same way too.

Once again, Author CeeCee James has captured me with her written words.

I highly recommend this read. But be warned, for anyone with abuse, it may be triggering.

I loved how well the story was written. I just can not imagine this happening to any person. How do they cope with the belittlement all those years. If this is truly a true story; bless you. I want to hug and cry for you. I'm about 75% through the book but needed to refer a friend to read the book. Just unreal the daily pain.

This is, hands down, the hardest book to read that I have ever experienced. It's hard to believe someone can give birth to a child and then treat that child so monsterously. I wanted to swoop in and save CeeCee very early on in the story. Such a courageous child and an even more courageous woman.

A very touch full story. I'm impressed at how Cee CEE is able to go through all the madness, hatress, and abuse that surrounded her as a child, explain it to us and keep fighting for her freedom. It's a lesson for everybody of love and forgiveness. I received this book for free and voluntarily reviewed it.

This book was an interesting read. I cannot imagine what CeeCee went through for almost 18 years. It is wonderful that she came out the other side and was able to break the cycle.

The book needed some editing.

I will probably read other books by this author.

- This book spoke to me in so many ways. My history is very similar to Ceecee's
- I recommend this book to anyone that has experienced child abuse or actively in an abusive situation with a desire for healing and restoration.
-The starvation, beatings, attempted suicide, hospitalized (psychiatric facility) for months for me not weeks, spending my teen years in a group home, homelessness house hopping and finally the process of healing and restoration through Christ. I don't just understand everything that happened I over-stand and know why Ceecee had to write this book and for that I say THANK YOU!

This book was raw, honest, riveting, and inspiring. If this author can survive an entire childhood marred by abuse, neglect, confusion, pain, and hatred with God's help, then anything is possible with Him. Thank you, Ms. James, for opening up your life and sharing your story through your evident talent for writing! Your story will inspire others to survive and thrive with God's help!

Sad sad story... I gave it a 5 star rating because it helped me to realize some things about my own childhood. Thanks to the author for sharing the painful memories of her childhood... I feel as if a cloud has lifted.

What a story told so clearly my heart broke again and again and I prayed for a happy ending . I wanted revenge for her but instead she overcame all of it and found God and love. N.o child should have to suffer through anything like this ever again. I couldn't put it down until the end.

I just hate what some poor poor children put up with. And they don't have a way out, they don't have a say in anything. Makes me sick what humans can inflict on others. Enjoyed the book, hate the subject.

What a compelling book! CeeCee's childhood is one that most of us can't even imagine...desperately wanting someone to love her but only receiving abuse instead. What a heartbreaking story. Very well-written and includes a lot of heart-wrenching details. I am so happy that she was eventually able to understand the true meaning of love and family. I had a very difficult time putting this one down.

This book had me swinging the emotional roller coaster - always hoping the main character would get the love she so desperately deserved. Or at the very least that someone would recognize her abusers and save her. The ending is satisfying but I'm hoping the other books will give me more insight on the adult relationships in this book.

I almost didn’t read this book. The description of the the story didn’t really say much. So I thought if I didn’t like it right away I would find something else, I couldn’t put it down. This is such a compelling, heart wrenching story. I question what was going mentally wrong with her mother. I intend on looking into everything this author writes.

I think that this author was okay. I would like to see future works because although it wasn't my favorite book, there seems to be some potential. I'd like to see what she comes up with in future works as she continues to grow.

Makes me very clear I need to do something for these abused kids. I am attempting to get educated about what they experience & their outcome in life. Just heard about a 10 year old boy who died in Chino Valley AZ near my city of Prescott. I'm so saddened that DCS does little to help these little folks. I'm aware of many cases of child sexual abuse & nothing has been done to protect these kids. Help if you are able. [email protected]

A powerful true account of pain, transformation, faith, and forgiveness. So hard to fathom that adults could be so broken that they would inflict so much emotional and physical pain, and neglect, on a child. Amazing that she came out strong and is now able to mother her own children very differently from the way she was not-mothered. Once I started this book I was unable to finish it - read it through tears, and finished it a few hours later.

Easy read as far as sticking with it, but very sad that this woman had to go through so much abuse her whole childhood. If you can handle it, the ending finally comes where she tells how God helped her through all the bad times, gave her a wonderful family of her own as an adult and she was able to be the mother she never had. In all, a good read!

CeeCee had such a horrible childhood. It's scary how no one figured out what was happening to her. Jim is a amazing person the way he helped her. It was wonderful watching her accept God and learn that it wasn't her fault how she was treated. You won't be able to stop reading her story.

Reading this book almost had me in tears. How could a mother treat her own flesh and blood this way? Ever since she was a little girl, Ceecee did her very best to gain her mother's love and approval, but by her mother's twisted standards, she fell short every single time. Her mother failed to protect her and throughout her life was her main abuser. I am so glad Ceecee survived her horrible childhood and made up her mind that she would never treat her children the way her mother treated her. She is definitely a survivor!

I appreciate the author's honesty and openness. I especially was encouraged about her sharing how her belief in God helped bring her through to the other side of abuse and negect. This was an empowering and encouraging story.

