Book Review: A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty by Joshilyn Jackson

Published: January 2012

Source: I was approved for this book on NetGalley, but unfortunately the title was archived before I had a chance to download it. So I purchased a copy for myself. I'm still tagging this as a NetGalley review though, since I was approved and will be submitting my feedback.

GoodReads Summary: 

A GROWN-UP KIND OF PRETTY is a powerful saga of three generations of women, plagued by hardships and torn by a devastating secret, yet inextricably joined by the bonds of family. Fifteen-year-old Mosey Slocumb-spirited, sassy, and on the cusp of womanhood-is shaken when a small grave is unearthed in the backyard, and determined to figure out why it's there. Liza, her stroke-ravaged mother, is haunted by choices she made as a teenager. But it is Jenny, Mosey's strong and big-hearted grandmother, whose maternal love braids together the strands of the women's shared past--and who will stop at nothing to defend their future.

My Thoughts:

Although I read mostly YA titles these days, Joshilyn Jackson is and always has been one of my favorite adult authors. I think you basically can't go wrong with any of her books, honestly. I love the southern influence and the flawed characters and the twists and turns her stories always take. She's not afraid to tackle uncomfortable subjects, which is something I appreciate. 

One thing Jackson does extremely well is complicated family relationships - one of the strengths of this particular book. Big, Liza, and Mosey don't have easy relationships, but they're certainly interesting, and Jackson portrays the complex and unbreakable bonds between mothers and their daughters beautifully.

Also, this is kind of ridiculous, but is Mosey Slocumb not the perfect Southern name?!

Do yourself a favor if you plan to read this, and just read it (no searching out reviews first!). Jackson does her revelations extremely well, and having any of them spoiled would be a shame. 

Have you read anything by Joshilyn Jackson? 

Comments

[BookCupid]

It's nice sometimes to take a break from YA, especially to read an author you love. Plot sounds good.

[Lauren @ Love is not a triangle]

I haven't read anything by this author! But I love southern stories, and I have been trying to read outside of YA more these days. It's refreshing to change it up and read about characters more my age. Thanks for the recommendation of this book!

[The Avid Reader]

Yeah I love YA, but every once in a while it's good to change things up!

[The Avid Reader]

Oh if you try something by her I would love to hear what you think!

[Reviews from a Bookworm]

Great review. I hadn't heard of this one before but it looks really good. I hate when that happens on Netgalley. Sometimes I am 100% sure I sent the book to my Kindle, but then can't find it. By the time I realise and try to send it again, it's been archived. It sucks.

[The Avid Reader]

YES. Ugh. So frustrating! I'm determined to get my NetGalley percentage up... if that means reviewing some older stuff so be it! I've actually even bought a few of the books that I didn't download in time.