| Written by Olivia Halle, Hingham, Massachusetts |
Olivia Halle is a senior at Hingham High School, where she is the president of National Honor Society. She is a member of the Varsity Tennis Team and also enjoys sailing, reading, and hiking. Olivia is involved in Hingham’s Mentor Program, Green Team, and Medical Sciences Club.
After reading Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula, Olivia was interviewed about her honest thoughts on the characters and storyline.
- What storylines were most intriguing in Gripped Part 3? What kept you wanting to turn the page?
Jason and Cathy’s storyline made this book a one-sit read as I became so frustrated at the codependency of their relationship. The two of them are both such conscientious people, but together they each feel the other’s problems and it leads them both to abuse substances. I also enjoyed Chris’s trials and tribulations of recovering from addiction and his relapse, for I think that it will lead to an intriguing storyline in Part 4.
- As drug use abounds in the series, some characters are trying their best to sober up, while others are getting deeper and deeper into substance abuse. How do you think readers can benefit from reading about Chris’s journey from the beginning of the series until now?
Readers will learn of how drug addiction is formed, the warning signs, and how difficult maintaining sobriety after substance abuse is when they read Chris’s journey. Especially in Gripped Part 3, Chris attempts to create an environment that alleviates him from the pressures and opportunities that contributed to his addiction, illuminating the strain addiction and recovery has on relationships. Chris’s story will invoke sympathy in the readers but will also pose them against drugs, if not for their own health, for their relationships.
- At this point in the series, what character intrigues you the most and why?
I think Taylor is currently the most intriguing character due to the news of the investigation into the higher ups of the Northeastern drug scene. I am excited to see how the investigation will not only impact Taylor and his relationship to drugs, but also how it will affect his relationship with his family. As the investigation progresses, I think more information concerning Taylor’s drug addiction will be revealed, which I am sure will pique my interest.
- Chris loves Jordan, but Marc hates Jordan. He has slowly been introduced to the reader in the first three books and will play a more significant role later in the series. At this point in the series what are your honest thoughts on Jordan?
I don’t feel like I can make a fair assessment of Jordan as I have only learned of his character through other characters alluding to him. After reading Part 3, I now know that Jordan did not drug Michelle, which was the primary flaw that was spoken about him, so I feel that he cannot be a horrible person, especially as he respected Michelle by not revealing the reason as to why she was throwing up. Jordan is doing phenomenal at Notre Dame, both on and off of the field, so I am eager to read more about him hopefully in Part 4.
Synopsis
Now being adapted for TV by Emmy-winning producer Mark Blutman!
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.
Books by Stacy A. Padula 
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