Review of Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

 Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson 

Whoa. This book was completely consuming. Perhaps it was the character of Enchanted or the writing of Jackson, but I could not put this book down for one moment. I consumed it in a day and a half and I know I'll be going back to it because it was just that good. This book has a trigger warning in the beginning and rightly so, it deal was some very disturbing and uncomfortable material but I truly believe that stories like this are so important to tell and to read. This story is more than its triggers though, it's about independence, family, community, and trust. This story was beautifully written and at some points I found myself rereading entire chapters because what was said really needed a moment to sink in. What I love most is right when you think you know what's happening in the story it's twisted and turned and your second-guessing everything you've learned. 

We follow Enchanted Jones a seventeen-year-old high school student with a talent for singing and when a chance meeting with megastar singer Korey Fields (a twenty-eight-year-old man) rockets her into stardom. From the outside, Enchanted is getting everything she has ever wanted but from the inside, it's an intense and heavy relationship that turns the deeper Enchanted dives into the world of Korey Fields. Enchanted was such an interesting character because I really believe most girls have been there, desperate be grown and been seen as an adult and to be loved, but that's not always what it seems like once you've got it. 

Stand out quote: 

"Water and fire don't mix. But now, I'm made of both." p 259

Some questions to ponder: 

1. In Chapter 10, what does it say about the American Dream? 
2. How does the relationship around Enchanted world reflect the one she makes with Korey Fields?
3. It's important to notice and acknowledge signs of grooming, in what ways does Korey groom Enchanted? 
4. On page 166, Korey Fields makes a plan for their future, but how does he really see Enchanted as a person? 
5. Do you think Enchanted found her independence/ freedom/ peace in the end? 

Thanks for stopping by! 

-MDB