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)

Tightly woven southern mystery

Joshilyn Jackson is a master.

The first time I listened to this book- I enjoyed the story. I guessed at what twists of plot would come next and was not right. The second listen - I dove deeper into the characters, marveled at how her choice of written language and spoken nuance could convey such a cast of real people so perfectly. I'll listen again.

She peppers all her books with a hint of old-school Flannery O'Connor/Carson McCullers Southern Gothic. This one had plenty of that, plus all the pulls and tugs of the relationships between mothers and daughters. This is not a light book, but it takes no effort to follow it.

Favorite thing? Probably the witty friendship between Mosey and her Roger - thoughtful, clever teenagers trying to solve the book's central mystery.

Awesome story! Awesome narration!

I like it when the author reads their own book but Joshilyn Jackson is one of the best narrators Audible has never mind such a fabulous author! I’m amazed that she can do both so well. This is my second book of hers and I can’t wait to hear the next. :)

So great I looked forward to my 2hr drive everyday

This book was so enthralling it had me actually looking forward to my boring 2 hour drive to and from work every day! Wonderfully narrated, I was deeply engrossed in this book from start to finish! Fantastic and highly recommended!

A Grown up Kind of Pretty; Pretty Good

If you could sum up A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty in three words, what would they be?

Complex
Intriguing
Contemporary

Who was your favorite character and why?

Mosey: She had the best, most pivotal viewpoint.

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

Well, her definite Southern Accent. Even though I'm a Virginian, it took a while to get used to her deep south lilt.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

Not an extreme reaction. But it was an enjoyable listen on my morning walks.

Any additional comments?

I found it was a complex plot which held together well, even in the age of social media and instant communication.

Really fun to listen to!

I love books read by the author. The author really knows how she wants the characters to be personality-wise and understands the relationships that she built. This is a funny, sad and triumphant book. It shows that circumstance does not have to rule you and that you can change your destiny. I love the southern twist on the story.

Lovely

"A Grown-up Kind of Pretty" is a lovely novel. The story is well put together, the writing is great, and so is the reading.

The characters are loveable and their quirks make them memorable. The carefully crafted plot brings it all together into a wonderful story about the ties and bonds that are created between mothers, daughters and grand-daughters.

It isn't a revolutionary novel and it most likely won't change your life but it is most definitely worth the listen!

Best author as reader book I’ve ever “read”

Her reading was superb. I kept marveling at how this reader could speak so well as if she were inside each of the stories. Then I realized the author and reader are one and the same. I’ve read hundreds of audible books, maybe thousands, and this was one of the few that stopped me from doing anything other than listening my to her glorious insightful story-telling.

What a treat

When I first turned this on and heard that it was being narrated by the author I thought "uh-oh, should have read the description better." I guess I'm glad I didn't. Ms. Jackson did a delightful job of narrating the book and I apologize to her for thinking that she wouldn't. This book is a treat - the three main characters are extremely funny, self-deprecating and sweet. I loved Mosey and Roger's texts - it was a great use of that particular language. And the story keeps you hooked from the beginning. Great, easy listen that made me laugh out loud and look forward to the next session.

Wonderful book!

What did you love best about A Grown-Up Kind of Pretty?

The story was good--all three of the main characters had storylines that I enjoyed. I was equally invested in each character's story.

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

Without giving out a spoiler, it was when Big drove Mosey home.

What about Joshilyn Jackson’s performance did you like?

I was very hesitant to get the audiobook because the author read it. In hindsight, my reasoning that the author's reading her own book wouldn't be good doesn't make sense even to me. She knows the characters best and did an amazing job of bringing them to life. I can't imagine anybody else doing the book justice. I've read almost all, if not all, of Jackson's novels and this is definitely my favorite--and I think it's because Jackson read it.

Was there a moment in the book that particularly moved you?

I'm a dog lover, so it was when Mosey saved Pogo. I was yelling,

Any additional comments?

Definitely worth the credit!

Great book

I enjoyed this book. I listen to audiobooks on my daily commute. The author immediately pulled me in with the characters. The book kept my attention and I looked forward to driving to work each day while listening.