Cover Image: Grown

Grown

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Tiffany D. Jackson does it yet again. I rarely read unreliable narrators, particularly high stakes, convoluted plots until all is revealed (or at least some). But I stumbled on "Allegedly" and couldn't put it down and now I devour everything Jackson publishes. This was by far my favorite of her work so far because it was so frighteningly realistic. I completely understood our protagonist's journey being pulled into the clutches of a serial abuser. I was conflicted and uncomfortable as I confronted my own internalized judgments towards survivors. And that cover! It is a striking work of art that perfectly captures the energy and pressure of this novel. Her thrilling realistic fiction will do me in and I keep coming back for more.

*I received an eARC copy of this book via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. My thanks to Katherine Tegen Books for the opportunity to read and review in advance of publication.

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This book is incredibly important and also difficult to read at times. TWs for child trafficking, sexual assault, child predators, drug use.

Enchanted dreams of being a singer, but there’s no way her parents will ever let her. Not as a career, at least. It’s too risky and only a tiny fraction of a percent make a living out of it. But when she meets Korey Fields - mega-popular r&b artist - even her mom has a hard time saying no to the free singing lessons he’s offering.

Uh, red flag #1.

Did I mention Enchanted is 17, and Korey is 28?

What follows is some serious manipulation and creepiness that gave me all the heebeegeebees - as it should.

This is Jackson’s take on the R. Kelly story, the story of a man in power who lures teenage girls into an abusive, manipulative relationship with promises of a music career. But it’s also about all the men who silence women, about how black women in particular are ignored and silenced.

We must do better. We must listen to the women who are brave enough to speak their truths, especially when they unearth dirty truths about our favorite celebrities.

Fame, money, talent - these things don’t make a person immune to being a good person.

This book is fast-paced; I read it in a little over a day (despite having to put it down for a phone break every so often because I couldn’t take the gross factor of it all), and the ending is an absolute question-everything page turner.

Overall, I gave it a 4/5 because at times I thought it rushed things a bit too much, but I think it’s a very important book and will be adding it to my classroom library.

Thank you to Netgalley for providing a digital ARC of this book.

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This was a really interesting novel. I enjoyed the narrative structure and it also shed a lot of light on how the media treats cases like this.

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Through NetGalley I was able to secure an advanced copy of Grown! WOW! This is now my favorite book from Tiffany Jackson! It covered so many current topics: abuse, the constant disproving of girls, friendship, family, acceptance, shame talking about hard situations and reaching for your dreams! The friendship between Enchanted and Gabby was relatable. They each had their own goals and knew what they were good at. There also came a point when Enchanted thought maybe she was losing it and felt a little crazy. This is something I think most can relate to especially when experiencing difficult situations.

What do you do when you’ve gone too far down a dark road and can’t turn back?

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Tiffany D. Jackson has been on my radar for years, but I've never read her books. Her stories sounded interesting to me, but not enough to pick one up. However, when the book announcement of GROWN and its subject matter was brought to my attention, it struck a deep nerve within me. I'm a Black child sexual abuse survivor. Child sexual abuse is brushed off in the Black community and reframed to point the blame at young girls who are labeled as acting too GROWN or too FAST. Not the predatory GROWN MEN who prey on these girls. Some even have a reputation within our families that is passed off as a joke or tiptoed around because "blood is blood."

In the Black community, we've always known about R. Kelly and other celebrity child predators, but its common practice to blame the child and the parents, but not the actual predator. Jackson weaves a difficult subject into a captivating heartbreaking tale that can be consumed by teenagers and appreciated by adults. It has the capacity and power to stir conversations and break down barriers much like The Hate U Give did with police brutality.

My only issue was Enchanted didn't act 17-18. She acted much younger than her age. Her choices were fine, but her way of thinking that led to those choices made me forget she was 17-18 on many occasions. However, that won't affect my rating.

This is a necessary story that needs to be told and embraced.

After reading GROWN, I'm upset I've missed out on such a talented author and I look forward to reading more from her in the future.

5/5 stars

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Wow! Incredible book from an incredible author. Such a powerful story. Definitely one that stays with you long after you've finished reading it. Heart-wrenching at times. Powerful throughout. Content and format will definitely be appealing to teen readers. Asks tough questions about power, innocence, who's worth saving, who's story becomes the dominant narrative. Will be strongly recommending to students and colleagues. (Grades 8+)

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Grown opens with Enchanted waking up to find herself covered in “beet juice” and Korey Fields dead.

Flashback: Enchanted is a 17 year old senior in a predominately white high school on the swim team with dreams of a singing career. She goes to a swimming competition, doesn’t make it, but is noticed by 28 year old superstar Korey Fields. As Korey inhales Enchanted into his life, it is easy to understand why Enchanted makes the choices she does. Unfortunately she never imagined the nightmare ahead of her.

In an age when women are raising their voices, this is an extremely important book. It is timely and hits all the important points. This powerful book will make you weep, rage, lose sleep, and decide to fight harder for our young women, especially our Black young women. Let this be a conversation starter.

Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the chance to read this arc in exchange for an honest review. I will definitely be buying this book for my high school library. I wish I could have it for the first days of school.

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What a tremendous read! Thank you Tiffany D. Jackson for this timely, coming-of-age novel. This novel gives voice to the young women looking to get their feet in the door in the entertainment industry. The story is carefully woven to incorporate a loving Black family, the life of a teenager on the brink of adulthood, the manipulation and ego of the entertainment industry, and the stigma of mental health. It is done so well and with much thought and care.

Enchanted Jones wants something different for her life than what her parents project for her to achieve. Her dreams are to sing. After catching the attention of superstar, Korey Fields, Enchanted is enchanted by Korey and swept off of her feet. At first figuratively, and then quite literally. Enchanted finds herself caught up in a "grown-ish" situation that she finds nearly impossible to escape. It seems her only true way to escape Korey is through his death. But even then, will she escape?

This is a YA book that is definitely only appropriate for upper high school level and I would recommend this book to ages 16 and up. I also think that despite being a YA novel, it is most definitely a novel that adults can immerse themselves into as well.

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Tiffany D. Jackson does it again! Based on the allegations of rape and child abuse against singer R. Kelly this novel pulls no punches. I was afraid one plot point would veer off into a character "imagining" things because of the trauma she experienced, but the author stays right on track the whole time. Major social issues are addressed, such as: the exploitation of black women (both sexually and monetarily), the silencing of their voices, emotional and sexual abuse, as well as the inequities in the justice system, so all readers should be aware that there are many triggering topics.

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Grown was my first book by author Tiffany D. Jackson, and I will be reading anything else she publishes. The story centers on Enchanted Jones, a high school student who balances her dreams of becoming a singer with her duties on her swim team and helping to take care of her younger siblings. Her life is turned upside down when she meets superstar Korey Fields.

I loved the focus story of this book, and its message that it sends to young people everywhere: your voice matters. Jackson's writing style was engaging, and her development of characters, especially Enchanted, kept me engaged throughout the entire book.

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Thoughts on Grown- Tiffany D. Jackson
We are not ready for this novel. We are not ready for Enchanted. Why? Because we, as an American society, are not ready or willing to believe women. To believe girls. To believe BLACK women and BLACK girls. However, like Elie Wiesel states, “we must bear witness,” no matter how difficult and uncomfortable. Grown is the most important book you’ll read this year, perhaps even ever.
- Through Grown, Jackson forces the reader to stare into the abyss with Enchanted. But the thing about the abyss?? It stares back. The darkness shows you the deepest fears and insecurities and then exploits them mercilessly.
- Korey’s manipulation tactics work because like the biologically-honed predator that he is, Korey zeroes in on his prey’s weaknesses to make the hunt as thrilling as it is successful. His celebrity, his money, his access, and his enablers prevent Enchanted and the dozens of other victims from breaking their silence and breaking their abuser’s hold on them.
- My ability and willingness to be sucked into the “fairy tale” of it all. Poor, talented “average” girl is “rescued” from mediocrity by the rich, well connected “savior.” It’s a tale as old as time. The Prince Charming will lift his love above her station and make all her dreams come true. All she has to give up is her tail. Her voice. Her friends. Her family. Her credibility. Her sense of self. Her life.
- Chanty is every single woman that has wilted under the oppressive weight of power and authority men effortlessly wield as a weapon. She is not alone. We are not alone.
- The name Enchanted and all the Disney princesses referenced (Ariel, Belle, Pocahontas) is not an accident. Jackson offers stringent commentary on the manipulative media girls consume and how fairy tales, with their damsels in distress and prince charmings, lay the foundation that abusers can latch onto and build their castles of torment with walls so high...Walls meant to keep someone in, not to keep someone out.

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The first thing I loved about this book was the cover, it is absolutely gorgeous. It catches your eye with its beautiful design and colors, and after reading the book I feel like it was the perfect cover for the story that unfolded behind it.

The characterization of Enchanted and Korey was what really brought this book to life. Seeing Enchanted long to be wanted, valued, appreciated...and subsequently seeing Korey enter into her life (avoiding detail on purpose) led to a series of plot points that truly kept me on the edge of my seat.

What unfolded between Enchanted and Korey was extremely real and often painful to read. From a young age women don’t recognize their self worth, will attach it to men, and ultimately fall prey to those men who claim to care for them. This book did a fantastic job of painting a real one picture of that. It also put into perspective the real struggle black women face their entire lives...how society fails them instead of lifting them up and placing value on them as human beings.

The only downfall is that I wish there was more to the book! It felt short, and a bit rushed at the end. I had to go back and re-read to make sure I fully understood what happened.

This book is yet another standout in a long line of Tiffany D. Jackson books! While I would put a trigger warning on it for those who have shared Enchanted’s experiences, I do believe this book should be read (and really thought about) by everyone.

