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Look Away: Collisions with the ungodly; Based on actual events.

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Tara Sivec ~ USA Today Best Selling Author, "I absolutely loved it. One of my favorite books for 2017." 

Emma Chase ~ New York Times and International Bestselling Author, "Look Away was amazing! I really loved it!! It's SO GOOD!! Extremely well written and JUST SOOOO GOOD!! BRAVO!!"


I was pinned to a bed by my arms and my legs by something I could not see. It left me scratched, bruised and petrified. I played with an Ouija board and learned the hard way it is not a game without consequences. I have had something vile and ungodly pass through my body causing me to claw at my skin to rid myself of its defiling touch. I have watched a demon reveal itself within a minister of my church as it struggled to escape the holy presence of God.
My skin and body have suffered things that are forever branded into the memory of my flesh.

What would you do if you found yourself trapped inside of a nightmare while you were wide awake?

Could you look away?

From the Author
DISCLAIMER/WARNINGS; This book isn't for everybody. It contains some extremely high anxiety scenes that put the reader right there with me during several terrifying moments of my life. You are not only reading about these moments in my life but you are also experiencing them with me. It has been highly advised to read Look Away during the daylight hours and not if you are home alone. Also, it is impossible to speak about the darkness in this world without also speaking about the Light. There are very strong elements of my faith in parts of my memoir. If you are sensitive to being exposed to a Spirit Filled Christian's experiences and heart while telling of what happened during a church service and beyond, then this may not be a book you wish to read. It is not my intention to push my Christian faith upon anyone reading my life stories but to give the reader a better perspective being that they may be an outsider looking in.

181 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 24, 2017

10 people are currently reading
94 people want to read

About the author

Jo Holatte

4 books27 followers
Look Away, being Jo Holatte’s debut book, is not the first book she has published. Even though she already has a loyal fan-base/following from her humor stories, she has chosen to write under a pen name due to the sensitive nature within some of her memoirs within this book and in future books.

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5 stars
47 (73%)
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7 (10%)
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5 (7%)
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3 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
Profile Image for Emma Chase.
Author 66 books19.1k followers
October 22, 2017
I really enjoyed this collection of stories! Well written in an intimate voice, and everything good ghost stories should be-spooky, intense, interesting & relatable enough to make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up!!
Highly recommend - especially at this time of year :)
Profile Image for Jaime.
6 reviews2 followers
September 27, 2017
A chilling true stories read. I didn't want to put it down. The supernatural is a mighty thing and real life accounts of it are always fascinating, but Jo's writing style is phenomenal! Heart pumping, page turning, and all the feels. I want more!
Profile Image for Frances.
84 reviews3 followers
September 30, 2017
Time to change your shorts this was scary and thought prevoking ghosts and spirits are around you. I wanted more stories to read it I read it in one sitting .I couldn't put it down.
Profile Image for CDBW.
1,617 reviews81 followers
September 18, 2017
4.5 Crazy Ass Stars!!!

Ghost stories and ghost hunting shows have always intrigued me. So when I got a chance to review an advance copy of this book, you bet your patootie I jumped at the chance.
I’m a firm believer in ghosts having had a few encounters myself. I love to listen to others’ accounts of their experiences.
Chill bumps up and down my arms! So glad I decided to read this during the day. I’m not easily spooked but a couple of Jo’s experiences were similar in nature to mine. They creeped me out that’s for sure.
I’m gonna be honest here and say I’m a bit skeptical on the religious part of this story. Now don’t get me wrong, I believe in God and Jesus. That makes me a Christian but I’m Catholic so it’s a little hard for me to wrap my head around the “Jesus Freak” stuff. I’m only quoting it like that because it is described that way in the book. I did enjoy this part of the book. It also gave me chill bumps especially when there was validation on what happened.
Profile Image for Ashleigh Giannoccaro.
Author 52 books516 followers
October 25, 2017
There is nothing better than a book that stops you breathing. I absolutely loved this book, it was a something so different and refreshing, yet my hair his still standing on end.

