Norah’s Book Nook

Norah is a senior at Marshfield High School. She is a member of her school’s National Honor Society and many other extracurricular activities such as Varsity basketball, DECA, Model UN, Gold Ribbon Club, and Operation Smile Club. One of her favorite high school experiences was attending the international DECA competition her freshman year in Atlanta, Georgia where she attended leadership and career development conferences. Norah is looking to major in marketing in college. Working part time at Veronica’s Sweetcakes, Norah is enthusiastic about catering to the needs of customers. Norah also volunteers as a coach at Hot Shots, a youth soccer program that inspires and encourages young girls while boosting their confidence in their soccer skills. In her free time, Norah loves going to the beach and out to dinner with friends. 

Book Reviews

Stacy Padula’s first book in her Gripped series, The Truth We Never Told, is an emotionally investing beginning to a story on the interconnected lives of several individuals from Montgomery, Massachusetts. The tone is set and the story begins with the Dunkin family and Marc Dunkin’s heartbreaking discovery of how bad his older brother Taylor’s drug addiction has become. Once the town’s superstar athlete, Taylor has found himself selling drugs to feed his painkiller addiction that a football injury left him with.

As the story unfolds, an extended flashback reveals Taylor’s influence on the budding of a middle school friend group that begins to unravel as the introduction of drugs tears these friendship bonds apart. Old relationships become toxic. New relationships are formed. The path to addiction has begun. A blend of storylines that all intertwine offers a great perspective on the effects of drugs on teenagers.

I would 100% recommend that kids entering middle school and high school should read this book as the character’s choices and consequences capture realistic depictions of how one choice can easily lead towards a downward spiral. It illustrates how one person’s addiction impacts all those around them. I liked that the story captured the crucial aspects of real-life friendship struggles, realistic teenage decision-making, and true challenges to growing up.

Blindsided, the second novel in Stacy Padula’s Gripped series, uncovers more about Montgomery’s teens’ memories and events from their present-day lives. The second book continues where the first left off, addressing the unresolved questions I had as a reader and investigating the motivations behind the characters. You will find your perceptions of characters shifting, and you’ll get even more engrossed in every breakup and makeup that occurs. This novel focuses on how the protagonists’ addictions—Cathy’s in particular—progressively get worse. I was captivated by Cathy and Jason’s relationship development and the pivotal incident that leaves Chris questioning his choices and future. Once again, I found it remarkable that the narrative effectively conveyed the essential elements of friendship conflicts, realistic teenage choices, and growing-up difficulties. I am excited to read the rest of the series to learn more about each character and storyline!

Not only is this story enticing, it is also a must read for kids in middle school and high school because it offers helpful information that will provide them with the knowledge and abilities needed to make informed decisions about their use of drugs and alcohol. Young readers of these books will undoubtedly comprehend how easily drug usage may develop into an addiction so they can be conscious of it in their own lives. Contrary to what some of the characters believe, this book reveals that narcotics have the potential to be extremely addictive. The variety of narratives, characters, and drug types they are exposed to can show kids things they themselves could be introduced to.

Stacy Padula’s third book in the Gripped series, The Fallout, was another 5-star! As the story progresses, the relationships between the characters become more complex. Chris and Courtney’s developing friendship ensues guaranteed drama between friends and leaves you questioning… is their budding relationship worth all this drama? Another intriguing storyline is the demise of Cathy and Jason’s relationship. If, like me, you have overwhelming questions about their ultimate breakup, be sure to read this book for them to be answered!

Gripped Part 3 can be a helping guide to kids in their journey of learning about drugs, specifically how using drugs drastically changes your behaviors and attitudes, and how they can even change your morals and character. Many lessons about the use of these drugs are highlighted as the effects of using drugs catches up to the characters. Reading this as a high schooler myself, I see how realistic the individuals’ stories can be and how easy it is to be sucked into the world of drugs. For kids to understand that there is still hope for them to escape this world once they have entered it, they should continue reading the series!

Smoke & Mirrors is the fourth book in the Gripped series that continues exploring teenage life, including drug addictions, relationships, and other drama. The novel is a mix of educational and entertaining storytelling that is relevant and able to capture the attention of teens in middle and high school. Through its relatable characters, the book highlights the dangers of substance abuse and the struggles that come with trying to overcome addiction. What sets this story apart is its ability to show the real-life consequences of poor decisions while offering hope through faith, relationships, and resilience. Whether it’s Taylor’s battle with opiate addiction, Jason’s heartbreaking downward spiral, or Jordan’s growing relationship with God, the intertwining storylines will keep readers hooked and emotionally invested until the very last page.

