Written by Charlie Hallal – Hingham, Massachusetts
The book Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy Padula is an incredibly entertaining story that never fails to keep readers entertained and engaged. The many interesting characters that appear in the story demonstrate both how important it is to be conscious about how your actions affect others and how important it is to stay smart around drugs and alcohol. The story follows many characters including former elite football prospect Taylor Dunkin, his younger brother Marc, and many of his friends as they form relationships with one another, facing many different struggles including drugs and bad break-ups along the way.
The book is not too long and does a very good job staying interesting and intriguing as it progresses. The many takeaways a kid can get from reading the book make it a story that would benefit anyone who decides to read through it. I would absolutely give Gripped a 5/5 and think it is well worth giving a shot for anyone interested. I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series has in store.
“Invigorating, engaging and a must read. The characters in The Gripped Series diligently tackle the essence of forces that can limit greatness within.” – LaTonya Pinkard of Netflix’s Emmy-winning series “Last Chance U”
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.
About Charlie Hallal
Charlie is a junior at Hingham High School. Some of his hobbies include wrestling, exercise, spending time with his friends and family, writing, and watching sports. He is looking forward to his senior year as he continues to prepare for college.
Books by Stacy A. Padula 
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