Tiffany D. Jackson

Grown

Lindsay

This book is about the abuse of power. It’s about the pattern of excusing grown men for their behavior while faulting young girls for their missteps.

’s about the blatant criticism of girls who were victims of manipulation. It’s about holding the right person accountable for the crime he committed. It’s about corporations attempting to silence victims and continuing to profit off the very monster they helped create.

About the individuals who were meant to protect and serve never believing victims in their moments of bravery. It’s about girls trying to defend themselves against the world and the possibility of similar situations happening to anyone . . . even to girls from two- parent households.

This book is not about R. Kelly. It’s about adults who know the difference between right and wrong. Because no matter where you stand on the issue . . . he knew better.

Yo, Malcolm X said it best. “The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.”

I am a heap of dead leaves, blackened, moist, reeking of mold. Rotting apples, dying grass, early darkness chasing away the sun.

Trying to reclaim your life is a lot like drowning. You attempt to stay above water as waves of new information hit you sideways, carrying you further into the unknown. People throw life preservers, but the ropes can only reach so far, and once a riptide catches you by the ankle, all you can do is wonder why you ever thought you’d be OK jumping into the deep end, when you could barely manage the shallows.

Interesting and highly relevant topic, however, the execution and storytelling felt juvenile at points. I understand there was a need to emphasise on the youthfulness on the main character, but it seeped beyond into the writing.

Nana O

An extremely uncomfortable, but captivating read. This book handles a lot of hard topics such as rape, abuse, grooming and exploitation (please read the trigger warnings before reading this).

I couldn’t put this book down even though I was so revolted reading it. I think it really did a good job delving into the topics and situations it was portraying. The writing had such a way of really touching you. I got goosebumps, teared up, gasped, screamed etc. The story itself was very like situations we see in reality all the time. It really does a good job of showing how often black women who are victims of abuse are never taken seriously, or at worst blamed and shamed for it. It shows how men in power are often allowed by society to abuse women with no consequences all the time. The book is critiquing this culture in America, but as a black teen, and a victim of grooming and SA myself, I really felt this story to my core. Being a child and having the adults around you constantly police your body and blame you for unwanted male attention, especially from older men, is an experience I know a lot

of black women share. I think this was important to write about and bring awareness to, and I think the author did a good job of accurately portraying it.

I didn’t really like the ending, something about it felt rushed and clipped. I also didn’t really like the twist and turns near the end of them book. I know the authors was trying to close up the book, but it took me out a bit after reading the whole book and confronting all these huge important topics. That being said, I’m glad it was a happy one, I don’t think I would have survived if it was anything else.

bel 

An extremely uncomfortable, but captivating read. This book handles a lot of hard topics such as rape, abuse, grooming and exploitation (please read the trigger warnings before reading this).

I couldn’t put this book down even though I was so revolted reading it. I think it really did a good job delving into the topics and situations it was portraying. The writing had such a way of really touching you. I got goosebumps, teared up, gasped, screamed etc. The story itself was very like situations we see in reality all the time. It really does a good job of showing how often black women who are victims of abuse are never taken seriously, or at worst blamed and shamed for it. It shows how men in power are often allowed by society to abuse women with no consequences all the time. The book is critiquing this culture in America, but as a black teen, and a victim of grooming and SA myself, I really felt this story to my core. Being a child and having the adults around you constantly police your body and blame you for unwanted male attention, especially from older men, is an experience I know a lot

of black women share. I think this was important to write about and bring awareness to, and I think the author did a good job of accurately portraying it.

I didn’t really like the ending, something about it felt rushed and clipped. I also didn’t really like the twist and turns near the end of them book. I know the authors was trying to close up the book, but it took me out a bit after reading the whole book and confronting all these huge important topics. That being said, I’m glad it was a happy one, I don’t think I would have survived if it was anything else.

An instant New York Times bestseller! "Grown exposes the underbelly of a tough conversation, providing a searing examination of misogynoir, rape culture, and the vulnerability of young black girls. Groundbreaking, heart-wrenching, and essential reading for all in the #MeToo era." --Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles Award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another riveting, ripped-from-the-headlines mystery that exposes horrific secrets hiding behind the limelight and embraces the power of a young woman's voice. When legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots Enchanted Jones at an audition, her dreams of being a famous singer take flight. Until Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night. Who killed Korey Fields? Before there was a dead body, Enchanted's dreams had turned into a nightmare. Because behind Korey's charm and star power was a controlling dark side. Now he's dead, the police are at the door, and all signs point to Enchanted. "Never have I read a story that so flawlessly hits the highest high and lowest low notes of Black girlhood in pursuit of the American Dream." --Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and Jackpot

‪Another heartbreaking story by Tiffany.

I like books that really make me feel and this one made me FEEL pain and anger and more pain. I wanted to shake every single person who was letting this girl be so obviously manipulated by this man in power I wanted to k!ll himself myself‬!

While I was definitely invested I think certain areas of the beginning lacked and maybe that is just fanfic influence but it felt like a y/n x one direction member fanfic for a little while in the opening pages but I had faith things would turn around and i wasn’t disappointed.

While this isn’t my favourite work of hers it also isn’t my least favourite and every book I’ve read by this author has been worth my time.

‪Another heartbreaking story by Tiffany.
I like books that really make me feel and this one made me FEEL pain and anger and more pain. I wanted to shake every single person who was letting this girl be so obviously manipulated by this man in power I wanted to k!ll himself myself‬!

While I was definitely invested I think certain areas of the beginning lacked and maybe that is just fanfic influence but it felt like a y/n x one direction member fanfic for a little while in the opening pages but I had faith things would turn around and i wasn’t disappointed.

While this isn’t my favourite work of hers it also isn’t my least favourite and every book I’ve read by this author has been worth my time.

I actually have tears in my eyes writing this review.

So per usual, Tiffany D Jackson wrote an amazing piece of literature that highlights systemic issues we face in our society. As a Black woman, who was once a Black teen, this hit far too close to home. It was refreshing to see an accurate story about us, but at the same time, I was holding back vomit through most of this. 

The book tackles misogynoir, sexual abuse, grooming, systemic racism, and the plight of Black women overall. While it rings true, and I’ve literally witnessed these conversations in my own spaces throughout my life, I was uncomfortable every step of the way. This is a good and bad thing. Jackson was able to get us directly into the head of our main character, which generates empathy if you somehow don’t already have it for her. However, I truly felt like this was happening to me and still have chills down my spine. 

I think everyone needs to read this, but especially white people who want to get just a little bit of understanding of what it’s like to be a Black woman. Please check the trigger warnings before delving into this.

Nik ✨

I actually have tears in my eyes writing this review.

So per usual, Tiffany D Jackson wrote an amazing piece of literature that highlights systemic issues we face in our society. As a Black woman, who was once a Black teen, this hit far too close to home. It was refreshing to see an accurate story about us, but at the same time, I was holding back vomit through most of this. 

The book tackles misogynoir, sexual abuse, grooming, systemic racism, and the plight of Black women overall. While it rings true, and I’ve literally witnessed these conversations in my own spaces throughout my life, I was uncomfortable every step of the way. This is a good and bad thing. Jackson was able to get us directly into the head of our main character, which generates empathy if you somehow don’t already have it for her. However, I truly felt like this was happening to me and still have chills down my spine. 

I think everyone needs to read this, but especially white people who want to get just a little bit of understanding of what it’s like to be a Black woman. Please check the trigger warnings before delving into this.

Bria

I don't think I'm a fan of Jackson's writing. It feels so.....middle schooler's first Wattpad book to me.

Sarah Sammis

The book is a heart stopping page turner. It's an excellent but depressing and rage inducing checklist for how abusers charm their prey and then keep them under control.

The most important takeaway from this novel is that teenagers under eighteen are children. It doesn't matter how developed they look or how much make up or fancy clothing they wear. They are children.

http://pussreboots.com/blog/2020/comm...

Michaela Hudson

Robi Carballo

This book tackles serious issues. I love the way it was written going back and forth from then and now without any confusion! This is a great eye-opener to everyone.

Jule

Alexa M

4.5*
i read this book in one sitting. so gripping and powerful, yet so hard to read at times. everyone pick this up!! love Tiffany D. Jackson

Joycelyn Ghansah

"Blooming and Growing" I got 90. The way we just watch her grow from someone so innocent to still a child who is being manipulated, cheated, and used. And now a child still, being free. I thought that was heartbreakingly beautiful. Everything she went through is so raw and sad, but here she is, trying to make it.

Davina 

Rachel Evans

(4.25/5) Audiobook - 4 hours 9 minutes - This book was very well written, and provided a very good insight into the world of fame and power and abuse, as well as touching on systematic racism. The pacing sometimes felt a little off - at times things moved too quickly and at times things moved too slow, but aside from this, the writing style was very good.

Spencer McWilliams

YA is not really my style, but I ended up finishing this book in 1 day because I had no self control and was hooked. I really enjoyed the story and the important message that it conveys, but there were some parts of it that I felt were unnecessary (ex. Gab). Overall, the book was amazing yet devastating.

Isabela H 

Don't get me wrong, I understood what this book was trying to accomplish. Unfortunately, I think that it was nowhere as good as it could've been. There were some really cute moments, some nice aha! moments, but on the whole, the narrative just felt flat and not engaging at all

4 stars - The only thing I coud think about is R. Kelly, despite the author putting in her author's note that the book is not about him. Honestly, the story is sad but true... Grown ass disgusting men preying on underaged girls in the music industry. And even outside of that. It's a fast read so you'll be done in no time

Joy KBA

Ella Evans

Fist off, just like the book im adding a CW for everything the book held which is sexual abuse, rape, assault, child abuse, kidnapping and addiction to opioids.

first off, as a younger person reading this book I was very glad that they included a CW at the very beginning. I definitely wasn't expecting the level of intense the book got and if you are to read this id read with caution as I felt pretty sick just reading it. besides the bad parts, this book was beautifly wrote. I think it portrayed the events of what can happen to someone perfectly. how one thing could easily lead to another and cause all the of these events. how any and all adults in her life weren't listening to her and letting her leave. I think it also did an amazing job bringing up the mention how the court is still embedded with racism. It also did an amazing job of showing that its hard to speak up against someone who has hurt you that bad, especially with all the people who wont believe you and even more if the person is a celebrity or has any bit of public recognition. I think it was what everyone who read it needed to hear and reminded me of the things I wouldn't normally think about, and the injustice of the world we don't always notice. As long as ou feel ready enough to read the book I recommend it entirely.

Livia

Clara Moore

Difficult subject matter but such a well written story.

Cat H

I absolutely loved this book from beginning to end. The grooming, lies (a.k.a. promises made), drugging, mental abuse, physical abuse, and sexual abuse is so well depicted that it's scary. There are chapters that bounce in-between Enchanted's perspective of spectators who all feel free to make comments and judge the events as the situations between her and Corey become public. There is also the abuse laid out from those who work with and for Corey, as well as, the mind games police play in order to protect a celebrity. 

The later half of the book brings up mental illness and begins to play with the unreliable narrator trope which I was skeptical about because I didn't know if there would be enough time to neatly wrap it up and explain some important details. But it does. My only gripe is that the ending does feel rushed and I wish we got more of a resolution. Especially in regard to Enchanted's family. Tiffany D. Jackson played with my mind and my emotions. There are so many heartbreaking moments that made me tear up. This is a gripping, important story to read that reflects a modern dilemma despite progress made with the Me Too Movement. 

TW: sexual abuse, emotional abuse, physical abuse, domestic violence, grooming, predatory behavior, blood

Nicki

This book is about the abuse of power. It's about the pattern of excusing grown men for their behavior while faulting young girls for their missteps.  

If there's one thing a Tiffany Jackson book is gonna, it's gonna make me feel things. She really never EVER misses. I was so grossed out by every aspect of this book and I couldn't stop reading. Somethings were just a little too close to home as a Black woman. We really need to do better as a society when it comes to holding abusers accountable.

Sarah S

intense, gripping, thought provoking, heartbreaking, and intensely realistic story. 

The story starts with A young girl, Enchanted Jones, waking up with her vision blurry and a painful headache. The room covered in beet juice, no not beet juice, BLOOD. Lying next to a pool of beet juice is Korey, he's not moving; not breathing. Enchanted is startled by someone banging on the door.. "Police! Open Up!". 

The shocking twists in this book grips you. And for us millennials, will throw you right back into the R. Kelly cases, Although the author calls upon her own history and notes the story is not necessarily about him, but of the many, many people in this world that enables people just like him. 

This is going to be my new go to YA contemporary fiction recommendations. 
4.5 /5

An instant New York Times bestseller! “Grown exposes the underbelly of a tough conversation, providing a searing examination of misogynoir, rape culture, and the vulnerability of young black girls. Groundbreaking, heart-wrenching, and essential reading for all in the #MeToo era.” —Dhonielle Clayton, New York Times bestselling author of The Belles Award-winning author Tiffany D. Jackson delivers another riveting, ripped-from-the-headlines mystery that exposes horrific secrets hiding behind the limelight and embraces the power of a young woman’s voice. When legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots Enchanted Jones at an audition, her dreams of being a famous singer take flight. Until Enchanted wakes up with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night. Who killed Korey Fields? Before there was a dead body, Enchanted’s dreams had turned into a nightmare. Because behind Korey’s charm and star power was a controlling dark side. Now he’s dead, the police are at the door, and all signs point to Enchanted. “Never have I read a story that so flawlessly hits the highest high and lowest low notes of Black girlhood in pursuit of the American Dream.” —Nic Stone, New York Times bestselling author of Dear Martin and Jackpot

Maxie Froelicher

This book hits hard and does what it sets out to do, highlighting a place where our society falls short. I will have to agree with some of the other reviews on here, the ending kind of took a turn and felt a little rushed, and the Gabby part was not my favourite. It felt weird to me that suddenly her and her grandma’s mental health was brought up to such a degree by the other characters (the officers I understood, but her sister and parents and friends?)

Other than that though, it was hard to read because of how raw it is, how real it feels because I know that all of those things Korey did are things that happen daily in abusive relationships, wether they’re with celebrities or not.

Grown

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