I highly recommend that parents read this book alongside their kids. By reading and discussing the books with their teens, they can open a much-needed conversation about the real-world issues their children may face and how drugs are “a death sentence that can lead nowhere good.” The author uses relatable scenarios to encourage tough but important conversations, making Gripped 4 not just a novel but a resource for families. This is an amazing read for anyone looking to understand the complexities of teenagers in today’s world.

Of the series, Gripped 5 is my favorite! The fast-paced plot kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time as the consequences of drug use put nearly every character in grave danger. A new angle on the lives of other Montgomery kids, such as Missy, Laurelle, Taylor, Luke, Marc, and Jordan is in this book. Taylor’s mess with the Bilotti family makes for a thrilling drama, and the stress it causes all the characters contributes to an engaging plot. Once again, Stacy A. Padula has outdone herself!

On the educational side, the book’s topics, which include drug usage, high school experiences, and relationships, are valuable to teens since reading about them can help them understand what to do in similar circumstances. In particular, readers may learn what not to do because many of the characters in this novel make poor decisions that result in consequences. Because the events in this book of the series get more serious, I would suggest this book to high school upperclassmen. Since the themes covered in this book are more geared toward older high school students and are therefore more aimed at offering guidance to them, a more adult reader would be appropriate. Teenagers can also benefit from the book since it teaches them about the addictive nature of drugs and cautions them that taking something once could be fatal due to the availability of harmful substances.

The Right Person by Stacy Padula is a compelling novel that depicts Montgomery Lake High’s first week of school for the new freshman. Through the teenager’s first person narrations, the reader can easily understand their thoughts and reasons for their actions. This novel is a mix of social expectations, relationships, and peer pressure.

One major theme running throughout the story is the idea that “bad company corrupts good morals.” Even the best, smartest, and most goal-oriented kids can slip due to the influences of their friends and peers. This is especially true at the beginning of high school when kids are still developing but eager to fit in, have fun, or try new things. The Right Person highlights the vulnerability of freshman year and emphasizes that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your own beliefs to be accepted. As a senior in high school who has seen some of these events with my own eyes, I recommend incoming freshmen read it as advice for how to handle situations. There are many valuable lessons one can learn from this novel and the character’s will draw you into wanting to finish the series!

Interviews with Norah

July 2024: Gripped Part 1

Who would you recommend Gripped Part 1 to and why?

• Gripped Part 1 is an essential read for kids in middle school and going into high school. Navigating through the intimidation of these schools can be a challenge, therefore having awareness of social situations one could find themselves in could make the difference between doing the right thing or merely following what everyone else is doing. The character’s choices and consequences portrayed in this story capture realistic demonstrations of how one choice can easily lead towards a downward spiral that lasts through high school and beyond. Young adults reading this honest content will learn the truth about peer pressure and develop the bravery to refuse drugs to keep themselves out of danger.

How do you as a young adult relate to the story?

• The characters in this book are in middle school and, having experienced middle school myself, I am able to understand the drama and changing friendship dynamics caused from growing older and trying new things. Even though I’m in high school now, I still notice parallels between the lives of the characters and me. Since I can identify with navigating through these different kinds of social situations, it makes it easier to understand how substance experimentation turns into a problem. 

What did you like best about the story?

• I liked that the narrative effectively conveyed the core of actual high school events, realistic teenage decision-making, and real-life friendship challenges. This was achieved by the character development and how each character played a different role. As the story progressed, I was captured by all the different personalities and the multiple plot lines. Although this book was left on a cliffhanger, I found myself enthusiastically rooting for each character to figure their problems out so it could have a happy ending.

What message does this book send to readers?

• This book conveys the message that a path towards addiction can be carved with even a brief encounter with drug use, and that addiction has more negative effects on your family, loved ones, and others around you than you may realize. Comprehending this message can lead one to become less affected by the power of influence. This book allows the reader to envision their personal future and how drugs could drastically alter their dreams. Because it is so relatable, it creates a lasting impression on readers who will not quickly forget. It’s possible that someone who reads this book will find themselves under pressure to try drugs, but the heartbreaking ramifications endured by the characters from this book may serve as a reminder to stay away to avoid turning into an unrecognizable version of the person they used to be.

There are a few different storylines running through Gripped Part 1 because it is setting up the rest of the series. What storyline do you find the most interesting and why? (For example: Taylor and the police, Cathy and Jason, Cathy and Chantal, etc.)

