Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami
Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula is a book that showcases significant shifts in relationships within Montgomery. In this novel, Chris Dunkin is still continuing to stay away from drugs and parties, but that has come with the question about whether he should hold onto Courtney or not. Cathy and Jason also come up to having some problems, as we see complete shifts in Jason’s nature when he is drunk or high, which disconnects Cathy from him. Finally, Alyssa and Jon begin to butt heads after she begins to experiment with certain substances, which results in many fights scattered throughout the book.
This novel 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. Gripped Part 3 shows the negative effects that drugs can have on certain relationships and really brings up the question about whether the short-term benefits of substances are better than the long-term drawbacks.
In all, I rate this book a 5/5 and would recommend reading it. I loved this book both because although there was a lot going on, it was relatively easy to follow each character’s journey.
After a near-death experience, Chris Dunkin begins surrounding himself with positive influences and putting his efforts towards living a clean lifestyle. However, the night before school starts, his best friend Jason convinces him to host a party that shows Chris more about himself than he actually wants to know.
Meanwhile, Marc Dunkin has received word from a detective that his oldest brother Taylor is a person of interest in a highly confidential case headed by the Boston Police Department. They know Taylor’s clean; they know he wants out of the game; and they want to help make that happen. However, their “help” will come at a cost-one that may put Taylor and his entire family in grave danger. Taylor is trying to get his life back in order after an opiate addiction wreaked havoc on his once promising athletic future. Getting clean was a difficult feat, but breaking free from the Bilotti crime ring will present an even greater challenge.
ABOUT KYLE BANKER
Kyle is a junior at University of Miami. He graduated in 2019 from Beaver Country Day School in Chestnut Hill, Massachusetts. He has been an intern for us since 2018. His favorite subjects include Biology, English, and Entrepreneurship. Some of his hobbies are playing soccer and hockey, volunteering, and being with friends and family. Kyle is studying Biological Sciences, while also pursuing his passions for writing and business.
Other Articles by Kyle:
Fiction Book Helps Teens Prepare for High School
Teen Novel about Addiction Provides Hope for Redemption and Recovery
Teen Novel Educates Kids About the Perils of Substance Abuse
Why Teens Want to Read The Right Person
A Must-Read Novel For All High School Students
Teen Book Series Educates Readers about Drug Abuse in a New Way
Why You Should Read the #1 New Release “Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told”
Kyle Banker on The “Gripped” Characters
A Teen’s Review of Gripped Part 1
Looking Ahead to Gripped Part 2 with Kyle Banker
What Should Readers Expect from Gripped Part 2 (To Be Released Later This Year)
May’s Q&A with Kyle Banker of Beaver Country Day School
Kyle Banker Reviews “The Right Person” by Stacy A. Padula – A Young Adult Novel
Books by Stacy A. Padula 
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