I think this is one of those 'you just have to read it for yourself' books where no review is going to do it justice, simply because it is so many things.

Profile Image for Pamela Stallings.
199 reviews8 followers
October 24, 2017
There are things in this world that just cannot be explained and when you try to there are always the skeptical people. I am a firm believer in ghosts and demons. I have actually had an experience with a spirit while on a ghost tour in St. Augustine, FL. So yes this was a book that I thoroughly enjoyed. I love ghost hunter shows and if anyone has a story to tell I'm always all ears. These experiences that Jo has had are all true events that's what makes this book so incredible. She's giving a part of herself to her readers and I know that has to be very hard. People may have a problem with the religion aspect of this book but in my opinion you can't talk about demons without including God. There will always be good and evil in this world. Jo did an amazing job with this book. Her words are powerful and intense and it's exactly what I needed to read at this moment. Thank you so much Jo Holatte for sharing your words and experiences with us.

I received an ARC from the author for an honest review.
Profile Image for Cassy Bunnell.
32 reviews
October 3, 2017
This book is not for the faint of heart. It is about paranormal experiences witnessed by the author and people that surrounded her. As a person who has had paranormal experiences myself, I can relate and even sympathize with the feelings and coping mechanism the author went through. I enjoyed reading this book and it really did bring those similar feelings I had throughout my own experiences back. As I read, I could tell that Jo is very grounded in her faith and that faith is what brought her through these experiences. My faith is what saved me from my own. If you believe in paranormal entities or not this book will have you questioning and/ or even scared at moments for the person(s) who are involved.
Profile Image for Kristen Miller.
2 reviews
September 30, 2017
First let me say THANK you for the shout out in acknowledgements ❤❤❤ secondly.. you are amazing! The book is amazing! The funny thing is, what happened in your church with the "change of power" also happened in my church, I was 16 and had grown up VERY much a part of the structure of that building, it was My 2nd home full of "Aunts and Uncles" my FAMILY. Then new pastors came in and I lost my way..nothing was ever the same after that. I never found another church where I felt like that so I just stopped trying. I find myself craving that feeling of spiritual freedom and love. When I walked in that building I was enveloped in a warm hug the entire time. Thank you for bringing those memories back to the forefront of my mind! The book was truly awesome! Thank you for sharing a bit of yourself for us!
Profile Image for Andi Pletcher.
4 reviews
October 3, 2017
This is truly a riveting read. I don't usually go for non-fiction reads, but I couldn't put this book down and "Look Away" once I started it. For some it can be totally relevant and relatable, and for me that was definitely true. If you have ever dealt with encounters of the spiritual world and/or enjoy reading about other's experiences, you won't be disappointed. I can't wait for the actual paperback to release so that I can put faces to names.
Profile Image for Jennifer.
569 reviews27 followers
October 19, 2017
Oh my lord!! This book!! Wowza! Jo Holatte just blew me away with her tales of the paranormal that she's experienced! Do you believe in ghosts and the supernatural? I do and this book just made the hairs on the back on my neck stand on end! If you are not a believer, after reading this you may just change your mind!! I was immediately sucked into her stories and felt liked I was reliving the stories with her. It was so eerie and intriguing I couldn't stop reading until the very end. This is a must read book and a one that can be read for almost any age from a teenager to your elderly grandparents!

