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A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing
Winner of the 2023 Gold Medal for Best Midwest Fiction from the Independent Publishers Book Award and National Indie Excellence Award Finalist.
Adam is grief stricken after watching his older brother, Tommy, slowly wither and die. Drinking too much, he has quit playing music and driven away his longtime girlfriend. His best friend and former bandmate, Mark, invites Adam on a work trip to South Dakota's Badlands, hoping to remind Adam that it's OK to experience joy.
On the road, Mark takes drastic action to reignite Adam's passions, but Adam grows concerned watching as Mark uses drugs and spends money with childish abandon. When the beautiful Bianca enters the picture, Adam's dark shell finally begins to crack, but her presence shifts the dynamic. Long buried secrets between Mark and Adam begin to surface, and pretense drops after Mark admits he has ulterior motives. Confessions fly and external circumstances start a ticking clock, forcing Adam to choose between new love and an old friend.
Set in the stoic expanse of the American heartland and awash in comedic banter and beautiful prose, A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing is a story that is both hilarious and heartbreaking about the value of friendship in the face of loss, and the hidden tragedies that we all have awaiting us, whether we are ready to confront them or not.
Adam is grief stricken after watching his older brother, Tommy, slowly wither and die. Drinking too much, he has quit playing music and driven away his longtime girlfriend. His best friend and former bandmate, Mark, invites Adam on a work trip to South Dakota's Badlands, hoping to remind Adam that it's OK to experience joy.
On the road, Mark takes drastic action to reignite Adam's passions, but Adam grows concerned watching as Mark uses drugs and spends money with childish abandon. When the beautiful Bianca enters the picture, Adam's dark shell finally begins to crack, but her presence shifts the dynamic. Long buried secrets between Mark and Adam begin to surface, and pretense drops after Mark admits he has ulterior motives. Confessions fly and external circumstances start a ticking clock, forcing Adam to choose between new love and an old friend.
Set in the stoic expanse of the American heartland and awash in comedic banter and beautiful prose, A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing is a story that is both hilarious and heartbreaking about the value of friendship in the face of loss, and the hidden tragedies that we all have awaiting us, whether we are ready to confront them or not.
- GenresFiction
192 pages, Paperback
Published September 26, 2022
7 people are currently reading
2528 people want to read
About the author
John F. Duffy
2 books21 followersJohn F Duffy is the author of two novels and several works of short fiction. He lives in Indiana with his wife and daughter.
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August 10, 2025I had the pleasure of sharing a table with John Duffy at the Columbus Book Festival this summer and watching one reader after another drawn inexorably to this book. Not perhaps so surprising given that it really does have one of those pretty much perfect covers--an intriguing and haunting title in large legible print against a big-sky photo of the Badlands, and in the foreground, our main characters with the car of their road trip. It didn't hurt that the covers also sported gold stickers proclaiming the novel's IPBA prize (Midwest fiction). But the best part was when a young woman rushed up with her own copy of the novel announcing that she had read it in the airport, it had made her cry, and she was so excited to meet the author. (She then got some friends to buy copies of their own--what a wonderful tribute!)
Well, I obviously needed to read this novel too, so after dealing with some very non-literary matters and returning from a scholarly conference, I dove in. A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing is indeed a compelling read. Relatively short, it's the story of two one-time bandmates dealing with the loss of the third, who was also the brother of Adam, the protagonist. They're reaching middle age, have gone on to other careers after the breakup of their fairly successful band, are handling their grief at Tommy's death in very different ways. Mark, a journalist, wasn't around for Tommy's illness; Adam nursed Tommy until the end. Mark presses Adam to join him on a road trip to the Badlands to research an article Mark wants to write for Mother Jones, and Adam reluctantly agrees.
The trip is filled with painfully humorous, poignant moments as Mark repeatedly tries to jump-start Adam's defunct joy in life. There are quirky and appalling encounters, some wild behavior, and an ending that I did predict halfway through but which made complete sense. This is a tale of love and grief and hope, of men of a certain age struggling with deep emotion and both how to feel it and how to express it.
John F. Duffy has a second novel as well, which he says he thinks is better. He is an author to watch as he continues to investigate the lives and emotions of men of his generation. I'm so glad I had the chance to make his acquaintance and discover his debut novel.
