A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty

A Novel

By: Joshilyn Jackson

Narrated by: Joshilyn Jackson

Length: 12 hrs and 22 mins

Publisher's 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.

©2011 Joshilyn Jackson (P)2011 Hachette Audio

Critic reviews

"A mesmerizing tale of a family coping with the revelation of a secret that will change their lives...Jackson's most absorbing book yet, a lush, rich read with three very different but equally compelling characters at its core." (Kristine Huntley, Booklist, starred review)

"A deeply felt, engaging story." (The Atlantic)

"Highly immersive... a compelling page turner." (Publishers Weekly)

Was worth waiting for

Where does A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Loved this story. Tried to buy as ebook but got audio. Great story Great performance. Will listen to it again

What was one of the most memorable moments of A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty?

The whole story was memorable

Have you listened to any of Joshilyn Jackson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No but I would like to

Any additional comments?

After finishing this book I missed the characters as I felt I knew them

Yet again, Ms. Jackson doesn't disappoint

I've been a fan of Joshilyn Jackson since I read Gods In Alabama so I've read or listened to all of her books. A Grown-up Kind of Pretty, as a story, is every bit as fantastic as Gods In Alabama, taking unexpected twists and turns. But when the story is read by Ms. Jackson, A Grown-up Kind of Pretty feels like more than a story. It feels like you are witnessing the events with your own eyes. Ms. Jackson has a wonderful, soothing voice and I just love her accent.

I can't wait for the next one! C'mon Joshilyn, write me another one! I'll keep listening!

I enjoyed listening to this book

The story is enjoyable and I liked the main characters and discovering the twist and turn of their lives. The narrator is very good and I enjoyed listening to the story.

Strong and Lovable Characters

Where does A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of the best audible books I've listened to - I was sad for it to end, but it ended well.

What did you like best about this story?

The honesty of the love between the family - good times and more importantly - bad. It was also a multi-level mystery that was fun to follow.

What does Joshilyn Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

This is my first Joshilyn Jackson book, but it will not be my last. Her performance voice is as delightful as her writing voice. Joshilyn was able to capture the teenage angst voice as well as the middle aged grandmother voice. Her voice is Southern honey, with just enough sass thrown in to keep it entirely believeable.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. Although it was compelling, I purposely rationed it. I wanted it to unfold slowly.

Any additional comments?

I've already recommended this book to friends. Anyone wanting to hear from 3 generations of strong Southern women who you'd love to include in your real life friends, will enjoy this book!

Great story

Loved the book and narrator. There are musical interludes at seemingly random intervals which were distracting, but that’s my only complaint!

Voice

I absolutely loved this book. The author who also is the narrator is awesome. Her slang talk just made the book and story for me. Please listen to this wonderful story. Joshilyn Jackson- please write more stories like this!!!

Hard to stop listening

What made the experience of listening to A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty the most enjoyable?

I needed a kick start to my workout program...so as a former book-junkie-now-mommy of three...I have NO time to sit and read. Perfect solution is books on my I-Pod. The only time I can

Who was your favorite character and why?

Hard question. None of the characters are infallible and all have some level of moral standards. My instinct is to say Liza is my favorite, even though she make some very poor choices. Adjacent to her poor choices for herself is a high ability to look out for the well-being of others.

What does Joshilyn Jackson bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

Her voice is intoxicating.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

I want to ask Joshilyn Jackson about one specific (minor) character that was not tied up at the end of the story. Why was the character's end left out? What happened to this person?

Unexpected Jewel

I found this title in the summer paperback sale. Not expecting much I was very happily surprised at the quality and detail of the narrative and the performance from the author herself.

Listen...you will not be disappointed!

Have you listened to any of Joshilyn Jackson’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

Yes. I love them all.

Any additional comments?

I love her writing, her storyline, her, characters, her voice, her narration... More, please!

Really great book!

Would you listen to A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty again? Why?

Yes, I really enjoyed this book.

What about Joshilyn Jackson’s performance did you like?

Enjoyed her voice.

Any additional comments?

Such a good book and great story about 3 generations of women.