Look Away tells the story of four different experiences that the author has personally lived through. She immediately draws us into a story about a house she lived in with her roommates and ends with a story of seeing pure evil in a place you would least expect it. It was mind-blowing that someone actually lived this. These are stories that will definitely stay will me for awhile. I love to read paranormal books but to know someone actually lived this left me speechless. I thank the author for being brave enough to share her stories as some may look at these as being from an overactive imagination while others (like me) know there are things that go bump in the night and evil does exists in this world. To witness it will change a person and I commend Ms Holatte for sharing! If you are looking for a little something to get in the mood for Halloween or just curious about her ghost stories, I highly recommend reading!!
Profile Image for Suz.
163 reviews
October 12, 2017
I'm so glad I was entrusted with an ARC of this book. As I have experienced some of these other-worldly lessons as well, I was intrigued to find some similarities and some things specific to Jo's life that were entertaining and drew me in. What a brave woman to put her life on paper for all to critique. This is not fiction. It's no bedtime story and it's definitely not for the thin skinned. Keep all the lights on. And DO NOT LOOK AWAY!
Profile Image for Jodie Wilkins.
107 reviews3 followers
October 24, 2017
Wow this book was amazing it gave me chills I'm not very easily scared but I had my fiance check the house before he went to work for a whole week after finishing it. What made it even more chilling and scary is that all the stories are true. I Loved it even if it did scare me, the book was extremely well written.
Profile Image for Maari.
474 reviews
September 28, 2017
Breathing is so important!!

This story took my breath away in more ways than one, either by holding it, taking a gasp, or a 'whew' in relief that everyone was alright (for the moment)! Nail biting is so nasty. I have not done so since I was young. Apparently I took it up again, upon reading this book! Yes, I know, gross! This story kept me on the edge.

I have always believed in spirits that are stuck in our world, having a few visit me from time to time. Ms. Holatte does an amazing job of making her experiences my own. She expresses vivid details to the point where you can feel the chill in the air, and those hairs standing up on the back of my neck? Those are very real! This is a must read for anyone who likes to be absolutely horrified by true life events! Don't say that you weren't warned...
Profile Image for Taylor.
60 reviews17 followers
September 27, 2017
Upon finishing Look Away by Jo Holatte, I was left pretty much without words. my thought was, "wow...that was intense!" Although each story in the book is fairly short, it is just enough to keep you engrossed and to have you feeling like you have just experienced what happened for yourself. Jo Holatte does not disappoint with her sharing of her "Collisions with the ungodly"! I'm definitely looking forward to any future writing from her and to rereading this one very soon!
Profile Image for Sharilyn Dickerson.
401 reviews22 followers
November 10, 2017
Not for the faint of heart!

"Collisions with the ungodly" and the blurb had me hook, line and sinker. Once I started reading, I couldn't look away. This book definitely isn't for everyone. However, if you can read it with an open mind I highly suggest it.
I have always believed in the spiritual world - good and evil. As a child, and a few times as an adult, I have experienced things that others would probably want to lock me away in a padded cell if I told them.
The first part of the book had me wanting to lock the doors and turn on all the lights. The bathroom story in particular had the hairs on my neck and the goosebumps on my arms raised.
I will say that while I liked the book itself, I think my favorite part was probably the "About the Author" section. What the author doesn't know is that today is a really tough day for myself and my family. Reading the very last part of this section of the book was exactly what I needed to read today at the very moment I read them. For that... I want to say "thank you".
Profile Image for Aubrey .
226 reviews9 followers
October 24, 2017
Words of praise: Very powerful message. I was able to feel how scared she was during her encounters. Gave me chills.

Favorite line: "Man wanted religion. God simply desires a relationship."

Full review: I went into this thinking it was going to be incredibly scary and that I shouldn't read it at night or when I'm alone. So on a Sunday morning, I started reading Look Away in the living room with my husband present.

What I loved: Each chapter title/header gave me insight into what I was about to read. So if it was going to be scary, I knew to prepare myself. I also loved that I could feel the encounters. She gave great detail on each experience and left nothing to the imagination, which works for a story like this. I didn't want to imagine what she went through, I wanted to feel it. And I loved that although these were terrifying encounters for her, from childhood through adulthood, that Jo was brave enough to share them with her readers.

What I didn't love: This book is heavy on her religion. She spent a lot of time explaining her faith, more so than the actual encounters. Now I'm not saying that's a bad thing, because I learned a lot from her. But religion is not what I thought I'd be reading about. On the other hand, I completely understand why she had to talk so in depth about it. And honestly, it works for this book. If you're a believer, you'll be able to feel her faith. To feel her strength and the courage it took her to not only write about her encounters, but also to live through them. Her faith got her through it, and can we all say that we would come out the same way as she did? She came out stronger than she was before. Her faith was deeper than it was before.

