New Young Adult Book Series Exposes the Dark Truths of Teenage Substance Abuse

Written by Abby Fusco, Marshfield, MA

As a senior in high school, I recommend Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told to teenagers and anyone who wants to learn about high school drama or the serious side of growing up in today’s world. I personally loved the book, as I usually read coming of age stories. I would especially recommend Gripped to people who have experienced drug addiction or know someone who has struggles that relate to the plot.

As a young adult, I relate to Gripped because I know many individuals in high school that either struggle with using drugs or struggle to stay sober. I have also experienced the same peer pressure that the characters face in the book. I specifically relate to the struggles presented in young relationships and friendships. My favorite part of the story is its complex relationships and the issues that develop. For example Chantal Kagelli and Jon Anderson’s relationship is very up and down with a lot of secrets hidden throughout.

There are a few different storylines running through Gripped Part 1, as it sets up the rest of the series. I find Marc Dunkin’s story the most interesting, involving his relationship with Cathy and his older brother Taylor’s problems. I think that Marc is the most inspiring character and that he sends a great message. I hope that his story is more developed in Gripped Part 2: Blindsided because it is not in the forefront of Part 1. I am most interested in Taylor Dunkin’s future and if he will help the police or not. I think that there will be a lot more information about how he approaches the situation in the next part. Also, I am curious if Cathy will end things with Marc and go back to her ex-boyfriend, Jason Davids, now that Jason has changed for the better.

Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told sends a message about how harmful drugs can be to a teenager’s future, health, and safety. The reader gains an understanding about how easily people can be pulled into the world of alcohol and drugs through their peers, as well as how hard it can be to say “no.” I highly recommend it as an enjoyable and eye-opening read for teenagers.

Synopsis

In high school, Taylor Dunkin broke more records than any other athlete to step foot in Montgomery, Massachusetts. As a sophomore in college, he was ranked by ESPN as one of the NFL’s top 100 prospects. However, his aspirations came to a jarring halt when a knee injury and two surgeries left him sidelined. One year later, Taylor is a person of interest in a highly confidential investigation headed by the Boston Police Department. He has entangled himself in a crime ring notorious for pushing opiates, cocaine, and benzodiazepines on local college campuses. When Taylor’s younger brother Marc discovers that Taylor is behind the copious drug supply circulating around Montgomery Lake High School, he sets off to not only reverse the damage Taylor has caused, but also save his lifelong role model from becoming a casualty of America’s deadly opioid epidemic.