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nlusson's review against another edition
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
envyimperfection's review against another edition
2.0
This book was selected for one of our book club reads and I have never felt more irritated. I was grateful for Jackson’s content warnings before the book began because otherwise this would have been a book that I DNF’d. Overall, this book was okay but not great. Parts of the story were drawn out way more than necessary. Definitely not a book for everyone and not one of her best works, in my opinion.
emcclendon03's review against another edition
dark
informative
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? N/A
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
2.5
emperor_nero's review against another edition
5.0
this book was painful to read, but i couldn’t take my eyes off the pages. i honestly cannot put my thoughts into words. this book touched on so many important topics that need to be spoken about more- parasocial relationships, rape culture, abuse, and the treatment and vulnerability of black girls. this book was fast paced, almost too fast, but it made sense with the events that were occurring. my heart aches for all the victims of abuse similar to what enchanted goes through. and though her story is fictional, it dwells on many figures in the media that have also abused their power in this way.
on a lighter note, can we just talk about the cover? it’s absolutely gorgeous and i am absolutely in love with it; the colors are beautiful and so is the art. i am just in love with it.
i honestly think this is one of the best, if not the best book i read this year, yes it touched on incredibly heavy topics and talked about how disgusting the music industry can be (in terms of contracts and whatever, don’t even get me started with how much i hate the music industry and copyright laws *specifically dmca takedowns), but it was incredibly powerful and i cannot wait to read another book by tiffany d. jackson.
~~~~~~~~
review written for volunteer hours:
“None of this is your fault. Not one drop of it. No child should ever take the blame for a man's actions.”
Content Warning: mentions of sexual abuse, rape, assault, child abuse, kidnapping, and addiction
Enchanted Jones is an aspiring singer, spotted by R&B artist Korey Fields at an audition; as she falls deeper and deeper into his “world” he manipulates her more and more, and we eventually uncover the truth of who killed Korey Fields. I’m going to preface this by stating that this was not a lighthearted read; it covered serious topics not limited to those mentioned above along with parasocial relationships and the treatment and vulnerability of young black girls. This book was painful to read as we see Enchanted trapped in Korey’s web, but also powerful as we watch her survive and escape. Though the book dwells upon many media figures who have done similar things, this, above everything, is about a celebrity, and someone much older than the lead, abusing their position of power. It was incredibly fast-paced (I read this in one sitting, which was probably a little longer than an hour), but it made sense with what was occurring. I cannot recommend this book enough, as long as you know what you are getting yourself into, hence the content warning. Also, how could you resist a book with such a beautiful cover?
on a lighter note, can we just talk about the cover? it’s absolutely gorgeous and i am absolutely in love with it; the colors are beautiful and so is the art. i am just in love with it.
i honestly think this is one of the best, if not the best book i read this year, yes it touched on incredibly heavy topics and talked about how disgusting the music industry can be (in terms of contracts and whatever, don’t even get me started with how much i hate the music industry and copyright laws *specifically dmca takedowns), but it was incredibly powerful and i cannot wait to read another book by tiffany d. jackson.
~~~~~~~~
review written for volunteer hours:
“None of this is your fault. Not one drop of it. No child should ever take the blame for a man's actions.”
Content Warning: mentions of sexual abuse, rape, assault, child abuse, kidnapping, and addiction
Enchanted Jones is an aspiring singer, spotted by R&B artist Korey Fields at an audition; as she falls deeper and deeper into his “world” he manipulates her more and more, and we eventually uncover the truth of who killed Korey Fields. I’m going to preface this by stating that this was not a lighthearted read; it covered serious topics not limited to those mentioned above along with parasocial relationships and the treatment and vulnerability of young black girls. This book was painful to read as we see Enchanted trapped in Korey’s web, but also powerful as we watch her survive and escape. Though the book dwells upon many media figures who have done similar things, this, above everything, is about a celebrity, and someone much older than the lead, abusing their position of power. It was incredibly fast-paced (I read this in one sitting, which was probably a little longer than an hour), but it made sense with what was occurring. I cannot recommend this book enough, as long as you know what you are getting yourself into, hence the content warning. Also, how could you resist a book with such a beautiful cover?
tuma's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
inspiring
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
5.0
I was completed captivated by this book. Hooked from page 1 in a chokehold and wasn't let go to final page. All I can say is DAMN, Jackson can WRITE!
baebae135's review against another edition
dark
emotional
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.5
Great YA!!! On the mature side (the content and trigger warnings say enough) I knocked it down a half a point due to one of the aspects of the abuse was handled. (Light spoiler: after the abuse she starts seeing and hearing stuff, a real symptom of PTSD&CPTSD, and it is wasn’t really concluded… it kinda just happened and then it’s never spoken about with in the book again) all in all I would have just liked the psychology of the survivor to be addressed more OR some commentary on how mental health is handle in the black community!! However, GREAT representation, writing, and commentary on the exploration of women of color in the entertainment industry!!!
ty_books's review against another edition
4.0
only thought throughout this book… This is based from R.Kelly
memydogandbooks's review against another edition
dark
emotional
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
4.25
SYNOPSIS:
Aspiring singer Enchanted Jones lands an opportunity with a famous R&B artist. However, the dream turns dark when she wakes up with amnesia and the artist is dead. Facing suspicion and with her memories gone, Enchanted must find the truth before it's too late.
MY THOUGHTS:
- Inspired by the sexual abuse and trafficking of minors this story is hard to read as you follow Enchanted as she's desperate to make it in the music industry but you watch her slowly being groomed by Korey Fields.
- I found myself going through a rollercoaster of emotions reading this, if you can handle the subject matter it's a must-read.
- Jackson doesn't hold back on spotlighting the silencing of women's voices (especially Black women's voices) the voices of victims, victim blaming and gaslighting.
- The character development, including that of the predatory Korey and all supporting characters, is so cleverly crafted, that you can't help but feel like a fly on the wall as this story unfolds.
- This is my fourth Tiffany D Jackson book and I've adored each one, her ability to write engaging stories that reflect the social injustice of mostly young Black women is amazing.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Sexual assault, Domestic abuse, Sexual violence, and Child abuse
aclong's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
tinky47's review against another edition
3.0
Enchanted has a family that loves her, is a talented swimmer, and mostly wants to become a singer. She has the skills- all her friends say so. When she manages to trick her mom into taking her to a talent call, she is disappointed with the feedback the judges give her, but backstage she meets Korey, a twenty someone heartthrob that’s big in the music scene. When Korey shows interest in supporting her music career, her parents refuse, but Korey wins them over with contracts and show of responsible adults that will surround Enchanted. Korey is such a star and so attentive to seventeen year old Enchanted that she starts falling in love with him, and he becomes controlling, domineering, and takes over her world. This is a fast moving story of a young girl, ready for love, but finding in the arms of a predator. A tale of warnings and good for teens to read. As an adult the first half of the story felt obvious, as Korey talks inappropriately with Enchanted, early in their meeting. Still a necessary piece of writing for young people to read.