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A review by dalmavatai
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
challenging
dark
emotional
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
This was a very impactful and important read, but I was a bit disappointed by a few things concerning the execution.
It was very fast-paced and covered quite a few different things including being introduced to the music industry, going on tour, and then the trial and the police investigation. I honestly would've preferred if it had focused on just one of these things, like the whole book could've taken place during the tour and then the end could've been the investigation and the trial. I felt that because we had so many different settings, I was never immersed in any of them because the scene was just not set well enough, and before I could get used to one setting it had already moved on to the next. Because of this, I at times felt disconnected from Enchanted because her feelings and inner monologue weren't detailed enough to reel me in. Ultimately, I think I wanted less plot and more description and introspection to really engage me.
Even so, I think this book is extremely important, offering commentary on rape culture, victim blaming, sexual exploitation of young girls by older and powerful men, the precarious situation of Black women in society, manipulative and abusive relationships, and more. I loved Enchanted as a main character and her relationship with her family, though, again, I wish it had been more fleshed out and detailed. I also liked how twisty the book got towards the end, I could really feel that it was a mystery/thriller in the last third. I also really enjoyed the final reveal, which I hadn't expected!
Basically, too much plot and too little description for my taste that made me less engaged than I otherwise could've been with a story like this, but that aside, this book is a crucial and timely read.
It was very fast-paced and covered quite a few different things including being introduced to the music industry, going on tour, and then the trial and the police investigation. I honestly would've preferred if it had focused on just one of these things, like the whole book could've taken place during the tour and then the end could've been the investigation and the trial. I felt that because we had so many different settings, I was never immersed in any of them because the scene was just not set well enough, and before I could get used to one setting it had already moved on to the next. Because of this, I at times felt disconnected from Enchanted because her feelings and inner monologue weren't detailed enough to reel me in. Ultimately, I think I wanted less plot and more description and introspection to really engage me.
Even so, I think this book is extremely important, offering commentary on rape culture, victim blaming, sexual exploitation of young girls by older and powerful men, the precarious situation of Black women in society, manipulative and abusive relationships, and more. I loved Enchanted as a main character and her relationship with her family, though, again, I wish it had been more fleshed out and detailed. I also liked how twisty the book got towards the end, I could really feel that it was a mystery/thriller in the last third. I also really enjoyed the final reveal, which I hadn't expected!
Basically, too much plot and too little description for my taste that made me less engaged than I otherwise could've been with a story like this, but that aside, this book is a crucial and timely read.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Adult/minor relationship, Child abuse, Confinement, Drug abuse, Emotional abuse, Gaslighting, Kidnapping, Misogyny, Pedophilia, Physical abuse, Rape, Sexism, Sexual assault, Sexual violence, Stalking, and Toxic relationship
Moderate: Body shaming, Bullying, Dementia, Fatphobia, Murder, and Schizophrenia/Psychosis