Q&A with Grace Gerety on “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors”

An Interview with Grace Gerety—Duxbury, Massachusetts

Who would you recommend this book to and why?

• I would recommend this book to anyone who has struggled with addiction. Whether it was themselves or a family member who struggled they will benefit from reading this book. The many different characters and points of view allow it so many people would be able to relate no matter their circumstance. 

Why do you feel the topics covered in the book are relevant for teenagers?

• Yes I do feel the topics in this book are relevant towards teenagers. The topics and different storylines are similar to the real world things teenagers experience. Young people and especially teens using and abusing drugs is a very real and scary problem in today’s society. 

Why should parents read this book?

• Parents should read this book so they can understand better what the realities of being a teenager are. Parents often do not understand what drugs their children are using and if they do they do not understand the full extent of the dangers. Parents can also learn the different warning signs to look out for in their own children. 

At this point in the story, what are you most curious to uncover in Gripped 5?

• I want to know what Mr Dunking knows and why the boys need to come home. His response to hearing that the jeep was still in the same place sounds like he already knew. And his response made it sound like it was not good news. 

What did you like best about this book/what kept you wanting to turn the page?

• I liked how much the Dunkin boys are looking for their brother. It shows that they care so deeply for him and simply want to find him in an okay state. It shows so much character development from when they absolutely hated Taylor. 

What did you like about the writing style/setup of the story?

• I like how the story jumps around the timeline. Each book starts in the present day and then later jumps to the past to give background information on how the characters go to the situation they are in in the present day. And in each book, the tie in between the past and present gets smaller and smaller. 

How has your opinion of the characters evolved overtime? Specify what you now think of the following people after reading Gripped 4:

1. Luke
   • Luke’s actions are very disappointing. It’s hard to see that all along he knew how bad drugs were and the outcome of abusing them, but he still continued to sell them to people he cared about. 
2. Jordan
   • Jordan is a character I originally did not like but I have come to sympathize with. It’s obvious that he really cares about his brother and Taylors actions are making him constantly stressed and leaving a toll. 
3. Taylor
   • I really just want Taylor to get better. I see how much his actions have affected the people who love him and how hard they are fighting to help him. 
4. Jason
   • I am able to see that Jason feels bad for his actions in the past but he could be trying hard to change. So I have very mixed emotions when I think about Jason. He is very sweet and caring but he also has flaws that he knows about and is doing little to try and get help. 
5. Cathy
   • Although Ctahy still has problems to work through, I have seen great improvements in the last book. The way she came clean to Marc about the drugs shows she cares and wants to try and fix her past and more importantly, she is learning from her mistakes. 

About Grace Gerety

Grace is a senior at Duxbury High School, where she is a member of the Varsity Rowing Team. In school, she is a part of the yearbook club and the Humanitarian Project. Her favorite subjects are science and history, and she plans to major in nursing in college. Grace also enjoys volunteering. Last summer she traveled to West Virginia and worked with the ASP organization, helping with home construction for less fortunate families. Grace works at a local retail shop year-round and has a summer job at a local beach restaurant.