Cover Image: Grown

Grown

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Enchanted Jones was born to be a singer. After meeting star Korey Fields, she is convinced that he is her ticket to fulfilling her dreams. Korey not only loves her singing; it seems like he may be the guy of her dreams, too. But Korey is definitely not what he seems, and when he ends up dead, Enchanted is the main suspect. Will she be able to convince the world of who he really was?

I have been looking forward to this one since it was announced, and IT DID NOT DISAPPOINT. This novel parallels the R. Kelly story A LOT, so some parts will sound familiar. In all of her novels, Tiffany switches between timelines, which can be confusing but it definitely worked for this one. She also loves an unreliable narrator, and there were definitely points when I was worried about Enchanted and her truthfulness. I really don't have the words to describe how much I enjoyed it, so I'm just going to tell you to pick it up. The real message: Protect Black girls. BELIEVE Black girls.

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"Why are we blaming/shaming little black girls/women for being "fast" when they're simply being themselves? For just being?"

"Why don't people EVER believe women?"

Grown tells the story of Enchanted Jones, a 17-year-old aspiring singer who comes under the influence of 28-year-old superstar Korey Fields. Enchanted is young and naive, and believes that Korey truly wants to help her make her dream come true. But what initially seems like a dream or a fairy tale, quickly turns into a nightmare as Korey becomes abusive, controlling, and violent. The novel shifts back and forth between the present and the discovery of Korey's body, to the past where we see just how all of these events came to pass.

This was a really hard novel to read, mostly because it was so real. Major TW/CW for rape, abuse (physical/emotional), drug use, sexual assault, and suicide. The slow build and progression of abuse and gaslighting depicted here are very real, and there were so many moments when I just wanted to call out to Enchanted and to tell her to run. There were many moments when I was afraid of how the novel would end and whether certain characters would get what was coming to them. This novel is important, critically important, in the wake of #MeToo and other movements. As a society, we still look at teenagers and girls as young women, often treating them as adults and not children. Jackson calls out the culture of pretending that young women are adults and not girls, and the exceptions that so many are willing to make for men with power. Especially when the girls in question are young Black girls, so often the story is ignored. Jackson's writing is bold and striking; she does not flinch away from telling this story but faces it head-on. The characters here feel like real people and Jackson uses those characters to illustrate just how dangerous it is to treat teenagers as "grown". This book is an absolute must-read for EVERYONE.

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Oof this was hard to read (in an important way). A story about a predatory man grooming a young woman and abusing her. Some of the twists felt a little implausible but all-in-all a harrowing, tense read. Important as well for children who are also caught in Enchanted's situation (albeit maybe not as intense but still abusive/inappropriate). This shows that Tiffany D. Jackson is still at the top of her game in YA hard-hitting fiction.

(trigger warnings for: rape, abuse, grooming)

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Plot-
Enchanted is a seventeen-year-old girl whose dream is to become a famous singer. She has a beautiful singing voice, but often her wants are pushed to the side so that she can watch her younger siblings. Enchanted meets the well-known R&B artist Korey Fields backstage at a singing competition. Korey and Enchanted start having a relationship that she keeps secret from her parents, and it only continues to get more and more dangerous.

The story starts with Enchanted waking up in a room full of blood, but having no recollection of what happened. This novel is told through alternating timelines and much like many other Tiffany D. Jackson books, readers are taken on a journey full of unexpected twists and turns.

Personal opinion-

Tiffany D. Jackson does an amazing job at bringing to light how men in power groom and manipulate young women. While this novel does compel the reader to turn page after page, it creates a pit in your stomach that doesn’t go away. This novel will stick with readers much past closing the back cover. I personally loved it but it often feels wrong to say that I loved a book that discusses child abuse, grooming, abuse of power, etc. I would recommend this book to mature middle school readers and high school students.

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This was such an interesting concept and I loved it. It is a one of a kind book where it's part mystery and part romance. I loved every second of it from getting to know Enchanted and her siblings, her parents, Korey, his lifestyle, and all of the people that help her discover what's really going on. You can tell that Tiffany Jackson really put so much time and effort into this and it shows. I can't recommend this book enough.

