Q&A with Annie Stanton on “Gripped Part 2: Blindsided”

An Interview with Annie Stanton—Medfield, Massachusetts

1. 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?

This book needs to be read by Middle and High school students because it is addressing the real topics that schools want to pretend are not there for such young kids. But in reality, kids will start having questions about all of the topics that are discussed in the book. It is important for schools to warn them about it before they experiment for themselves. 

2. What can kids learn from reading this book?

Kids can learn a lot from Gripped Part 2, but I think the most important thing to take away is the influence that characters have on others. Most people are followers because being a leader comes with adversity and challenges that followers don’t have to go through to the same extent.

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

I still feel badly for Taylor. He is so deep into his addiction that he needs all the support he can get. My opinion has not changed as I continue to hope he has a smooth recovery in the coming books. 

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

My opinion on Chris has changed a lot for me throughout the series. He wasn’t my favorite character from the jump because he to me was seen as a follower and not trying to lead by example. Chris has matured and become a much better character as the series advances. 

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

Truthfully, I think Marc is the better match for Cathy. I believe that Cathy needs a stable person who can really help her through her issues. Jason seems like he has a lot of things that would be best for him to work out on his own and not in a relationship. 

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

Chris and Lisa are not good for each other. The time they got back together was when Lisa was with Jeff and I felt Lisa was genuinely happy with him. Being with Chris makes her act out and do wild things. i

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

My two favorite characters throughout the series so far have been Marc and Chantel. Marc because he is so charismatic and easy as a reader to relate to. He has been the caretaker for all of the other characters in the series, which makes him very likable. I like Chantel because she is a realistic character. She gets overly upset about a rumor that wasn’t true, which I feel like a lot of high school students can relate to. 

About Annie Stanton

Annie Stanton is a 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.