My words of praise above came from a particular encounter, and it literally gave me chills to read it. Like I said, I could feel her fear, but in that scene, I could truly feel her faith. And it was beautiful.

Fiction books give you "the feels". You feel happy or sad when you're reading and when you finish, but I don't think that's the same kind of feeling you get with Look Away. I don't really know how to explain it, but this book was incredible, despite my lack of interest in religion. Her ability to tell a true story and make her readers feel exactly how she felt in those moments is amazing. The writing is impeccable. And if this is going to be a series, count me in for reading all of the others.

Oh, and my favorite line from above? That's exactly how I feel about religion. That line still resonates with me 23 days after reading this story.
Profile Image for Myriam.
12 reviews12 followers
October 24, 2017
Ghost/spirits/entities, these are things that have always been a part of my life. I have seen them, felt them, and even spoken to them on occasion. This part of myself is not something that I hide or am ashamed of... just part of life and this book will leave you breathless and questioning everything that you know. This book is most definitely a ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ for me!

Jo Holatte debut novel reads more like season writing at its best. You could feel the story; this book does not tell you her journey, it takes you along for the ride! Highly recommend it to anyone.
Profile Image for Michelle Ella.
537 reviews16 followers
October 30, 2017
Captivating

I couldn't put this story down, it made my pulse race and my breath come faster but I couldn't stop reading. A must read of the year!
Profile Image for Kimberly Hawthorne.
1 review7 followers
September 27, 2017
I have always believed in the spiritual realm, both angels and demons. I loved how the author started out with "ghost" stories then segued into a demonic story, finishing with a detailed account of both God's spirit and the devil. The pictures added a nice touch to the stories, adding even more dimension to the characters. Her beautiful sentence structure and vivid imagery caused me to interrupt my reading multiple times so I could reread a particular sentence that impressed me, giving it a chance to really soak in. I love how Jo depicted her church and explained her relationship with God. It was eye opening to me, often bringing me to tears.

I read the book when I had free time over a two day span. During this time, I found myself thinking about the stories and longing to pick up the book again. I even did my hair and makeup while attempting to read! I'm definitely hooked and would love to read more stories along this line. Jo certainly has many more intriguing stories to be told, and I will be waiting for them.
Profile Image for Kylie.
1,136 reviews11 followers
November 1, 2017
This was a really really disappointing read for me.

A few things to consider before starting this book; do you believe in ghosts/supernatural/paranormal? Are you a believer in god/regular attendee at church?
If you answered no to either of those this book is NOT for you.

The first part is pretty good. Lots of fun creepy ghost stories that caused me to only read in the daylight 😍 loved it! But then part two started and it was all about church and the change in the pastor.

I honestly skimmed through the last 15% because I was just over it. I felt like I was reading someone's diary (which yes, I understand this is a memoir) but it wasn't intriguing. There were a few times exciting events were introduced only to be sidelined with a comment of "but that's a story for a different book". Those incidents could have kept my interest in the book, but their neglect just left me feeling empty.

I had really high hopes for this book, but it fell so far below them that I almost regret even purchasing the book. (I will never regret supporting authors!!! Please don't mistake that. But if I could go back, I would not buy this book.)
104 reviews2 followers
October 24, 2017
Blown Away !!

This eerie , sentimental, and thoughtful read kept me captivated throughout the whole book. When I started "Look Away" I wasn't sure what to expect ... what I came to believe is that this new to me author is talented! This is a spiritual read and even if your unsure of your feelings regarding demons or the here and after you can't help but to be moved by the memoirs depicted in this collection!!

5 Stars !!
161 reviews
October 4, 2017
Look Away!!

This book is a must read!!

