Dancing with Ghosts: a lesbian coming of age novel

by J.C. Russo

Dancing with Ghosts is a full-length novel spanning decades in the life of a girl discovering who she is and struggling to understand and accept this self-discovery. It is the story of her empowering, emotional battle to earn the right to be who she was born to be; the story of a desperate longing to experience love and the sense of belonging that comes with being loved. While growing up in the 1980's, Jayme has always felt something missing from her life. At a young age, she experiences the death of someone close to her, and she is catapulted into a lonely and confusing world where she doesn't feel welcome. With nowhere to turn for guidance, she makes a series of bad decisions, landing in a place and time where life feels hopeless. She desperately wants to be different, to be someone else, to be normal. Then she meets Catherine, and life as Jayme knows it dramatically improves. Catherine is smart and beautiful, and she immediately catches Jayme's eye and heart. Because Catherine is older, Jayme feels safe and protected within the parameters of their relationship. She learns what it means to love and be happy. She revels in this world where she belongs, and she realizes the grave importance of holding on tight, or risk losing it all. But the world Catherine and Jayme build may prove to be too confining for Jayme. Will she finally accept who she is, only to find she has to keep the deepest parts of herself a secret? Will she be left to navigate the lonely world on her own? Or will she be able to accept the ghosts of her past and embrace who she was born to be, unconditionally and without limits? Emotional and raw, Dancing with Ghosts reminds us of the inherent joy of loving another person. It brings hope to those who are lost and alone and wondering how it can possibly turn out okay in the end. It is loss and hope, acquiescence and triumph. It is a story of survival.

278 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 4, 2015

Reviews

[Jenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was beautiful. This was devastating. In many ways, 'Dancing with Ghosts' reminded me of non-fiction; it really felt like a life lived rather than a story told, and it gave me some much needed perspective. While my life, albeit still somewhat short in years, has had its share of difficulties, I've been blessed in so many ways that the protagonist of this story was not. Having now read this book, I feel both more keenly aware of and profoundly grateful for each and every one of those gifts.

I think this may be my favorite coming-of-age story (and I've read many of them), and yet it was also the hardest to read. Normally, I'm the sort that loves a happily-ever-after, a distraction from the dreary and the painful. There's very little of that here. This book has more shadows than light, more pain than joy, more regrets than celebration. And yet, wow. Just wow. I didn't realize it until I'd turned the last page and sat with it for a moment, but I needed to read this story.

Thank you to J.C. Russo for writing this book. There are no tropes here, no clichés. This story felt honest. It felt real, and I can't think of a higher compliment to pay.

[Sherry Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was the first book I read by JC Russo, and I immediately searched for more. This book is seriously amazing -- I agree with another reviewer who said it felt more like reading someone's true story rather than reading fiction. This was the first book in a very (VERY) long time that touched me in such a deep space. I know this story will stick with me for a long time to come. It's even hard to explain using just these words, so I'll just say: read this book. THE BEST lesbian fiction book I've read to date. I have a feeling it'll be a long time until a better book comes along.

If you want to read a book that sucks you in, a book where you literally fall in love with the main character, a book that makes you smile long after you've finished reading it, this is seriously the book for you.

[Christina Gale · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a terrific lesbian fiction novel. The main character's coming of age is very realistic and tugs at the heartstrings. I found myself cheering her on and feeling her disappointments as well as celebrating her victories. I absolutely love the storyline of the main character falling in love with an older woman, and the relationship that ensues is exciting and sensual. After reading the book, I feel like I know them, the characters are that strong. I didn't want it to end, and I find I'm now in that place where I'm just not ready to begin a new book -- I want to marinate in this story for a while longer. I can only hope this author will write a sequel.

[Candace Briggs · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is really good. It's a lesbian coming of age story and it kept my attention. It has humor and so many touching moments and it runs the gamut of emotion throughout the entire book. My significant other and I had a really great time while reading the steamy scenes together. We both really like the length of the book as well. At this price, it’s a real bargain. Many e-books these days are way too short.

[Susan T Crawford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow. Where should I start?

Its been awhile since I read a book this deep. I dont know if I would call this a " coming of age novel", but rather the story of one womans life, eager and innocent, down and dirty, elation and profound sadness. . I think every lesbian can relate to parts of this book. What a life was lived in these pages!

[wren4777 · Rating 1 out of 5]

Don't read it. TW: SA by lead character.

To clarify: About three quarters of the way through the book, the main character rapes a minor who is heavily implied to be a CSA victim. It's not even ambiguous, the victim asks Jayme to stop several times, saying that she is scaring her..

Not that it holds a candle to how horrid that scene was, but I was additionally frustrated because I was reading the entire book non-stop, and I was thinking that it was excellent.

[Scott · Rating 1 out of 5]

The main character spends almost the entire book being scared, self destructive, or angry if she isn't in her 'perfect' relationship. And she keeps trying to go back to guys. At first she denies being gay. And dates guys. Then finally gets enough nerve to be with a woman. And determines she is gay. But then things get rough in the relationship, she allows herself to be with a guy, though she does stop him. Guess she was 'confused'. Then when the relationship ends and she runs away, tries to be with a guy again.

Not a happy book.