Book Review: A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty

In Joshilyn Jackson's A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty, we are introduced to three generations of strong Slocumb women, Ginny, Liza and Mosey. As the story is told through the points of view of different characters, we gain an understanding of each of their personalities.  Jackson delivers southern fiction at its finest.  You will laugh, cry, shout.  The Slocumb family undergoes hardships and heartbreak, but the family bonds stay strong.

Now, pull up a chair and stay a while.  I would like to tell you a little about the Slocumb family and the mystery surrounding a long-hidden grave. When the novel opens, young Mosey Slocumb discovers a hidden grave under the Willow tree in the backyard.  This discovery is the catalyst which drives the rest of the book. 

Over the years, this family has learned that the number fifteen means trouble is coming.  Now, Mosey Slocumb has just turned fifteen and she discovers a grave in the backyard.  When Mosey and others search further, they find a tiny jawbone.   Of course, everyone in town wonders who would do such a horrible thing.  Is this an accident or a true crime?

Ginny Slocumb is the eldest member of the family and must remain strong to pull everyone together during this crises.  Liza Slocumb has had a stroke and remains in a world of her own.  Memories are trapped in her mind, perhaps knowledge about this horrific incident, unknown to others, hidden forever.  Liza has endured so much and is trying to find her voice.  Mosey Slocumb is the youngest and desperately wants to find her true family.  You will find yourself cheering on these characters as they endure challenges. 

Piece by piece, Jackson gives us more information to put together the puzzle.  You'll find yourself turning the pages trying to find the answer to this mystery.  Each character is complex and we learn a great deal as they evolve during the story.  

The author takes us on an honest-to-goodness  romping adventure, one filled with love, hope, laughter and suspense.  Often, the journey is difficult, but there are some hilarious moments in this novel.   Joshilyn Jackson knows how to create quirky characters, plot twists and an exciting mystery that keeps you reading until the last page.  I would recommend this book to anyone who loves southern fiction or reading novels with quirky characters and clever plot twists with a sprinkle of laughter and a dash of mystery.

Now, if you like this novel, you might enjoy reading books by these authors:

Sarah Addison Allen

Mark Childress

Fannie Flagg

Sue Monk Kidd

Cassandra King

Billie Letts

Adriana Trigiani