UNH Sophomore Recommends “Smoke & Mirrors” to Parents of Teenagers

Posted byAuthor Stacy A. PadulaPosted inUncategorizedTags:, , , ,

By Jenna Finnerty, University of New Hampshire

I recommend “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors” by Stacy Padula to teens and parents for a multitude of reasons. First of all, I think teens should read it because it gives good insight into what people deal with once they get wrapped up in drugs. Second, I think parents should read it because it might give them an idea as to what teenagers deal with as they go through high school. 

Topics relevant to teenagers that are covered in “Gripped 4” include relationships and how they can change in a short period of time. Many of the characters in the book go through struggles with their friends and significant others that may change how they act in certain situations. Another topic covered in the book is how drugs can also change these relationships. 

Parents should read this book because it can give them good insight as to what their own teenagers may be dealing with. This book covers a number of topics that they may not think about. When reading this book, parents may find ways to help their teenagers deal with situations in real life. 

About Jenna

Jenna Finnerty graduated in 2019 from Norwell High School in Norwell, Massachusetts. She is majoring in science at 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:

New Teen Novel Helps Kids Make Smart Decisions in the Face of Peer Pressure

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

Jenna Finnerty Reviews Gripped Part 2: Blindsided

A College Freshman’s Take on Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy Padula

Published by Author Stacy A. Padula

Stacy Padula has spent the last 14 years working daily with teenagers as a college counselor, mentor, and life coach. She was named "Top Inspirational Author of the Year" for 2022 by the International Association of Top Professionals (New York, NY). In 2021, she was broadcast on the famous Reuters Building in Times Square as "Empowered Woman of the Year." Her Gripped book series is currently being adapted for TV by Emmy-winning producer Mark Blutman. She is the founder and CEO of Briley & Baxter Publications: a publishing company that donates a portion of its proceeds to animal rescues each month. She has edited and published a variety of titles, including Boston Bruins Anthem Singer Todd Angilly and Rachel Goguen's The Adventures of Owen & the Anthem Singer, LaTonya Pinkard of Netflix's Last Chance U's Nate & His Magic Lion, and former NHL player Norm Beaudin's memoir The Original: Living Life Through Hockey. Stacy resides in Plymouth, Massachusetts with her husband Tim and two miniature dachshunds, Briley and Baxter.