Well, I obviously needed to read this novel too, so after dealing with some very non-literary matters and returning from a scholarly conference, I dove in. A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing is indeed a compelling read. Relatively short, it's the story of two one-time bandmates dealing with the loss of the third, who was also the brother of Adam, the protagonist. They're reaching middle age, have gone on to other careers after the breakup of their fairly successful band, are handling their grief at Tommy's death in very different ways. Mark, a journalist, wasn't around for Tommy's illness; Adam nursed Tommy until the end. Mark presses Adam to join him on a road trip to the Badlands to research an article Mark wants to write for Mother Jones, and Adam reluctantly agrees.
The trip is filled with painfully humorous, poignant moments as Mark repeatedly tries to jump-start Adam's defunct joy in life. There are quirky and appalling encounters, some wild behavior, and an ending that I did predict halfway through but which made complete sense. This is a tale of love and grief and hope, of men of a certain age struggling with deep emotion and both how to feel it and how to express it.
John F. Duffy has a second novel as well, which he says he thinks is better. He is an author to watch as he continues to investigate the lives and emotions of men of his generation. I'm so glad I had the chance to make his acquaintance and discover his debut novel.
February 9, 2023
A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing is an outstanding read! I immediately felt close to the main characters. John Duffy is a highly talented writer; his descriptions and story-telling are fresh and mesmerizing. This book deals with close lifelong friendships, loss and life-changing grief, while touching on huge issues such as mortality and life choices with delicate warmth and even humor. I found myself thinking about the characters long after finishing the novel, and also found myself contemplating my own mortality in new ways. I highly recommend A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing and look forward to reading further works by John Duffy.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 5, 2023
“The point is maybe more about mind versus body, or even just about acknowledging where we are on the timeline in our lives. We’re raised to think we have all this time, we never think about morality when we’re young. We take preparing ourselves to live so seriously, that sometimes we forget to do the actual living.”
Mark and Adam were such lovely characters. Imperfect of course, full of mistakes, selfishness but man did their story grip me. A short thrill that ends with great emotion. Mark as a character I relate to in so many ways it’s almost embarrassing.. I cherished the time I had reading this short story. Again such beautifully written characters. Amazing!
Mark and Adam were such lovely characters. Imperfect of course, full of mistakes, selfishness but man did their story grip me. A short thrill that ends with great emotion. Mark as a character I relate to in so many ways it’s almost embarrassing.. I cherished the time I had reading this short story. Again such beautifully written characters. Amazing!
January 16, 2023
Good book. We’ll written. Made me more empathetic.
February 19, 2023
Beautifully written, and I love watching the friendship between the main characters
June 16, 2025
A road trip to the Dakota Badlands with two buddies that has a lot of heart and heartbreak. Intensely lyrical but also savagely funny at the most unexpected moments, and it gradually builds into a genuine page turner of a book.
This is the second John Duffy novel I’ve read now and I am blown away by his writing. It is a damn near perfect marriage of literary style, deep characterisation, and real storytelling. He is operating on a level as good as any other novelist I can think of.
This is the second John Duffy novel I’ve read now and I am blown away by his writing. It is a damn near perfect marriage of literary style, deep characterisation, and real storytelling. He is operating on a level as good as any other novelist I can think of.
August 31, 2022
A worthwhile addition to the road trip genre, A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing explores human mortality through a journey made by two former bandmates into the Badlands of South Dakota. Ostensibly the trip is a magazine article assignment about a decommissioned missile silo, but the pair spend much of the time wrestling with their past lives and current struggles as they approach middle age. The writing is crisp, the descriptions of the landscapes are detailed, and the dialog brings the characters and their relationships to life. I found it a quick, easy read.
The story starts with the death of Adam’s brother Tommy, who also played in the band. Adam is convinced to go on a road trip by Mark who wants to lift his friend out of a depression following his brother’s death by getting him out of his routine. The two emotionally work through Tommy’s death while also pondering their own life decisions. They spend time dissecting their past romantic relationships and meet a few women during the trip, including an effort at reconnection. The book takes a surprising turn near the end, further exploring the mortality theme as Mark comes to terms with his own circumstances. In a lighter moment, the story includes an antidote about the band’s hit song that I found hilarious.
