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A review by the_argumentative_bong
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
5.0
4.5⭐ (rounded off)
“Malcolm X said it best. ‘The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.’”
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson is a hard-hitting story of abuse, manipulation and sexual exploitation of emotionally vulnerable young girls. It also showcases the culture of victim-blaming, victim-shaming and extreme prejudices faced by young Black women.
The story is centered around seventeen-year old Enchanted Jones, a talented swimmer and an aspiring singer, struggling with her family’s move to the suburbs and being the only Black girl in her school. When she catches the attention of the legendary R&B star Korey Fields at an audition, he takes charge, taking her under his wing, promising to shape her musical career. However, as the story progresses, the reader along with Enchanted gradually finds out the true nature of Korey hidden behind his charm and wit, his kindness and love.
The story begins with Enchanted gaining consciousness in Korey Field's penthouse, bruised and battered, covered in beet juice aka blood and discovering Korey in his bedroom, stabbed to death. The narrative alternates between then and now, and focuses on Enchanted's experiences - from exciting to horrific, even as she struggles between her love for her family, her music, and Korey.
While Korey seems understanding and emotionally vulnerable at times, it is not clear if it is just an act or an insight into his real personality. He may have had a difficult childhood, but it in no way excuses or justifies his appalling behaviour. He is primarily a controlling and dangerous sexual predator...regularly preying upon young girls, cleverly manipulating them with promises of favours and fame. Enchanted is not his first victim, and she wouldn’t have been his last.
This book is emotional, heartbreaking and quite difficult to read at times. It highlights how society mistreats victims of sexual abuse by being apathetic and judgemental. Women, especially Black women, are much less likely to be believed when they come forward about allegations of misconduct towards them… “She must have encouraged him, provoked him, given him enough reason to do whatever he did”; “Boys will be boys”...there is no end to the excuses people make for the accused instead of standing with the victim.
This book made me angry. And shaken to the core. The blatant abuse of power that takes place, is not the act of a single person...but a whole group, a society that turns a blind eye to violence and exploitation. It's an inherent problem, and that makes it all the more toxic and scary.
Read this book...it is an intense, thought provoking, and extremely honest story that tries to highlight the common warning signs of a potential abuser and/or a paedophile that teenage girls should be aware and wary of.
“Malcolm X said it best. ‘The most disrespected person in America is the Black woman. The most unprotected person in America is the Black woman. The most neglected person in America is the Black woman.’”
Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson is a hard-hitting story of abuse, manipulation and sexual exploitation of emotionally vulnerable young girls. It also showcases the culture of victim-blaming, victim-shaming and extreme prejudices faced by young Black women.
The story is centered around seventeen-year old Enchanted Jones, a talented swimmer and an aspiring singer, struggling with her family’s move to the suburbs and being the only Black girl in her school. When she catches the attention of the legendary R&B star Korey Fields at an audition, he takes charge, taking her under his wing, promising to shape her musical career. However, as the story progresses, the reader along with Enchanted gradually finds out the true nature of Korey hidden behind his charm and wit, his kindness and love.
The story begins with Enchanted gaining consciousness in Korey Field's penthouse, bruised and battered, covered in beet juice aka blood and discovering Korey in his bedroom, stabbed to death. The narrative alternates between then and now, and focuses on Enchanted's experiences - from exciting to horrific, even as she struggles between her love for her family, her music, and Korey.
While Korey seems understanding and emotionally vulnerable at times, it is not clear if it is just an act or an insight into his real personality. He may have had a difficult childhood, but it in no way excuses or justifies his appalling behaviour. He is primarily a controlling and dangerous sexual predator...regularly preying upon young girls, cleverly manipulating them with promises of favours and fame. Enchanted is not his first victim, and she wouldn’t have been his last.
This book is emotional, heartbreaking and quite difficult to read at times. It highlights how society mistreats victims of sexual abuse by being apathetic and judgemental. Women, especially Black women, are much less likely to be believed when they come forward about allegations of misconduct towards them… “She must have encouraged him, provoked him, given him enough reason to do whatever he did”; “Boys will be boys”...there is no end to the excuses people make for the accused instead of standing with the victim.
This book made me angry. And shaken to the core. The blatant abuse of power that takes place, is not the act of a single person...but a whole group, a society that turns a blind eye to violence and exploitation. It's an inherent problem, and that makes it all the more toxic and scary.
Read this book...it is an intense, thought provoking, and extremely honest story that tries to highlight the common warning signs of a potential abuser and/or a paedophile that teenage girls should be aware and wary of.