Tony's Wife by Adriana Trigiani

Tony's Wife by Adriana Trigiani
My rating: 4 of 5 stars

This is my first Adriana Trigiani book I read after hearing this full of life author speak in Avalon, NJ this summer with my reading buddy and Drexel Lacrosse mom, Becky Avato. I loved this book and will read more---ChiChi was such a great, conflicted character, I loved her family, The Donatelli's. Tony was complex but not a man I admired. I loved the Sea Isle shore and the travels across and around the country. I did not like so much Tony and his "life" and what it did to so many. There were certain parts of the story I wanted to know more about but I realized we were covering the life of these two "famous" singers, songwriters. I just finished listening to Chemistry Lessons by Bonnie Garmus about a strong misunderstood woman during the 50s and 60s...ChiChi was like Elizabeth Zott but ChiChi was not able to fulfill herself---she had a family and a husband to take care of and she outdid herself with her mind for business, songwriting, and family stability. ChiChi has so much important introspection unlike Elizabeth Zott, and she has a family who loves and supports her. I loved this Italian extended family and want to read more of Trigiani's books but I want to read more "successful" female, family stories---I will try her latest and see what happens:)

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Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson

Grown by Tiffany D. Jackson
My rating: 5 of 5 stars

I read and love all of Tiffany D. Jackson's books and Grown is a compelling, gripping and essential read! Enchanted loves to sing and attends a mic night (with Mom in tow) to hopefully break into the music scene. In this ripped from the headlines story, Enchanted becomes famous singer, Korey Fields' find and as she dreams of making an album, Korey makes promises to her family as he takes her on the road and they make a good singing duo. But pretty quickly, we all see what Enchanted does not, Korey is insecure, controlling with out of control anger and punishments. I could not stop turning the pages as Enchanted becomes of prisoner of her own thoughts and Korey's awful techniques to control her. Another highly recommended read from Tiffany D. Jackson!

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