Q&A with Maeve Shortt on “Gripped 2: Blindsided”

An Interview with Maeve Shortt—Cape Cod, Massachusetts

The drug use and sexual content in this book will surely get it banned from schools, but the topics are too relevant in teenage culture to be ignored. Why do you think this book should be read by kids in middle school and high school?

I strongly believe that this book should be read by both middle school and high school students for a multitude of reasons. For starters, it makes them aware at an early age of the dangers of drug use. Although it is a common topic for them and they are warned early on, when they are reading about it from the perspective of someone their own age I believe it has a much stronger effect. I also think it is a healthy way of introducing sexual content to both pre-teens and teenagers because it is very lightly touched upon.

What can kids learn from reading this book?

From reading this book, kids can learn how to maintain the strength to withstand peer pressure. It is easy to believe that it will be easy to say “no”, when offered things that you do not want, nor want to be a part of, but the perspective that Gripped 2 offers changes that entire impression. It can prepare kids to deal with peer pressure, and also come to terms with the fact that you will have friends that sometimes do things that you don’t want them to do. The social pressures and drama that this book entails is truly realistic and I believe it is an important topic that children can learn from. 

How has your opinion of Taylor changed from the beginning of the series until the end of book 2?

I think that I have a little more respect for Taylor after reading the end of book 2. Although he has made mistakes, it is easy to tell that he feels guilty and often blames himself for what others are going through. In book 1, I blamed him for not only messing up his own life, but for making his family’s lives harder as well. I now sympathize with Taylor, because he may have made some poor life decisions but he does not deserve to spend his life paying for them. 

How has your opinion of Chris changed since the beginning of the series?

My opinions on Chris have not changed significantly since the beginning of the series

After reading books 1 & 2, are you rooting for Cathy to end up with Jason or Marc?

I am rooting for Cathy to end up with Jason rather than Marc. I think that Marc is not a great influence on Cathy, especially after everything she has been through. I believe that Jason cares a lot more about Cathy, and wants to help her in her healing journey. Jason was with Cathy at her worst, therefore I think he deserves to be with her at her best. 

What are your honest thoughts on Chris and Lisa’s relationship?

My honest thoughts on Chris and Lisa’s relationship are complicated. On one hand, I think that Chris really loves Lisa and I think that she is good for him. I also think that Chris is not a great influence on Lisa, and their relationship complicates Lisa’s friendship with Cathy. If Lisa is honest with herself and Chris about what she wants, they would both be much better off. For example, Lisa was sure when talking to Cathy that she did not want to pursue a relationship with Chris. After hanging out with Chris, she completely changed her mind and made it seem as though she would be interested, without relaying her concerns to Chris that she had already made clear to Lisa.

Who are your two favorite characters so far in the series and why?

One of my favorite characters so far in the series would be Chris due to his relationship with Taylor. I love how reassuring and caring he is to his cousin, despite their large age difference. My other favorite character would probably be Cathy, because she has such an interesting storyline. She reminds me of myself in the sense that she used to be so introverted, but after becoming a little more comfortable she really came out of her shell. 

About Maeve Shortt

Maeve is a senior at St. John Paul II High School, where she is a member of the National Honor Society and a school retreat leader. She is a captain of her school’s varsity field hockey team, plays on the varsity lacrosse team, and is a player on the Cape Cod Field Hockey club team. Additionally, she was elected as a Cape-Cod All Star this past season. She is also a Climate Change Ambassador for the Cape Cod Commission. In the spring, Maeve will be attending the Mountain School of Milton Academy in Vershire, VT as a one-semester program. She hopes to study business and finance in the future.