Jessica's Ghost

By: Andrew Norriss

Narrated by: Alison Larkin

Length: 4 hrs and 48 mins

Publisher's summary

"Both a hymn to the joys of 'being different' and an earnest exploration of the serious traumas suffered by teenagers who are lucky enough, and unlucky enough, to be unconventional." (The Guardian)

Sitting by himself on a bench during recess, fashion-loving Francis is joined by Jessica. He’s surprised when he learns that she’s a ghost and that Francis is the first person who has been able to see her since she died. When they become friends, then meet two more outsiders who can also see Jessica, the questions arise: Why are they the only ones who can see Jessica? And how did she die?

"Narrating this funny, beautifully written story taught me that when someone is depressed, instead of trying to fix things, it can be more helpful to just shut up and listen." (Alison Larkin)

The audiobook is followed by a candid discussion with three American teenagers about depression, anxiety, bullying, suicide, social media, and the healing power of friendship.

Also published as Friends for Life.

©2015 Andrew Norriss (P)2019 Alison Larkin Presents

Critic reviews

"Narrator Alison Larkin is superb at presenting the heavy topics of bullying and suicide with an audible sense of hope, optimism, and even a bit of humor. The principal characters speak with varied British accents and are also discernible by their personalities. Francis speaks slowly - he's mild and kind even in the face of teasing at school for his hobby of fashion design. When he meets the effervescent Jessica, a ghost visible at first only to him, listeners hear her playfulness as she 'thinks' herself into new outfits, secretly accompanies Francis to school, and floats through doors and walls. She drops her cheeriness only when, with the help of new friends, she begins to understand her purpose and path. L.T. Winner of AudioFile Earphones Award." (AudioFile Magazine)