At times I did struggle to relate to the characters on a personal level, but that may be age bias and discriminating musical taste on my part. True to any road trip, Adam and Mark spend the trip listening to music which Duffy includes descriptions of. I am particularly not a fan of the musical genre Adam and Mark enjoy. But since the book naturally lacks the sound of the music they listen to, that aspect was easy to overlook.
I recommend A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing, particularly those approaching middle age.
The story starts with the death of Adam’s brother Tommy, who also played in the band. Adam is convinced to go on a road trip by Mark who wants to lift his friend out of a depression following his brother’s death by getting him out of his routine. The two emotionally work through Tommy’s death while also pondering their own life decisions. They spend time dissecting their past romantic relationships and meet a few women during the trip, including an effort at reconnection. The book takes a surprising turn near the end, further exploring the mortality theme as Mark comes to terms with his own circumstances. In a lighter moment, the story includes an antidote about the band’s hit song that I found hilarious.
At times I did struggle to relate to the characters on a personal level, but that may be age bias and discriminating musical taste on my part. True to any road trip, Adam and Mark spend the trip listening to music which Duffy includes descriptions of. I am particularly not a fan of the musical genre Adam and Mark enjoy. But since the book naturally lacks the sound of the music they listen to, that aspect was easy to overlook.
I recommend A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing, particularly those approaching middle age.
January 29, 2023
A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing drew me in right from the title and synopsis. I love road trips and the use of them as a vehicle in novels to take the reader along for the ride. On the road, we’re joined by Adam and Mark, friends reaching middle-age and former bandmates. Adam has recently lost his brother (who was also in the band) and Adam’s passion for music, and life in general, has dwindled to a dangerous low. Mark is able to convince Adam to join him on a “work assignment” road trip with the motive of getting him out of his funk and helping him realize living his life again is what his brother would have wanted most of all.
The author masterfully utilizes conversation between the two men to transport the reader into the moment and captures full attention from the first page. It’s an easy read to fall into and let sweep you away, as if you, too, are looking out the window of a speeding car at the landscapes of the Midwest.
Throughout, the author implores the reader to explore the themes of loss, regret, and human connection in a thought-provoking and hauntingly beautiful manner. Only a few times, I found myself a bit frustrated with a character’s actions or unable to see why a certain scene was included, but overall thought the author wrote a wonderfully descriptive novel that evokes emotions of fleeting joy, stifling sorrow, and the overarching reminder that that is what life is- make the most of it.
Thank you to BookSirens and John F. Duffy for the free advance review copy of this e-book. I enjoyed it and its message thoroughly.
The author masterfully utilizes conversation between the two men to transport the reader into the moment and captures full attention from the first page. It’s an easy read to fall into and let sweep you away, as if you, too, are looking out the window of a speeding car at the landscapes of the Midwest.
Throughout, the author implores the reader to explore the themes of loss, regret, and human connection in a thought-provoking and hauntingly beautiful manner. Only a few times, I found myself a bit frustrated with a character’s actions or unable to see why a certain scene was included, but overall thought the author wrote a wonderfully descriptive novel that evokes emotions of fleeting joy, stifling sorrow, and the overarching reminder that that is what life is- make the most of it.
Thank you to BookSirens and John F. Duffy for the free advance review copy of this e-book. I enjoyed it and its message thoroughly.
August 26, 2022
A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing takes the reader on a riveting, turbulent journey through the modern American West. Duffy writes in a fast-moving, enthralling prose that captures the reader’s attention in the first pages and holds it tightly to the end.
The author masterfully expresses his own deeply personal ruminations on friendship, loss, and life through relatable, all-too-human personages; the story’s thoughtful development makes clear its purpose of invoking reflection. It accomplishes this subtly, as the narrative cycles through lighthearted conversational exchanges, passionate outbursts, and solemn, internal musings. Readers will often find themselves identifying – uncomfortably, at times – with the regrets, thoughts, and impulses of the characters. The result is a moving work that leaves a lasting impression.
This story is a call to seize the moment, embrace spontaneity, and find meaning in less-than-ideal circumstances. Above all, it’s a welcome reminder to reconnect with those closest to you. A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing does not disappoint with its informal, but deliberate, portrayal of two ordinary men and their excursion through America’s heartland.