• The most captivating storyline to me is the diminishing relationship between Chantal and Jon. Seemingly a perfect relationship from the beginning, Jon’s actions began to hurt the relationship until I was questioning if it would even last. Their relationship is engaging as Jon continues to be dishonest with Chantal about his drinking which leads him to begin pushing her away and repeat this cycle of drinking to numb his pain and guilt from hurting her. I was drawn into this relationship because I desperately wanted them to communicate through their issues so no one got hurt.

Gripped Part 1 sets up the rest of the series but leaves a lot of things “hanging.” What are you most curious to uncover by reading Gripped Part 2?

• Being left on a cliffhanger immediately made me want to read the rest of the books. I’m interested in hearing the rest of Jason and Cathy’s story. How, when they both had such high moral standards in middle school, did they both end up on the path to addiction? I am also curious to go into more depth about Taylor’s story of addiction because he stated in this book, “I don’t mess with that. Addiction runs in our family and pills can take you down a scary road,” yet we know he ends up on that road anyway. This further piques my interest in uncovering the rest of the story with the detectives from the Boston Police Department and their efforts to take down the Bilotti crime ring that Taylor is involved in.

About the characters…

1. Who do you feel bad for and why?
   • My heart reaches out to Marc for having to witness his brother Taylor–someone he had admired and put on a pedestal his whole life–turn into an addict. In an incredibly heartbreaking moment when Taylor isn’t answering the door to his apartment, Marc thinks, “Most people would think their brother was just hungover and still sleeping… I have to worry about finding him dead.” The lethal drug concoctions that his brother has been mixing up alarm Marc and he is hit with the realization that Taylor is in severe danger, so he has to be the one to inform their parents that Taylor needs serious help. Marc watched his hero succumb to drugs and lose himself, along with his promising career. Marc’s resilient, caring self still spent hours on the phone trying to convince Taylor that if he sobered up, he could still have his NFL dream come true, but was crushed when nothing seemed to change. Furthermore, Marc is unaware that Taylor has been supplying Luke, his closest friend, drugs, which would devastate him if he found out.
2. Who frustrates you and why? 
   • Luke’s habit of receiving drugs from Taylor, the older brother of his best friend, irritates me. Knowing that Taylor’s drug addiction is the reason Taylor and Marc have a horrible relationship and the reason why he doesn’t talk to his family, Luke continues using him as his supplier. I am frustrated that Luke has even distributed drugs that caused overdoses, but continues doing it, claiming that he’s not a drug dealer because he doesn’t get money from it, he just does it to help people out. By granting these young high school kids’ access to these substances, he reveals that he has no concern about how much harm he is inflicting to their lives. 
3. Who do you most relate to and why?
   • I relate most with Cathy because, as she gained her confidence throughout her year in middle school, her personality traits that I found similar to mine began to develop. Cathy is a supportive friend, demonstrating this when she consistently checks in on her friends’ well-being and supports them by wanting the best for them. She also takes great pride in her intelligence and love of intellectual games, along with her good, Christian morals.
4. Who do you like and why? 
   • I admire Marc’s character and morals because he stays away from drinking, smoking, and other drugs that he could have access to from his brothers. Despite growing up in the shadow of his more accomplished brothers, he refuses to allow it to stop him from focusing on his own football career and his commitment to BC. He also genuinely loves Taylor and stops at nothing to help him. I also like Marc’s father, Mr. Duncan, because he helps Taylor through his withdrawal, staying the night to make sure he is okay and being a caring father by trying to steer his son back in the right direction. Though he is a very minor character, his everlasting kindness that he extends to his son–even after he has disappointed him–demonstrates the positive effects of helping someone quit drugs.
5. Who do you dislike and why?
   • I dislike Jordan passionately because he has given his 13 year old cousin alcohol and weed. Besides doing this, Jordan overall lacks other admirable traits aside from being “chill.” He was also accused of drugging and raping a girl at a party, which even if it isn’t true, speaks volumes to what people think he is ethically capable of. I hate that Jordan is such a bad influence on young, good kids like Chris and Jon.

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August 2024: Gripped Part 2

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?

• Kids in middle school and high school should read this book because it contains valuable lessons that will help students develop the knowledge and skills necessary to think intelligently about alcohol and drug use. This type of information is something that is lacking in most of the assigned reading, yet is more relevant than other topics we read about. This book also discusses the significance of talking to your parents about these kinds of issues and the necessity to avoid self-medicating or trying to treat anxiety or depression with your own medications. Kids who read these books and who are exposed to the many plots, characters, and types of drugs will certainly understand how simple it is for drug use to turn into an addiction and be aware of it in their own lives.

