Article by Jennifer O’Sullivan of Dover, Massachusetts
The Right Person by Stacy Padula is a story that portrays the many difficulties that high school students face in the present day; from drugs, alcohol and partying, to faith and friendship, this book covers it all. I recommend this book to anyone who is struggling to find him/herself under the pressure of society and friends. Not only does this book show that placing value on the wrong things and normalizing certain unhealthy behaviors distances you from yourself, the book also shows how difficult, yet rewarding, it is to find yourself again. I would also recommend this book to anyone who is going into or is in high school, because it is a preview of the many immoral things that can occur.
Additionally, the book shows how important it is to avoid these temptations. Teens would benefit from this book both by being inspired to stay true to themselves and by learning how to face certain obstacles in high school. This book also benefits those who may feel that they are lost or straying from God. This book shows that even the most faithful have to overcome these struggles, and that there is always a way to make things right.
In addition to teenagers, adults with children should read this book in order to empathize with their high schoolers and the tough decisions that they constantly make behind closed doors. If adults could understand some of the struggles that their children face, they could potentially aid in stopping a bad habit from worsening.
Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person
While Chris Dunkin’s parents travel freely for business, his older cousins Jordan and Taylor are left in charge. A parentless household provides the perfect venue for Jordan, a senior in high school, and Taylor, a junior in college, to throw parties that soon become infamous in Montgomery. After two years, Chris–donned “the life of the party” by his popular group of friends–begins high school with a responsibility to live up to his reputation. Deep down inside, however, he wants more than that. Through a twist of fate, he crosses paths with Courtney Angeletti, the mayor’s straightedge Christian daughter. At a crossroads, Chris must choose between continuing down the wide road to destruction or venturing into uncharted territory.
About Jennifer O’Sullivan: Jennifer O’Sullivan is a junior at Dover Sherborn High School who enjoys reading, playing the piano, spending time with friends and doing volunteer work. Jennifer leads her school’s community service club, runs on her school’s cross country and track teams and loves to travel, especially to Ireland where she spends time with friends and family.
Books by Stacy A. Padula 
You must be logged in to post a comment.