Q&A with Jane Jakubowski on “Gripped Part 2: Blindsided”

An Interview with Jane Jakubowski on Gripped by Stacy A. Padula—Auburndale, 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?

The demographic of this book should be middle and high schoolers because kids may not truly understand the dangers of drug abuse if they are not exposed to the unfiltered truth. By this age, readers have, hopefully, been educated about drugs, alcohol, sex, and more, however, it is taught as a hypothetical problem. Educational books like Gripped should not be banned from schools because it portrays relatable characters with whom kids may resonate and how drugs can affect even the most average, normal person.

2. What can kids learn from reading this book?

Drugs put one’s life in danger, but can also affect their whole personality. While following Cathy’s story, it is noted how the increase in her intake of Xanax has made her lose a huge part of her identity. It’s also important to shine a light on the danger of peer pressure. A lot of characters in this novel find themselves experimenting with drugs because their friends are or basing the dosage they take off of other people. The more people that get sucked into this domino-effect trap, the more young lives are put in danger. It is okay to say no, and likely better that way. Gripped, while telling stories, succeeds in providing little warnings throughout the book so that kids don’t find themselves stuck in this trap, unable to get out.

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

I think a sense of sympathy for Taylor develops as the series goes on because his drug addiction truly came from a place of hopelessness, depression, and hurt. The opening chapters reveal how Taylor felt guilty for dealing drugs to Luke and there was an understanding for Taylor that his ways were not healthy. I predict he will continue to have character development, especially in his book.

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

All Chris wants is to make other people feel loved and have fun because he never received that from his parents. Since drugs were very accessible to him and he knew that they make him happy, he encouraged others to dip their feet in the water and try drugs so they can be happy too. In the first book, my first impression of Chris was that he was a fun person, but always looking for trouble. Now I know that drugs were just his way to cope and he only ever wanted everyone to be happy. I really respect his decision to hang out with friends who don’t do drugs, even if he was the one who really got his original friends into them in the first place.

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

Patterns show that I tend to root for the truest love connection. In this case, that is Cathy and Jason. I think they both need time apart, similar to Chris and Lisa, to set themselves straight and work on getting better. If they are both abusing drugs, their passionate relationship is only going to end up in flames. I believe Marc is an important partner to Cathy because he is “straight-edge,” as the book mentions. Eventually, I want and think that Cathy and Jason will end up together because they are meant to be, but only after each person has healed.

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

Similar to Cathy and Jason, Lisa and Chris truly need to separate if they ever want to get back together with a happy relationship. I really respect Chris’s decision to break up with Lisa in order to save her from more pain he’d cause if they were together. It sucks for them at the moment, because they love each other, but Chris is so right. Being together will only cause more damage in the end. It’s better for him to cause her a little bit of pain now instead of a lot in the end. Like Jason and Cathy, I do believe they will end up together when they both heal.

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

Funny enough, my favorite characters are probably Marc and Jason. I like Marc because he seems the most level-minded about all of these issues and just wants the best for everyone. Truthfully, I think I like Jason because of his personality although he really needs to work on his relationship with drugs. I think he used to be better for Cathy because their personalities matched up so well, but now that she’s changing, he really needs to step it up and help her get better (but first he’s gotta get himself better).

About Jane Jakubowski

Jane is a senior at Newton South High School in Newton, Massachusetts. She is part of her school’s dance team as well as a competitive and performance dancer at Joanne Langione Dance Center. She is also a member of Newtones, Newton South’s award-winning student-run a capella group. Singing has been a major passion for Jane since childhood as well as performing. Whether it is playing guitar or piano, being in the school musical, or being forced to listen to her sisters sing, Jane can always be found doing something creative and/or in the arts. 

Additionally, Jane has enjoyed working as a lifeguard and a babysitter over the years and feels most fulfilled by doing what she loves while connecting with people. Jane values the importance of family & friend time, meaningful talks, and appreciating life and the fun it has to bring.