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While Enchanted Jones dreams of a singing and songwriting career, her help is needed with the littles - her four siblings, in order for her parents to fulfill the dream of owning their own home and putting their kids in good schools. Between singing and swimming, she has always related to Ariel from The Little Mermaid and longs for her childhood home on the beach with her grandmother.

When the opportunity of a lifetime comes in the form of an audition for a reality music show, Enchanted doesn’t win a spot, but she does catch the eye of a major music legend. The power that comes with fame and fortune proves to be more than she can handle as she is caught up in a web of deception that makes her doubt her sanity and the love of her parents.

Because Grown, like all of Tiffany D. Jackson’s thrillers, is inspired by a true story, it is all the more terrifying to consider the insidious nature of power that comes with wealth.

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I read this book in one night, staying up very late, and could not put it down!!! Another super engaging read from Ms, Jackson!

The carefully crafted suspense gives me butterflies and slight anxiety, which is why I loved the book so much! Enchanted is a likable character who does make some bad decisions, but I believe those decisions are also relatable to the reader.

I did feel like there was some awkwardness toward the end of the novel, with familial mental health issues that were not made clear earlier; however, I did feel like some of the lack of clarity was actually evidence of the effects of “the purple drink.” The ending seemed a little abrupt, but maybe that’s just because I wanted more.

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At the beginning of the book, we know that Korey Fields ends up dead. What we don't know is why and who killed him.

Enchanted Jones, a 17 year old high school student is an aspiring singer, swimmer, and big sister. When she catches Korey's eye at an open audition, she thinks all her dreams are about to come true. He's going to make her a star. Instead she finds herself trapped in an unthinkable situation and when he turns up dead, she becomes suspect number 1.

I'd really rate this a 3.75 if it were possible. I think that Tiffany Jackson did a good job with Chanty, for the most part. I know teen girls like her who think they are more mature than they really are. Girls who would absolutely believe the lines that Korey is feeding her as their relationship develops throughout the story. Although, I think that she reads as much younger than 17 for vast portions of the book. But this could be purposeful by Jackson.

I also think that Jackson tries to incorporate too much into the storyline. We have a YA appropriate version of the R. Kelly case which turns into a murder mystery which also involves a psychological thriller sub plot.

I liked the book and will recommend the book, but I didn't love the book.

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It was gripping from the beginning, and I loved the dual narratives between the present and the past. I know some readers struggle with dual narratives, but it was done well so the story was still easy to follow. That said, the topics in this book were emotionally heavy as the story is loosely based on the R. Kelly case. This book shows how adults can prey on/ groom youth as well as how this abuse can have long-lasting effects on youth. It also reminds us that the children are not at fault for these actions.

In many ways, Enchanted Jones seems to be a typical high school student. She's on the swim team, participates in community groups, and helps care for her younger siblings. Her family has financial difficulties and her parents are making huge sacrifices to send her to an expensive private school. When a famous musician, Korey Fields, takes interest in Enchanted at an audition, Enchanted loves the attention and praise, but the relationship quickly turns abusive and she finds herself cut off from family and friends. When Korey is found dead, many people blame Enchanted for his death and the abusive relationship she endured.

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Grown tells the story of seventeen-year-old Enchanted, who dreams of making it as a singer. Chanty begins to actualize those dreams when she meets R&B superstar Korey Fields. But those dreams soon turn to nightmares as Chanty learns and experiences who Korey Fields really is.

This book sparks a necessary and powerful conversation about many prevalent issues: power, control, abuse, and how systems can question and fail those who need them the most. Readers should be aware of the trigger warnings before reading (sexual assault, abuse (mental & physical), mental health, drugs, etc.). While the content can be difficult at times, Grown is an important read.

I loved Jackson's writing style and her use of imagery and similes/metaphors. Seeing her carry certain imagery throughout the novel was one of its most powerful aspects for me. The pacing was quick, and this was a read I could not put down. While I would have liked to see more development in some characters (Chanty's father, grandmother, and Gab), overall, the book was great!

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Received an arc via Netgalley.

DO NOT READ THE SYNOPSIS. It gives too much away. This book was absolutely phenomenal. My favorite Tiffany D. Jackson book yet. Follow Enchanted's story as she gets sucked into a relationship with a music superstar and all that unfolds. AMAZING 5 stars!!!

