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A review by hummingbird_
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Tiffany D. Jackson’s “Grown “ hits hard, fast, and leaves you reeling, much like the shady world it exposes. This novel isn't your typical YA, and I’ll warn you now—it’ll have you throwing your bookmark across the room more than once. But like a train wreck you can't look away from, you'll stay glued to the pages.
Enchanted Jones, the 17-year-old protagonist, dreams of becoming a famous singer but instead gets swept into the dangerous orbit of an R&B superstar. What follows is a story that expertly balances suspense, tragedy, and the bitter realities of exploitation. And let me tell you, Jackson pulls no punches with the emotional rollercoaster she puts her characters (and us!) through. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you might even consider enrolling in therapy by the end.
The writing is sharp and fast-paced, and Jackson does a stellar job making Enchanted’s voice resonate in a way that will have readers simultaneously rooting for her and wanting to jump into the pages to scream, “Girl, run!” The thriller aspect of “Grown” keeps you hooked, but it’s the nuanced look at abuse, power, and the loss of innocence that will linger long after you’ve finished.
Now, this isn't a five-star read for me simply because I occasionally found myself needing a moment to process the whiplash of events, and Enchanted’s decisions, though realistic, sometimes left me scratching my head. But hey, if we were all 17 and making flawless choices, we’d be too boring to read about, right?
Enchanted Jones, the 17-year-old protagonist, dreams of becoming a famous singer but instead gets swept into the dangerous orbit of an R&B superstar. What follows is a story that expertly balances suspense, tragedy, and the bitter realities of exploitation. And let me tell you, Jackson pulls no punches with the emotional rollercoaster she puts her characters (and us!) through. You'll laugh, you'll cry, and you might even consider enrolling in therapy by the end.
The writing is sharp and fast-paced, and Jackson does a stellar job making Enchanted’s voice resonate in a way that will have readers simultaneously rooting for her and wanting to jump into the pages to scream, “Girl, run!” The thriller aspect of “Grown” keeps you hooked, but it’s the nuanced look at abuse, power, and the loss of innocence that will linger long after you’ve finished.
Now, this isn't a five-star read for me simply because I occasionally found myself needing a moment to process the whiplash of events, and Enchanted’s decisions, though realistic, sometimes left me scratching my head. But hey, if we were all 17 and making flawless choices, we’d be too boring to read about, right?