Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

One of my absolute favorite authors, Tiffany D. Jackson, has once again given readers an unbelievably powerful story.  If she writes it, I am going to read it, and this one, like every other novel she has written, did not disappoint.  In this dark and gritty story, Jackson gives us a novel about the abuse of power that adults often inflict on young victims.  It is about how fame and money often causes people to look away when they should be looking deeper.  This is a novel about trauma and the perseverance to survive and move on.  But most importantly it is a novel about how often we don't believe the victims, especially when they are people of color.   Just like her other novels, this one is timely and important and one that should force you to open your eyes to the things we often overlook in our world.  

Grown is the story of Enchanted Jones, an aspiring young singer.  While on an audition, Enchanted catches the eye of Korey Fields, one of the biggest superstars in the music industry.  Korey sees something special in her voice.  And as he convinces her parents to let him make a star out of her, he also starts to seduce this young woman.  The sweet and loving side of Korey is often replaced with a terrifying and abusive man who continues to isolate and abuse Enchanted.  When she wakes up one morning covered in blood, she becomes the prime suspect in Korey's murder.  Did all the trauma she endured finally cause her to snap or did someone frame her for a crime she didn't commit.  Either way, what we see is a group of adults who covered for a man who knew what he was doing was wrong.  We see a group of adults who don't believe the accuser because she is young and black.  Jackson begs us to listen to the victims and condemn the abusers.  This is just another masterpiece in the works of Tiffany D. Jackson. 

 

From Amazon: 

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