I've just finished this book and am having a hard time trying to progress everything it has made me feel. It had me crying, and it also brought me to my knees to thank God for all of the blessings that I have received in my life. Please don't be scared to read this, I truly believe that the story's in this book can change lives forever. And in some cases I believe it can save someone's life If I could give this book 10 stars I would!!
133 reviews1 follower
February 24, 2019
Martin Luther Strikes Again

Having studied scripture, and having been availed of Sacred Tradition in the original and only Church Christ founded, it disturbs me mightily that this accounting takes bits and pieces of the New Testament and skewers it to fit her logic, to manipulate facts erroneously to meet her needs. Yes. I have no doubt this woman was demonicaly oppressed at some point in her life. She played with Ouija boards. She lived a life hardened by sin, placed herself in negative social settings. What screams out to me is that she hung onto hatred towards others and takes credit for ridding herself of the demon. No mere human has or ever will cast out an unclean spirit.
I truly hope that she will continue in seeking Gods truth. That she forgives her step-grandmother. That she prays for the Hindu seamstress. That she discovers God in all the people she interacts with. We all must remember that when one points a finger at others, there are three pointing back at oneself.
Profile Image for Joy.
11 reviews
August 25, 2024
i was super excited to get into this book but it was so disappointing and cringe. the narrator was a pick-me through and through, saying stuff like "girls are too much drama, I like guys better" and wasting so much space describing her all-male roommates in such an intimate way (how attractive they were, how they all protected her like white knights) that I thought it was turning into a very different novel. it was seriously off-putting and disengaging, especially since it started off pretty good.

i am a christian but this book is wayy too charismatic to be taken seriously. the author spent a great deal of time preaching about the power of speaking in tongues in a "divine language" that no one can understand (unbiblical), claiming that God himself gave her a long prophetic message that she wrote down in the middle of the night (she barely remembers it happening), how God spoke audibly to her during a weird, seemingly demon-possessed vision about a woman from her church... just wow.

this was painful to read and I regret spending money on this.

Profile Image for Vickie Watson.
107 reviews6 followers
December 29, 2017
WOW

I was a very excited to read this book, although I was nervous... I grew up to believe what you can't see isn't real... No one said if you can't hear it.. Or feel it.. It wasn't real.. Everyone said "if you can't see it"... Or "what isn't there"
I really liked this story about Jo, Thank you for sharing your experiences with us... It must of been difficult for you to remember,
Brilliant read... I woke early to finish when you start to read this book its very hard to put down x 5 stars Jo Holatte 💗

Profile Image for  ✰  Charlie  ✰ Chisholm.
1,984 reviews22 followers
January 1, 2018
I enjoyed this book it was a bit refreshing from what I normally read and very different but good.
I think you have to read this book for yourself to understand how it makes you feel some parts really gave me the chills
This book is based on actual events. The writing was great I did not want to put it down.
Profile Image for Amanda Martinez.
71 reviews1 follower
November 2, 2017
Great book

I was extremely skeptical when I read the reviews of this book. It took me over a week to read it though, mainly because I kept getting freaked out. I finally finished and know these accounts aren't pretend. I was truly afraid.
Profile Image for Angialina Bringetto.
1 review
November 4, 2017
This book had me reading nonstop! If I woke up in the middle of the night I couldn't help but open it up and read some more.
The stories told are terrifying but so intriguing that you just can't 'look away'!
Profile Image for Brandi Aga.
Author 8 books154 followers
November 6, 2017
I met Jo at a book signing and immediately picked up this book when I came home. It gave me chills. It made me paranoid. I read it in the dark and then read it under the covers. I can only imagine what Jo must have felt living this story.

Don’t look away. Look up.
Profile Image for Stephanieflores1.
31 reviews9 followers
February 28, 2018
Very interesting

This book is totally out of my norm, but I really enjoyed this book. It talked about unexplained things, faith, & struggles. This book opened me into thing I questioned in my life and I want to look into and not look away.... I can’t wait to read more from her.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews

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