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🚨This book is A. PAGE. TURNER.

Author Tiffany D. Jackson masterfully crafts the story of Enchanted, a 17-year-old aspiring singer looking to follow her dreams. An unexpected encounter with a famous star slowly turns into a gripping tale of predatory behavior, abuse, classism, and racism.

I devoured this book in one day, finishing in the wee hours of the morning. Do yourself a favor and preorder Grown - it’s powerful and smart and so, so important. #heknewbetter

👩🏽‍🦱 Author: Tiffany D. Jackson @writeinbk
🔪 Genre: YA/Thriller
📚 Publisher: HarperCollins @harpercollins 

🗓 Publishing Date: September 15, 2020

I received this book from the publisher and NetGalley @netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Yours in Literacy,
Sheila 😊

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I have been waiting for access to this book. I am happy to report how this book 100% meets the hype. I met Tiffany Jackson a few years ago when I lived in Greenville, SC- she was a speaker at a local YA conference called Read Up Greenville. I was one of the moderators and escorted both her and other authors to the different panels. I remember she was promoting Monday's Not Coming and talking to the panel and guests about how thrillers play out when the main character is black (in particular a girl). The level of distrust between the main character and the police- the police never willing to listen.

This thriller will be a killer in the YA business. It is both heartbreaking and important. I both devoured the book and continuously had to put it down and take breaks so that I would not throw my phone across the room. The situations the main character, Enchanted, gets put in is truly appalling and horribly realistic.

This book will set the precedent for other thrillers like this one. It draws not on outlandish twists and turns that could never happen in real life that you sometimes see in thrillers. This book instead draws on terrifyingly realistic situations- the ones every girl has worried about at some point, but hopes to never fall into involving abuse. This book burrows deep into your soul and the ending is perfect! I don't want to give away much of this book, because I think it will be important for so many to read.

Grown by Tiffany Jackson comes out September 15th, 2020- no doubt I will be buying multiple copies for my library. http://kaitlynrcarpenter.weebly.com/blog/grown-by-tiffany-jackson

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A story relevant to our times and will beg to be read from cover to cover because you won’t want to put it down!
The topic is engaging and the characters make you feel as if you personally know them. You will feel hope, shock, despair, frustration, worry, relief and joy among many other emotions as Enchanted’s story unfolds.

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😱 this book! Tiffany Jackson has done it again! She has left me with my jaw on the floor. I am still processing everything that happened.

At first I thought “I want all teens to read this to help them learn to identify abusive relationships!” And then I was like “Wow this is about the Harvey Weinstein and the men’s club culture.” And THEN Tiffany Jackson masterfully intertwines the #metoo movement, the psychological effects of mental and physical abuse. And how our society, law enforcement and legal system casts doubt on victims, especially BIPOC women. This is an intense read... I highly recommend for YA readers.

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At the beginning of this book, Enchanted Jones wakes up covered in blood, which she insists on calling beet juice because there just couldn't be THAT much blood, could there?

So begins the story of teenage Enchanted Jones, a girl who wants to be a singer, but who needs to focus on swimming and taking care of her younger siblings, which she resents. When she meets hip hop star Korey Fields, it seems like she has met someone who can take her to the top of the charts.

A good read that goes back and forth between then and now, you'll see every aspect of Enchanted's life and choices for a few months, And in true Tiffany Jackson style,, there is an ending that you might not see coming.

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“Your voice ain’t just for singing, you know? You gotta speak up. If not for you, then for the next you…” – Tiffany Jackson, Grown

Grown by Tiffany Jackson was both utterly page-turning and extremely difficult to read. In this YA novel, we learn the story of Enchanted Jones, a 17-year-old aspiring singer who is seduced by the legendary Korey Fields. The novel begins in the present-day (“now”) with Enchanted in the room with Korey’s dead body. The novel flashes back to the beginning (“then”), and we learn how Enchanted became star-struck and manipulated by the famous R&B singer and exactly how he ended up dead. Grown deals with issues of race, classism, sexual abuse, grooming, rape, and drug-abuse, all of which are heavy but also important for students. Highly recommended for high school and up; for fans of Jason Reynolds, Nic Stone, and Laurie Halse Anderson.

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This book was a page turning, can't put it down, experience. All of Tiffany D. Jackson's books have a way of keeping the reader glued to the pages in anticipation of what is happens next. Grown is a cautionary tale for all those who seek to enter the entertainment industry. Enchanted is a talented singer who is lured into the path of achieving her dreams. She is convinced that her journey is a give and take arrangement until she realizes she is not in control. The sacrifices that she made in order to "make it", turned her into a victim of those who were supposed to be helping her realize her dream. As a mom, an important book for all parents who have kids interested in the "business" to read.

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This book was amazing but difficult to read at times. The author did amazing job painting a picture of the events without being too graphic. It has been a long time since a book made me uncomfortable but I couldn’t sit it down. I felt like I was in the room at times just being an observer. It felt that real and intense. I would highly recommended this book to high school students.

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