Raw & Realistic Y.A. Fiction Novel Prepares Kids For High School

Written by Lindsay Rourke, Kingston, MA

For so many, high school is the start to a young adult’s independence, an opportunity to attest newly developed characters, morals, and will power. A time to leave that juvenile teen behind, and develop into adolescence. Modern young adult literature depicts high school in an unrealistic way, shying away from the harsh realities and temptations that come with it, a conversation that many are uncomfortable having. To this day, I still reflect on my own high school experience and think “why did I do that?” or “why did I think that was cool?” Award winning author, Stacy Padula, recognizes the need to shed light on the reality of coming to adolescence, hoping to uncover the raw reality and prepare teens for their upcoming battle, something that she (and quite frankly I) would have been grateful for. 

The Right Person is a mantra for young adults who are vulnerable to the temptations brought by society and peer pressure. Following Chris Dunkin’s internal battle to come to terms with his substance abuse and find the right path, he hopes his new relationship with Courtney Angeletti can influence him. The Right Person highlights an underlying theme of self-preservation through finding, or in this case, refinding faith in Christ. But what happens if Chris’s “good” influence, Courtney, starts to become diluted by his surroundings?

The Right Person clarifies for so many that life can not be taken event by event, living in the present and hoping that the scale of morality leans in favor of a one-way-ticket to heaven in the end. An overwhelming amount of individuals, teens especially, fail to understand that faith is much more than just believing in God. Faith is devotion, hope, and love; a constant purpose in life. Without faith, societal pressure can easily consume one’s priorities, which we see following Courtney and Chris’s relationship. Will they find their way back to God? Read this series if you want to find out!

Synopsis

Growing up in the shadow of two NFL-destined cousins, Chris Dunkin has high hopes for his own future in football. However, a drug addiction threatens to destroy everything he has worked hard to attain. When Chris meets Courtney Angeletti–the mayor’s straightedge Christian daughter–he believes she could be the source of inspiration he needs to overcome his destructive lifestyle. Courtney, however, has other ideas.

The desire to rebel has been tugging on Courtney’s heartstrings for some time, and Chris’s “bad-boy” reputation draws her to him like a moth to a flame. After all, he is a central part of the most popular clique in her high school. Will Chris pull Courtney away from her faith or will Courtney inspire him to overcome his addiction?

About Lindsay Rourke
Copyeditor at Briley & Baxter Publications

Lindsay, who also works as an English and college essay tutor, graduated from Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, Connecticut. Earning her Bachelor’s degree in history and her Master’s degree in teaching, Lindsay has an ever-growing passion for learning. She spent five years of her education at Sacred Heart University, where not only did she receive academic awards, but extracurricular as well. During her junior year, Lindsay was elected Scholarship Chair for her sorority, Alpha Delta Pi. This position allowed Lindsay to live her passion and assist and encourage all 115 of her “sisters” in finding the best versions of themselves. Entering her senior year, Lindsay was awarded the Charles T. Eby Scholarship; “This scholarship recognizes outstanding achievement in the study of History and is awarded to a full-time history major entering his/her senior year who shows the most excellence and promise in the study of History. This is the History Department’s highest honor and is a mark of significant honor for the student.” After receiving this prestigious award, in Lindsay’s senior year, she was elected as the President of the History Club. Wrapping up her senior year, Lindsay graduated with the highest academic honors, Summa Cum Laude, and was awarded the Silver Medal of Excellence in History. Following her undergrad graduation, Lindsay started and completed her master’s degree, as well as field experience as a student teacher. During this time, Lindsay developed her passion for achieving personal connections with her students and creating a positive and individualized learning environment.