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If you’ve read Allegedly and/or Monday’s Not Coming and loved them... you will be not be let down with this title. Jackson seems to have really solidified her writing with such a distinct style and cadence. The pacing of her texts always seem to grab you, but Grown grabbed me right away and never let go. Chanty, the main character, is an aspiring singer and self-proclaimed outsider at her predominantly white school. Her friend, Gab, encourages her to try out for a singing competition in which she meets the super star Korey. He is rich, famous, and is going to make all of her dreams of being a singer come true... except her dreams become a nightmare when Korey’s abuse starts.

Jackson uniquely portrays the perspective of rape culture through the eyes of the victim, but particularly how black victims of sexual violence are treated. A piece of art is referenced in the text called “Waterbearer” by Lorna Simpson. The art is picture of a black woman with her back to the camera while pouring water out of two pitchers she is holding in each hand with the words, “She saw him disappear by the river. They asked her to tell what happened, only to discount her memory.” This piece articulates a topic at the heart of the text: black women are often undermined and ignored. Chanty may question her memory and sanity, but Jackson does a great job of building a complex, multifaceted character that is a survivor refusing to have her voice silenced.

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Enchanted Jones is an aspiring seventeen year old singer who is one of the few Black girls at her suburban school. She finds herself struggling to fit in since her family’s recent move. She joins the swim team and has one close friend, Gab. As she watches her sister acclimate faster and enjoy her new surroundings, Chanty longs for more - she longs for a singing career.

One night, she fibs to her mom, asking her to drive her to a swim meet. Conveniently, they end up in the same location as auditions to be on a popular singing show. Chanty auditions and is rejected from the show, but someone special was watching her from the crowd.

Enter Korey Fields. He’s a famous singer/rapper who got started when he was 14. Now 28, he knows the scene, he knows true talent when he sees it. He offers private lessons to Enchanted to help launch her career. He eventually brings her on tour, much to her parents’ chagrin, and a wild ride of drugs, partying, jealousy, abuse, and even murder ensues.

The story is supposedly not based on R. Kelly’s history in the music industry and the allegations made against him, but the similarities are uncanny. It’s up and down constantly, riding the waves of the power within the music industry. Jackson’s writing is incredibly relatable - I flew through this book in 6 hours. And if you know Jackson, you know you’re in store for a heck of a plot twist.

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Tiffany Jackson has done it again. This is the second book I have read by this author and she just has a way of building suspense and making the reader become truly invested her characters. At the beginning, I had a rough time getting into the story, but like her other book "Monday's Not Coming", I was eventually drawn in and couldn't put the book down. Literally read it in a day!

The story centers around Enchanted, a high school student, who wants to grow up to be a singer. When she gets noticed by a famous singer, he promises to make her famous. Unfortunately his help, comes at a price and Enchanted's life begins to spiral.

There is some explicit content in the book, therefore I would recommend for high school readers. The book deals with themes around sexual assault and the Me Too Movement.

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Fresh from the oven your meal is in front of you and it looks so good you have to take a bite right now fully knowing the steam coming off it means you should wait or at least blow on it, but you don’t and you burn the roof of your mouth. Soon the plate is clean but you’ll continue to feel the burn.

Grown by TDJ burned me but didn’t stop me from needing more. Jackson’s writing engulfed me in the world of Chanty’s hopes and dreams, and subsequently her worst nightmares.

I think it’s important that an educator considering this book in a classroom library heed the content warnings and know potential triggers it has before a student picks it up to read. I also think it’s a book that, at some point, every student should read.

Grown is told through the eyes of 17 year old Enchanted “Chanty” Jones: oldest of the Jones siblings, Disney enthusiast, fish out of water, and an aspiring singer/songwriter. Chanty’s parents work tirelessly to put her and sister Shea in private school, but Chanty knows that a lot of sacrifices are being made, and she feels them too. So when Chanty gets her “shot” to work with superstar Korey Fields, she believes she’s doing it for not just herself, but so everyone in her family can live a better life. From the get go, Korey says all the right things and appeals to Enchanted’s wildest dreams, until he doesn’t. Going back and forth between “Now” and “Then” TDJ gives readers the thrills and chills as we navigate what happened to Korey Fields and why Enchanted’s words fall on deaf ears when her voice is so loud.

Though a work of fiction, not one bit of it is fake, and TDJ’s word craft will leave you simultaneously reading at the speed of light to find out what happens next and just wanting to turn the page because you need what you’re reading to stop.

As a teacher, there’s a lot of lessons to be taken from this book. As a human, there’s a lot of lessons to be taken from this book. Power, greed, advantage, and oppression smother the pages of this book, smothered me, and I came out begging for a breath. Powerful is an understatement.

4.5 ⭐

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4 stars

This is a solid YA novel that covers issues ripped straight from the headlines: particularly those including R Kelly and other like trash heaps masquerading as people.

Enchanted is 17, on the swim team, a great big sister and daughter, a talented singer, and the central figure of this work. Unfortunately, she also becomes easy prey for Korey, a well known musician and predator.

This is a quick read in spite of its challenging subject matter, and Jackson does a tremendous job of framing Enchanted's path: how she gets here, how and why she stays, and what the aftermath looks like for her and for others who have had similar experiences. I really like how some of the potentially unreliable narration forces readers to participate in the same crappy behavior that's highlighted here: questioning the facts and - most significantly - who presents them. Also, the ties to _The Little Mermaid_ add nicely to the theme and parallel the character development without being heavy handed or detracting.

I'd have liked to get even a bit more in to Enchanted's head in the early stages of the work, and I do think aspects toward the end are a bit conveniently tied up and/or could use further exploration (I'll avoid specifics so as to maintain that spoiler-free life).

Those minor wishes noted, this is a worthwhile and important read, and I'll be recommending it to students.

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To no ones surprise I am sure Tiffany Jackson has done it again! I read this book in a half a day because I was hooked from word one! A great book about women’s voices and how they are often not heard when they are being used against men with power, social clout or systems of oppression. Enchantment Jones has always identified with Ariel, she is a mermaid and she has a beautiful voice. All Enchantment wants is to be a singer so when one of the most famous singers takes her under his wing she jumps at the chance, and when he says he loves her she can’t believe her luck! The huge age difference doesn’t seem to matter in the face of love. Resembling one of the biggest headline stories this book makes a huge impact!

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4.5 stars
Jackson does a wonderful job of sharing a story that has been so polarizing in real life. Enchanted is given an opportunity to create the music career of her dreams, but things aren’t as they seem. It was difficult to read at points (because of the content, not the writing) but so very compelling. This book provides an interesting exploration of who is “to blame” for what happens to Enchanted while also highlighting how young black women are often ignored or simply not believed when sharing their experiences. Wealth and power are critically examined and I wanted to know what was going to happen so much that I could not stop reading.

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Tiffany D. Jackson continues to SHOCK her readers with twisty, timely novels. This book is not only thrilling and page-turning, it's SO IMPORTANT. All teen girls need to read this book to learn about the warning signs of abusive relationships and how older men should NOT be attempting to date teen girls. Too often do we see that is how the story of human trafficking begins - this book lays out exactly how those types of relationships form and what the abusers do to keep girls from their families and friends.
Jackson has a very specific writing style that makes you feel like 100 pages of reading took you 10 seconds. Her pace, descriptions, and character development are EFFORTLESS and perfect. She's known for a twisty ending and this one... IS GOOD! I gasped! Just when you think she's revealed all the secrets, she hits you with the last one then ends the book a few lines later. MIND BLOWN.
YOU MUST PICK IT UP WHEN IT COMES OUT IN SEPTEMBER!

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Tiffany D. Jackson's, Grown, is a continuation of her genius. Filled with captivating twists and turns that left me no choice but to devour the book in one sitting. Enchanted Jones wakes up in a room covered in blood and R & B superstar, Korey Fields, is dead.

When 17 yo Enchanted makes her singing debut at her high school, Fields is there. He quickly inserts himself into her space and begins the grooming process of luring her into his twisted world. She is quickly all in as she dreams of becoming a star and being able to provide financial support to her family. He sweetens the pot when he offers to mentor her. Enchanted has no idea of his past, and his sick infatuation with younger girls. She finds herself in a heartbreaking, deeply disturbing situation where she learns of his darkly hidden, sadistic rage. She quickly becomes a victim of psychological, physical, and emotional abuse. Now, Fields is dead, and all eyes are on her.

Written with the same gutwrenching style as Monday's Not Coming and Allegedly. Jackson continues to be a must-read author.

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