Annie Stanton Reviews “Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told” by Stacy Padula

By Annie Stanton—Medfield, Massachusetts

Gripped Part 1 by Stacy Padula was an outstanding story about realistic teenagers trying to figure out their way through life. One of the book’s main factors is how Taylor Dunkin’s injury caused him to turn to opioid usage, which is a common thing with athletic injuries. Since Taylor is a role model to everyone in the town, when he turns to drugs it makes the younger kids think it’s a normal thing to do.

Another interesting plot point in the story is trying to figure out the bad blood between Chantal and Cathy. These two are twin sisters who seem to get along perfectly fine, until something happens that leaves the reader questioning their relationship. Gripped Part 1 is filled with twists and turns that leaves the reader wondering what will come in the next book. 

About Annie Stanton

Annie Stanton is an upcoming senior at Medfield High School. She is president of the National Latin Honor Society, and is a two year captain for the varsity women’s basketball team. She is a founder of the Ancient Greek club at MHS, and is passionate in learning about current events and social issues. She also is one of the captains for Project Teamwork, which is an anti-bullying prevention club where student leaders use their voices to talk to younger students about important, real life topics.

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.