Written by Jenna Finnerty—Norwell, Massachusetts
The book Gripped Part 2 by Stacy Padula, allows readers to learn the backstories of all of the characters from Gripped Part 1. Part 2 gives the readers more context for why the characters made the choices they did, even if they were not smart. This book also emphasizes how doing drugs and drinking can influence everyone around you. Getting involved in drugs at such a young age can change the rest of your life, and that is clearly shown in Gripped Part 2.
Gripped Part 2 will show teens how easy it is to get addicted to drugs and how it can affect everyone around you. Not only will this book show how dangerous it is to start experimenting with drugs, but it could also teach a valuable lesson to anyone struggling with addiction. It shows that even if you stray from your morals, you can always go back.
About Gripped Part 2: Blindsided
“Gripped Part 2: Blindsided guides the reader through a thrilling narrative, expertly utilizing flashbacks to demonstrate a complete picture of just how devastating and far-reaching substance abuse can impact not just an individual, but entire families and communities. It is an essential book for kids and parents alike.” – E. Harvey, Syracuse University
“One of the main benefits of reading Gripped Part 2: Blindsided, as well as the entire Gripped series, is that it not only shows the horrors of substance abuse, but also reveals the buildup to it. Blindsided depicts not just the worst days, but the first days. Through the story, teens are able to learn about decisions and behaviors that can lead to drug abuse. Throughout the story, the social lives of the different characters intertwine with each other, creating drama, conflict, and new friendships, which makes Blindsided a fascinating read.” – M. Farinacci, St. Sebastian’s School
“Gripped Part 2: Blindsided is an engaging and easy read that is ideal for middle school and high school students, while also being very applicable to adults wanting to know more about teenage drug abuse. It shows the efforts that are needed to even attempt to overcome an addiction, which is shown to be extremely hard to complete. This would hopefully influence Padula’s target audience to avoid using drugs in order to prevent going through this tough and painful process. In all, I rate this book a 5/5.” – K. Banker, Beaver Country Day School
SYNOPSIS
“What other drugs have you tried?” Lisa asked.
“Weed, mushrooms, ecstasy, mescaline, acid, Adderall, Xanax, Klonopin, and Vicodin, but this one is, by far, the best,” Chris replied without any hesitation.
Lisa widened her eyes. “Wow. You’ve tried a lot of stuff since we broke up.”
Fourteen-year-old Chris Dunkin is known for being the life of the party and everyone’s favorite friend. Despite his amicable nature, he carries around deep-seated pain from his childhood that he frequently numbs with alcohol and drugs.
After hosting a party, Chris wakes up with a strange vibe running through his body and no recollection of the previous night. When he learns the horrifying truth of what his night entailed, the trajectory of his life is changed forever.
ORDER A BOOK, HELP SAVE A DOG’S LIFE!
10% of proceeds from Gripped Part 2 go to a different animal rescue every month!
About Jenna Finnerty
Jenna Finnerty graduated in June from Norwell High School in Norwell, Massachusetts. She is planning to major in nursing next year and to attend the University of New Hampshire. Jenna has accrued years of experience as a cheerleader and gymnast. She also has a passion for traveling and looks forward to studying abroad in college.
Articles by Jenna:
Q&A on MLH #1 with Jenna Finnerty
The Right Person by Stacy Padula Accurately Depicts High School Social Challenges
Hope Found in Darkness: A Young Adult Book Review by Jenna Finnerty
Q&A with Jenna Finnerty on Young Adult Novel “When Darkness Tries to Hide”
Jenna Finnerty’s Take on New Y.A. Novel “Gripped” by Stacy Padula
May’s Q&A with Jenna Finnerty of Norwell High School
Books by Stacy A. Padula 
You must be logged in to post a comment.