Q&A with Izzy Aldridge on “The Forces Within” by Stacy Padula

An Interview with Izzy Aldridge—Plymouth, Massachusetts

1. Who do you believe should read The Forces Within by Stacy Padula?

I think young adults and teenagers, experience high school especially, should read this book. The book takes the readers along the journey of high schoolers who experience peer pressure, drugs, spiritual realms, tragic situations, dating, partying and so much more. Author Stacey Padula exposes the readers to the most realistic life scenarios as being a teenager in high school. Teaching the readers the dangers of substance, partying, peer pressure, will allow them to avoid making mistakes like the characters in the book, as well as to stay grounded to your morals and your relationship with God. The book can symbolize a moral guide for upcoming teenagers who are struggling in high school with friends, partying, or their relationship with God. 

2. What was your favorite part of the book and why?

My favorite part of the book was when Andy Rosetti had woken up from his coma and ultimately realized over time that he needed to better his relationship with God. As a person who is very interested in spiritual growth and religion, I think this book does a great job showing the ways of someone else’s journey who may be going through something similar. 

3. There is a hidden message (or many) woven throughout this book – what do you think one is and why?

I think a hidden message that is woven in this book has to be the messages God sends to the characters. The book reveals God’s works that may be disguised from the characters. As Andy has woken from his coma he sees his girlfriend Chantal become very distant, this could be a message that he needs to further his relationship with God. There could be many more hidden messages like character and personal growth; for example, Jason, the town’s biggest drug user, has changed his life and started a prayer group. 

4. After reading all five MLH books – who are your two favorite characters and why?

My two favorite characters are Jason and Chantal. Jason is one of my favorite characters because I believe that he has shown the most growth. He had gone from the biggest drug user and partyer to someone who looked to further his relationship with God, and ultimately to change his ways. Nowadays, many teenagers deal with drug addiction and expose themselves to drugs at an early stage, so seeing a character in the book flee his past actions and grow as a character was very interesting and proudful to observe as reading. I admire Chantal’s character because she represents having faith and morals, as well as staying true to herself throughout the books. During difficult situations Chantal has put her issues and stress into God’s hands in order for help, instead of using substance or partying as a way to cope.

Synopsis

After being trapped inside his own body, unable to communicate with anyone but his own thoughts, Andy Rosetti finally wakes up from the coma that controlled his life for one month. But upon awakening, Andy finds himself and his friends in an unfamiliar setting: a mansion riddled with secret passages and supernatural forces. As his friends fall prey to the entities surrounding them, Andy must figure out if the darkness lies within the mansion’s walls or within the people surrounding him.

About Izzy Aldridge

Izzy is a senior at Plymouth North High School, and she will graduate in June of 2024. In high school, Izzy has been a part of multiple sports teams, including soccer and lacrosse. She is also a member of the National Honor Society. Her favorite subjects include marketing and English. Two of Izzy’s favorite hobbies are traveling and spending time with her family and friends.