Amerie Brought Her Natural Star Power to Life at Brooklyn Promo Event for Her Novel, “This Is Not A Ghost Story”
Amerie, the Grammy-nominated singer best known for early 2000s classics like “Why Don’t We Fall in Love” her appearance on LL Cool J’s “Paradise,” and “1 Thing,” continues to evolve her artistic identity with an inspiring leap into literature. On a cool evening in Brooklyn, Amerie captivated a packed crowd during the New York City stop of her book tour at PowerHouse Books. Her latest novel, This Is Not A Ghost Story, was the centerpiece of a lively and thoughtful Q&A conversation with fellow author and journalist Hari Kunzru.
The Evolution of Amerie: From R&B Star to Novelist
With more than two decades in the entertainment industry, Amerie has solidified herself as an artist with both depth and versatility. While her music career has earned her critical acclaim and a dedicated fanbase, her foray into literature showcases another side of her creativity. Her 2023 release You Will Do Great Things was a heartfelt children’s book that resonated with families. Now, with This Is Not A Ghost Story, Amerie pivots to fiction aimed at older readers, taking on layered themes such as celebrity, identity, and race.
A Brooklyn Book Event Filled With Insight and Energy
The PowerHouse Books event was one of three in-person stops on Amerie’s national book tour, which also included a virtual Q&A. In Brooklyn, the room was filled with excited fans, loyal readers, and fellow creatives. The evening’s discussion was led by Hari Kunzru, acclaimed author of Red Pill, The Impressionist, and Transmission. The chemistry between Amerie and Kunzru was apparent, as they effortlessly bounced between themes, laughter, and deep philosophical insights.
A Novel That Challenges Perception
Amerie offered the audience a glimpse into the story’s core. This Is Not A Ghost Story centers on a Black man in Los Angeles who becomes the world’s first visible ghost. But it isn’t your typical ghost tale. The novel dives into questions of fame, identity, and cultural visibility. As Amerie noted during the talk, the book explores how society frames celebrity, particularly when it intersects with race. She emphasized that part of the book was inspired by how people perceive not only public figures but also themselves in the age of social media.
Hari Kunzru and Amerie: A Literary Conversation With Chemistry
The night’s tone was informal but intellectually rich. Kunzru, who previously appeared on Amerie’s Book Club to discuss his novel Red Pill, was the perfect moderator. Their rapport, forged through previous interactions, created an atmosphere of openness and authenticity. Amerie shared her writing process, the challenges of switching between music and literature, and how she blends both creative paths.
When asked about the differences between her musical and literary endeavors, Amerie explained that writing offers her a sense of freedom that music often does not. “Writing gives me room to explore without the pressure of performance,” she said. “It’s where I feel most at peace.”
Humanizing the Celebrity Experience
One of the most profound takeaways from the night was Amerie’s reflections on fame. She reminded the audience that public figures are still human beings, often struggling with the same fears and insecurities as anyone else. She dismantled the myth of the always-glamorous celebrity lifestyle. Therefore, urging attendees to resist judging others based on public image.
She also highlighted a powerful idea: that not everything in life needs to be monetized. “It’s okay to have hobbies just for joy,” she said. “You don’t need to turn every passion into a paycheck.”
Character Development and Hidden Meanings
As the Q&A progressed, Kunzru guided the conversation toward specific aspects of This Is Not A Ghost Story. The crowd was particularly intrigued by the “ghost” character, whose visibility becomes a metaphor for being seen—and unseen—by society. Amerie hinted that the novel contains elements of herself embedded within the protagonist. This personal infusion adds emotional depth, making the book resonate with themes of isolation, transformation, and reclaiming one’s narrative.
She also discussed how the narrative examines the cultural baggage tied to being Black and visible in America, especially in entertainment spaces. The metaphor of a “visible ghost” becomes a lens through which readers can explore issues of erasure, tokenism, and overexposure.
Engaging the Audience
The evening wasn’t just a sit-and-listen affair. Fans got their chance to pose questions ranging from literary inspirations to the possibility of new music. Amerie was warm, thoughtful, and generous with her responses. She shared that while music still holds a place in her heart, writing has become a powerful outlet for personal growth and exploration.
Attendees appreciated her candid nature. When asked how she balances so many roles—mother, writer, singer, creative—she replied, “I just do what feels authentic in the moment. I’m not trying to do it all at once. I’m just trying to be real.”
Book Signings and Fan Appreciation
After the Q&A, Amerie stayed to sign copies of This Is Not A Ghost Story. She posed for photos, chatted with attendees, and expressed gratitude to fans new and old. The vibe was relaxed and communal—a refreshing reminder that even in the age of viral fame, artists can stay grounded.
Hari Kunzru deserves praise as well. His role as moderator elevated the evening with his journalistic precision and deep respect for Amerie’s work. Together, they created a literary experience that was both entertaining and enlightening.
Special thanks also go to PowerHouse Books and staff members Chris, Amanda, and Lulu for curating an event that honored creativity, authenticity, and dialogue.
Final Thoughts
Amerie’s Brooklyn book tour stop for This Is Not A Ghost Story was more than a promotional event—it was a celebration of multidimensional creativity. The evening highlighted Amerie’s brilliance not just as a musician, but as a thinker, storyteller, and cultural voice.
For fans and first-time readers alike, This Is Not A Ghost Story is more than just a novel. It’s a layered narrative that asks important questions about identity, visibility, and the human condition—all wrapped in the hauntingly creative packaging only someone like Amerie could deliver.
If you haven’t picked it up yet, do yourself a favor and dive in.