The author masterfully expresses his own deeply personal ruminations on friendship, loss, and life through relatable, all-too-human personages; the story’s thoughtful development makes clear its purpose of invoking reflection. It accomplishes this subtly, as the narrative cycles through lighthearted conversational exchanges, passionate outbursts, and solemn, internal musings. Readers will often find themselves identifying – uncomfortably, at times – with the regrets, thoughts, and impulses of the characters. The result is a moving work that leaves a lasting impression.
This story is a call to seize the moment, embrace spontaneity, and find meaning in less-than-ideal circumstances. Above all, it’s a welcome reminder to reconnect with those closest to you. A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing does not disappoint with its informal, but deliberate, portrayal of two ordinary men and their excursion through America’s heartland.
September 25, 2022
A compelling look at grief and the power of friendship.
Adam and Mark’s journey through the Badlands of South Dakota hooked me from the first page. Adam’s grief over his brother’s death feels so real and heart-wrenching but doesn’t ever sink into being overly depressing or maudlin because it is balanced so perfectly with Mark’s love of life. It’s been a while since I have read a book with such full and well-written characters. Everyone they meet on their journey is depicted with the same care and depth, which makes the story a pure joy to read.
There were points in the middle where it became a bit preachy for my tastes, and the musical references were much too obscure for me to relate to. However, I was mostly able to overlook those things because of the beauty of the language.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get lost in a story while sipping a glass of whiskey.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Adam and Mark’s journey through the Badlands of South Dakota hooked me from the first page. Adam’s grief over his brother’s death feels so real and heart-wrenching but doesn’t ever sink into being overly depressing or maudlin because it is balanced so perfectly with Mark’s love of life. It’s been a while since I have read a book with such full and well-written characters. Everyone they meet on their journey is depicted with the same care and depth, which makes the story a pure joy to read.
There were points in the middle where it became a bit preachy for my tastes, and the musical references were much too obscure for me to relate to. However, I was mostly able to overlook those things because of the beauty of the language.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking to get lost in a story while sipping a glass of whiskey.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 17, 2022
I’m thankful to debut novelist John F. Duffy and BookSirens for giving me the opportunity to read this captivating, well-written, heartbreaking yet ultimately uplifting story about love and friendship, life and death, and forgiveness and redemption. I received a free digital copy and am leaving this review voluntarily.
The book is relatively short, clocking in at 200 pages on my Kindle App, but it seems just the perfect length. It’s compelling, immensely readable, and it never drags. The characters and plot are believable and likable, and I wanted to keep reading to the end as soon as I started. The only drawback was that some of the plot lines were predictable to me, but I still enjoyed the way that they unfolded and the way they were written. That is the only reason I did not give this book 5 stars.
The book is relatively short, clocking in at 200 pages on my Kindle App, but it seems just the perfect length. It’s compelling, immensely readable, and it never drags. The characters and plot are believable and likable, and I wanted to keep reading to the end as soon as I started. The only drawback was that some of the plot lines were predictable to me, but I still enjoyed the way that they unfolded and the way they were written. That is the only reason I did not give this book 5 stars.
August 26, 2022
In his novel, A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing, Duffy invites the reader to experience companionship, adventure, and tragedy through the unpredictable journey of two dysfunctional, but relatable, characters. Its gripping, fast-paced style pulls the reader through a myriad of emotions and forces them to confront, along with the characters themselves, profound questions of meaning and purpose. As they work to overcome their own individual shortcomings and recover some measure of control over their lives, Adam and Mark prove that a strong friendship and a moderate dose of recklessness are sometimes exactly what you need to reignite your life. This raw representation of a no-bullshit, honest relationship between two lifelong friends is moving and well worth the read.
January 27, 2025
What an unexpected delight! I started this book without any expectations and it ended up being one of my top reads in 2024. The characters are raw and relatable. Duffy's writing style is simple yet captivating. He managed to build interest in all the characters including supporting ones. 10/10
July 24, 2025
With his debut novel, A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing, Duffy drags Kerouac’s On the Road into the twenty-first century. But where Kerouac failed to land with me on an emotional level, Duffy packs a punch. Having experienced loss more times than I care to remember when I entered the trenches of adulthood, this novel resonated with me. It took me back to the days of being in bands that went nowhere but enjoyed while I was in them… to the friendships cut short by tragedy; events in my life that propelled me into my own literary pursuits.
