This Is Not a Ghost Story: A Novel

(Hardback)

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Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Ameriesdazzling,satirical adult debut tells the story ofa Black man who walks into the lightto find himself in Los Angeles, where he becomes an instant celebrity for being the first visible and verifiable ghost.

Johns House provides all he needs. Surrounded by a vast, beautiful ocean under a void of sky, the House is Johns haven. He is alone, but never lonely; he is here now, but neither remembers nor longs for a before. In his House, John is safe and untroubled.

But then a terrible shadow creature breaks inand it wants him out. Pushed from the House, John falls into the light

And finds himself in modern-day Los Angeles, the first person to ever come back from the other side. Though he has no memory of his past life, or even how he died, everyone wants to know more about the Black man who has returned from the deadis he the second coming A hoax Or something beyond explanation Soon he has brand deals, TV interviews, and politicians aiming to use him for their agendas, yet all John wants is to go home.

But going home will require, most unfortunately, help. In search of a way back, John grudgingly joins forces with a mystic holding dubious qualifications, a hard-edged publicist bent on making him famous, and an aspiring actress who is unsettlingly familiar. With this ragtag band of allies, John begins a journey to find his House on the oceanbut getting there will prove more complicated than he imagined, for it will require not only trusting in someone other than himself, but will mean uncovering painful truths about who John was in life and, perhaps most difficult, who he must become.

A gorgeous, tender story of hope, sacrifice, and what it means to be human,This Is Not a Ghost Story introduces an astonishing new voice in literary fiction.

Reviews

"This is Not a Ghost Story is a mind-bender and a mind-blower, a hugely original and entertaining exploration of grief, regret, ambition, and friendship. John is not (just) a ghost, but a singular main character who will live with you long after you finish the last page." Lou Berney, Edgar Award-winning author of Dark Ride "Is there anything Amerie cant do Clearly not, because this novel is brilliant. A beautiful and subversive take on the afterlife, as razor-sharp as it is deeply moving. Its a fresh, thought-provoking exploration of fame, identity, and what it truly means to live." Jamie Ford, New York Times bestselling author of The Many Daughters of Afong Moy "Sharp, satirical, and deeply resonant,This Is Not a Ghost Storycuts to the core of identity, race, and what it means to be seen in a world eager to capitalize on spectacle. With a voice as incisive as it is unrelenting, Amerie crafts a narrative that is both hauntingly surreal and bracingly human. Sly humor and hard truths immerse readers in thisgripping meditation on visibility, power, and the fragile line between aspiration and exploitationa stunning debut!" Jonathan Escoffery, author of If I Survive You "A compelling, thoughtful, and often funny meditationon identity, race, class, fame, and the afterlife. This bold debut novel offers a fresh and exciting take on 21st Century America.Amerie's singular voice shines like a beacon on a sea of sameness.Highly recommended!" Ace Atkins,New York Times bestselling author of Everybody Wants to Rule the World "[Amerie] crafts a captivating story thats not merely about ghosts and the living but about human desire, confronting ones own faults and misdeeds, and the healing power of friendship." Library Journal(starred review)

Author Bio

Amerieis a Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter, producer, and writer. The daughter of a Korean artist and an African-American military officer, Amerie was born in Massachusetts, raised all over the world, and graduated from Georgetown University with a bachelors in English. She is the editor of New York Times bestsellerBecause You Love to Hate Me(a Junior Library Guild Selection), author of the childrens book You Will Do Great Things, and recently founded Ameries Book Club, a book club that highlights diverse and unique perspectives and voices.