Timmy Weiss on “The Forces Within” by Stacy Padula

An Interview with Timmy Weiss—Weston, Massachusetts

WHO DO YOU BELIEVE SHOULD READ THIS BOOK?
Middle schoolers and high schoolers should definitely read this book so that they can learn the importance of faith in their early years, so that they can set their future selves up with a great foundation of values.  I’d also recommend this book to anyone looking to build their faith in God.  The book will show these people how fulfilling and how necessary a relationship with him is.

THERE ARE MANY HIDDEN MESSAGES IN THIS BOOK. WHAT WAS ONE THAT STOOD OUT TO YOU?
One of the hidden messages to me was that we should always ask God for help in a time of need.  If we do gain a deep faith in God he will be able to provide us with the answers we desire to the problems we are struggling with.  I know this because Chantal repeatedly wanted God’s help for certain things, like what to do about Andy, and he gave her answers and signs of what she should do.  As long as we have a faith lens on the world we will find the signs for our problems and acquire joy and fulfillment from that.

WHAT WAS YOUR FAVORITE PART OF THE FORCES WITHIN?
My favorite part of The Forces Within was how Chantal was protected in the mansion when bad forces were trying to hurt her and her friends.  I found it so inspirational that because she had such deep faith in God, she was unable to be harmed by any bad forces within the place.  Her friends, excluding Jon, were at risk to be taken advantage of since they didn’t share the faith she showed.  However, it was as simple as letting the holy spirit within your soul to guide you to forbid any harmful spirits from damaging your character.

AFTER READING ALL 5 BOOKS IN THE SERIES, WHO ARE YOUR 2 FAVORITE CHARACTERS?
My two favorite characters are Chantal and Chris.  Chantal is one of my favorites because she inspires me in how she lives her life.  She puts her faith first and because of it has so much wisdom.  She also demonstrates magnificent empathy.  Her most impressive display of this empathetic attitude was towards Jason, by shaping him into a Catholic, from his depths of being disgusted by the thought of faith.  Chris is my other favorite because of how supportive and inspirational he is.  When I think of an unwavering, strong catholic, it is Chris.  To go from a horrible drug and alcohol problem to a priest-like outlook on the world, it requires a phenomenal amount of self-restraint, hope, and commitment.  Chris has this character and humbly displays it through his caring actions that make a difference in the lives of those around him.

About Timmy Weiss

Timmy is a recent graduate of St. Sebastian’s High School. He was a varsity tennis and varsity soccer player, as well as a part of MPA (men with positive attitudes), the newspaper named The Walrus, and the peer mentoring club. He enjoys traveling, spending time with family and friends, volunteering, and going to sports games. He is now studying communications within the renowned SI Newhouse School at Syracuse University.