In recent years, I had given up on there being a novel being written in the modern era that traveled down the same literary vein as those I enjoyed in my twenties (and still do to this day). But, with A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing, Duffy proved me wrong—that literary fiction isn’t dead. It’s just fallen somewhere between the cracks of human interest, waiting to found.
Plot: 8
Characters: 8
Style: 9
Concept/Execution: 3/5
Structure: 9
Diction: 9
Formatting: 10
Length: 9
Quotes: 4
Satisfaction: 9
83 slices of peach pie out of 100
In recent years, I had given up on there being a novel being written in the modern era that traveled down the same literary vein as those I enjoyed in my twenties (and still do to this day). But, with A Ballroom for Ghost Dancing, Duffy proved me wrong—that literary fiction isn’t dead. It’s just fallen somewhere between the cracks of human interest, waiting to found.
Plot: 8
Characters: 8
Style: 9
Concept/Execution: 3/5
Structure: 9
Diction: 9
Formatting: 10
Length: 9
Quotes: 4
Satisfaction: 9
83 slices of peach pie out of 100
September 29, 2022
I received an advanced copy of this book for free, and am writing this review voluntarily.
Great book, strikes a nice balance of humor and lighthearted banter with some of the hardest emotional moments that life delivers. The friendships at the center of the story are complex and engaging, and their cathartic adventure together is highly entertaining. The book doesn't dance around the topic of death, it engages with the processes of grieving in a language that will ring true to anyone who has lost someone close, before their time. Its well done, would read again.
Great book, strikes a nice balance of humor and lighthearted banter with some of the hardest emotional moments that life delivers. The friendships at the center of the story are complex and engaging, and their cathartic adventure together is highly entertaining. The book doesn't dance around the topic of death, it engages with the processes of grieving in a language that will ring true to anyone who has lost someone close, before their time. Its well done, would read again.
September 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this book. It is beautifully written, and I thought the characters were real and likeable. In their younger years, three guys (two were brothers) were in a band and toured around. Years later, after the band broke up, there are only 2 members alive, with one suffering from grief over the loss of his brother. The two remaining band members take a trip together, and the real reason for the trip is revealed towards the end.
September 28, 2023
I'm always up for a road trip, so I thank John Duffy for inviting me along on this one. Thanks also for the great descriptions of the Badlands and all the rest of the roadside scenes and characters. Adam's mourning after the death of his brother is handled with sensitivity and insight. Duffy keeps a careful balance between the fateful nature of the trip to the glib buddy-talk of Adam and his pal Mark. A courageous and beautifully written novel.
October 23, 2022
Just finished this book. The writer captures you into the hearts of these best friends. He connects with their life in the past, heartaches and how they are there for each other on there road trip to South Dakota. You get caught up with each character as they take turns being there for each other.
January 23, 2023
A Ballroom for ghost dancing hits on all cylinders. In Duffy’s debut novel he delivers a gripping, crisp, and beautiful story, masterfully depicting themes of existentialism, finding purpose, and the importance of companionship in those journeys. A very welcome addition to the genre and I can’t wait to see what the future holds for this talented author.
February 14, 2024
Wow - this book picked me up and took me for a ride. Absolutely gripping tale of mortality and the intricacies of friendships. I loved the musical references in the book and could hear the soundtrack playing along as I read, exploding with a feeling of nostalgia. I feel a deep connection to the characters, the storyline and the author. Can't wait for the next book!!!
February 27, 2026
This book drew me in. The pointed Chicago references, the Chicago-to-Badlands roadtrip, the friendship…it all resonated so deeply. The grief threaded throughout the book was so strongly articulated. Incredibly well written. I loved it from start to finish.
November 8, 2022
Very well written. A must read!
January 17, 2023
This book was a tearjerker! Fantastic writing, compelling story, and relatable characters come together to make one of my favorite books I’ve read.
February 1, 2024
Thoroughly enjoyed this book. Highly recommend it.
March 21, 2024
Real good. Real good.
December 21, 2025
This is a book I would read again and again. Moving and entertaining, made me laugh, made me cry, and made me think.
December 30, 2025
Unexpected twist and very detail oriented
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews