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Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
Korey Fields is dead.
When Enchanted Jones wakes with blood on her hands and zero memory of the previous night, no one—the police and Korey’s fans included—has more questions than she does. All she really knows is that this isn’t how things are supposed to be. Korey was Enchanted’s ticket to stardom.
Before there was a dead body, Enchanted was an aspiring singer, struggling with her tight knit family’s recent move to the suburbs while trying to find her place as the lone Black girl in high school. But then legendary R&B artist Korey Fields spots her at an audition. And suddenly her dream of being a professional singer takes flight.
Enchanted is dazzled by Korey’s luxurious life but soon her dream turns into a nightmare. Behind Korey’s charm and star power hides a dark side, one that wants to control her every move, with rage and consequences. Except now he’s dead and the police are at the door. Who killed Korey Fields?
All signs point to Enchanted.
When I awake, I am eye-level with a puddle of beet juice soaked into the carpet, soft fibers cushioning my cheek.
Tiffany D. Jackson continues to amaze me! I cannot believe that I only discovered her books for the first time this summer. With only Monday’s Not Coming left to read, I think it is safe to say that Jackson has become an autobuy author from me. I have given all her books five stars, and Grown is no exception.
It is interesting to read this story having also recently read My Dark Vanessa, as they take on similar themes and both handle them well. I always worry that books like this, where there is a relationship between a grown man and a minor, may be romanticized in some way, but that was not the case in Grown or in My Dark Vanessa.
If you know anything about the allegations made against R. Kelly or you have seen the documentary series “Surviving R. Kelly”, you will have an understanding of what Grown is about and why it was such a tough read. This is something that continues to happen to young girls, particularly Black girls, who are trying to make their way into the music industry or into Hollywood or have dreams of the Olympics, etc., and it is so disgusting and heartbreaking. I truly believe that a teenager who reads Grown will walk away with a new perspective and a better understanding of what it means to be groomed.
Grown is technically a thriller but, like all of Jackson’s novel, the actual mystery is secondary to the human story. Your heart aches for Enchanted and you recognize how easy it is to become trapped in a situation like hers. The age difference isn’t the only factor that creates a power imbalance in her relationship with Korey. He leads her to believe that she would be nothing without him and he could make or break her music career. Reading her story felt so real, as did seeing how other characters reacted to her claims- it broke my heart.
There are many trigger warnings, including grooming and gaslighting, pedophilia, sexual assault, rape, kidnapping, revenge porn, child abuse, and addiction to opioids. These content warnings are included at the beginning of the book, which really should be standard practice and is appreciated!
- Characters: 9
- Atmosphere/Setting: 9
- Writing Style: 10
- Plot: 9
- Intrigue: 10
- Logic/Relationships: 9
- Enjoyment: 10
Overall CAWPILE score: 66/7=9.4
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I’ve read Tiffany Jackson’s other books, but haven’t had a chance to start this one yet (it’s waiting on the Kindle, though). I’m so glad to hear it’s another winner!
Definitely a winner! Now I’m anxiously waiting for her next book. Look forward to hearing your thoughts on this one!
I’ve loved Tiffany’s previous books and I’m looking forward to picking up Grown soon as well! I’m glad you hear you enjoyed it. It is a tough topic to discuss but I’m glad it was done well and I can’t wait to experience this for myself!
Everything she writes is incredible. I trust any difficult topic in her hands!
Agreed completely! I will read anything she writes going forward! 👏🏻
So glad to see you liked this one! I am such a big Tiffany Jackson fan and am always recommending her books to people.
She’s amazing! I do the same!
On my TBR. I haven’t reading any of Tiffany Jackson’s books.
You must! I recommend reading them in publication order.
Thank you!
I have this one on hold at my library and am itching to get my hands on it! I haven’t read a Tiffany Jackson book yet but I have a feeling once I do, she’s going to become a top author for me as well! So happy that you loved this one! ♥
Ah I think you’ll want to read all her books!
I read Grown last month and I totally agree it is such a heavy read. I had to put the book down at many moments because it was too much at times.
Nevertheless I liked it as much as anyone can like reading about such issues 😔
I felt the same. All of Jackson’s books are page turners but you do feel like you need to take breaks from them because of the heavy topics.
…I think books should have TW clearly stated!
So do I!
I’m excited to read this one as I love Tiffany Jackson’s writing! I love how she talks about real-life issues in her work so I’m glad to hear Grown does this so well, even if it’s a difficult read due to those topics!
That’s what I love about her too!
Great review! I have heard so many amazing things about this book (and about this author) and I’m sad that I haven’t read any of Jackson’s stuff yet. Will definitely work on changing that (hopefully) this year 🙂
Can’t wait for you to read one of her books. It’s going to make you want to read them all!
Great review! This sounds like such a valuable book… I also really like the way you structure your reviews ❤️📚
Thank you so much! Glad you enjoy the structure because I’ve been playing with it a bit lately.
I haven’t read this yet, but thanks to you, gonna buy it today 🥰
Yesss. That makes me so happy. I cannot wait to hear what you think! Have you read any of her other books?
Wow, I haven’t read any of Tiffany Jackson’s books. Time to get updated! Awesome review !
Thank you! I have been recommending her books to everyone. She’s incredible!