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 than CeeCee's mother. 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!

So sad that a mother would treat her child this way. So disturbing to read. And then no one actually helped her while growing up. The system fails so many. I love children and hate to see them in pain. I see some children in a different way than i did before but how can you help if you dont know. Thank goodness she learned about God our real father and his love for us.

Awesome read it make my heart ache with sorrow for this little girl who had courage to survive and love her children like she was never loved by her parents. I loved this book! It inspires me to know even if you have a rough home life you can concur in the end! I recommend this book to anyone who may have had a rough child hood because it shows light at the end of a tunnel and that everyone deserves love by someone

Beautifully written...a refreshingly humble revelation of God's true love. Ms. James artfully recounts her own heartbreaking childhood story of neglect and abuse, that ultimately leads her to joyfully discover the Truth of her identity according to her Maker.

What a remarkable girl to overcome these obstacles in life. God was with her the whole time and as a young girl she trusted Him to get her though the tough times. This book was very well written and one of the best memoirs I have read in a long time. She is a beautiful soul no matter what she was told in the past. Once you read this, you will agree.

While difficult to read at times, because no one wants to believe a parent could inflict such hurt on a child. CeeCee's incredible will to love and be loved is an inspiration. This book left me eager for the sequel.

This book at me feeling as if I was in the characters actual shoes! A very Emotional book that everyone should read to get a better perspective of how emotional abuse can destroy a child. It also shows how Gods love can give us great strength to pull through even the worse circumstances!

This was one of those stories that will haunt you in the best of ways. That CeeCee managed to find light and forgiveness for the darkness that was her childhood and to unflinchingly share it with the world is a triumph of the soul. Beautiful; both the author and the book.

Wow. What an amazing, moving and poignant book! I couldn't put it down and couldn't believe that a child could possibly survive such hatred and humiliation from her family and grow up to be a strong and loving women herself. A very powerful book and an absolute must read!

Skeptical...how many can remember conversations at three. Most don't recall before age five and then not in any detail.
If her mom was that cruel she sounds mentally ill and can't fix herself.
The story about the fire did not feel right....

I could not put this book down. I kept waiting for her to speak up and tell someone about her abuse. People use how they were raised and treated as a child, as an easy excuse when they do wrong. Well the type of mother she became, that I became are all positive results from a not so good childhood.

This book is a must read for anyone that suffered abuse or is trying to help someone that has. The writer has an incredible ability to draw you in to the book allowing you to feel her emotions in the moment.

For anyone that has experienced any type of abuse as a child and prayed for rescuing, please read. So many innocent children are abused by cruel, evil adults. How we manage to endure through the suffering is only by the hand of a gently and loving God. SRiley

Hi cee cee your name is kind of cute. So dont worry.
I can't imagine the cruelty you experienced in your life.
I am happy that you could forgive your mother but please don't give excuses for her behavior. She is a s***ty mother who expect approval and love from her parents while she doesn't consider her daughter even as a human. She dont deserve you.

And about her father there is no enough punishment for him in this world. Let his soul rot in hell. Sorry that was uncalled for but I can't help it. Grand parents should love their grandchildren more than their life.
I thank the Lord and my wishes to Jim for loving you and helping you if he is truly the person you described.

I really enjoyed reading this and found myself not able to put it down at times. Heart wrenching, yet an amazing account of her broken childhood sprinkled with the never ending hope that she carried with her throughout.

Though this is a sad storyline, I could not put it down!
Ending is good though. I commend the author for writing about such a horrific childhood. Hopefully, it, with Jesus by her side, has helped her heal!

This is an amazing story. I suggest getting all 3 in the series! An uplifting story of 2 people whose lives come together and how they overcame heartache and misery to share a wonderful life together.

Incredibly well written, physically easy to read but emotionally heart wrenchingly difficult.
An absolute must read. Every page holds lessons to be learned for everyone... no matter their circumstances.

I couldn't put this book down, I had no idea it was a memoir until I was almost finished it.
It's one of the best examples of strength and courage, and later faith that I have read in a long time, CeeCee you are one amazing woman. I have already picked up the second book in your series.

PLEASE,Ms.James! Write a sequel. This was so realistic and hauntingly beautiful. The ending was a relief, but then what? CeeCee learned to be loved,but I'm sure that wasn't an easy journey. This story could go on and on and I sincerely hope it does!

This story starts off grabbing your attention which goes on well into the middle of the book. However, somewhere it loses its credibility. The story ends with this tortured child growing up to be a happily married women with no repercussions to the grandfather who molested her for years or to the mother who tortured her since she was a small baby. I just didn't believe the story line at the end.

Beautifuly written. You genuinely feel like you are on the journey with the main character. This book touched me to my core. I'm grateful to have read it. I would recommend this book to anyone but especially someone who struggles with their past for any reason.

I really enjoyed reading this autobiography. It was very touching and I love the outcome. The only thing I would say is in the beginning. It didn't seem fluent- more like rambling old memories which was fine!