What can kids learn from reading this book?

• Kids can learn practical life lessons from this book on everything from relationships to drugs. Kids can discover that sometimes the people who guide them in the wrong direction are even their closest and most respected friends. It’s crucial to realize this because some kids may become so attached to someone that they become blind to the fact that losing them would be in their best interests. Kids can learn how to not be a poor influence on their peers since they can easily understand how using drugs can create strain, hurt, and ultimately break relationships, destroying the two people involved. Kids can learn from Taylor’s story that drugs are not the right answer to feeling discouraged and from Cathy’s story that drugs are not the answer to numbing sadness or experimenting as a way to treat stress. This book exposes the fact that, contrary to some of the character’s beliefs, drugs can be highly addictive. The book also teaches valuable lessons that have nothing to do with drugs, just simply about how lying can cause strain in relationships as well.

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

• By the end of book 2, I no longer detest Taylor; instead, I am proud of him for the changes he has made in his life and have a better grasp of his character and decisions. Book 2 provides insight into Taylor’s drug and painkiller addiction. It shows how, following his two surgeries, Taylor was experiencing depression and discouragement and was holding himself responsible for Northeastern’s football team’s losing season. It sheds further light on Taylor’s motivation for starting to use drugs, which was his inability to face his choices and feelings of failure and regret. Without his teammates, Taylor felt lost, which is understandable. In the present, Taylor is no longer taking opiates and feels guilty for causing so many young people to become dependent on them. Instead of running from this truth, he is accepting it for the first time. For this, I admire him. He has chosen to stop selling drugs after realizing his errors and beginning to make amends. I’m proud of Taylor for recognizing the things in life that are truly important and working to improve them: his relationship with Marc, his football and academic careers, and the love and respect of his family. I like the new Taylor that has been attending AA meetings and has stopped selling drugs.

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

• My opinion of Chris has changed because I have more empathy for him now. His personality traits were further revealed in this novel, along with the reason for most of his actions—he merely wants his friends to be happy. While I am still angry at him for supplying his friends with drugs, Chris is a product of his environment and cannot be blamed for the bad influences that he had growing up. I’m happy with the Chris of today, who recognizes that he had a negative influence on those around him and that in order for them to get on better paths, he needs to sober up. Chris was misled by his drug addiction, but he has always been kind and compassionate. Chris seems to be really depressed and thinks his parents don’t love him, which makes me feel horrible for him. I feel awful for Chris because he seems like a happy, outgoing, and upbeat person, but he has a lot of pain and baggage. Some of the things Chris did in this book infuriated me, such as drinking after telling Lisa he wouldn’t, but he later apologized and it helped him realize that this wasn’t what he wanted for his future. It is heartbreaking to read about Chris’s deep self-loathing, but he eventually takes adjustments to ensure he doesn’t lose sight of his future goals. I applaud him for giving sobriety serious attention. 

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

• I am rooting for Cathy to end up with Marc because he is a good influence on her. Marc is bright, responsible, kind, and a skilled athlete. Helping Cathy get clean and put an end to the havoc his brother Taylor’s reckless drug supply created has demonstrated his goodness and his intentions. Jason, on the other hand, has already caused Cathy enough suffering, even if he has turned his life around and promises never to harm her again. They were negative influences on one another, and I worry that they may revert to their previous behaviors if she goes back to him. As he puts it, Jason is to blame for “shattering” Cathy, and I hope she moves on from their relationship so they can both continue to mend. I worry that Cathy and Jason’s current healthy, sober states could be ruined by them getting back together.

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

• I believe that splitting up to allow themselves to heal was the wisest course of action for Chris and Lisa. While Chris is well-intentioned, I believe he is a bad influence on Lisa and too young to see that giving her drugs to cheer her up wasn’t the best course of action, but it was all he knew from his brother’s partying and behavior. I am happy that Chris recognizes her need for a solid, caring partner who will support her in becoming a better version of herself and in coping with her father’s passing, and also recognizing that he is not able to provide that at the moment so he is letting her go for the better. They care about one other so much and should be in each other’s life, but they are not ready yet, so I am rooting for them to get back together once they are both sober and mentally healthy.

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

• From the first to the second story, Marc has consistently been one of my favorite characters. Despite not having a major part in the flashback, he is nevertheless shown as a kind young man who hangs around with the correct kind of friends. When the police approach Marc, he demonstrates his kindness once more by offering to stop at nothing to save his brother. My other favorite character is Lisa because she has done nothing but try to be a good girlfriend to Chris and a good friend to Cathy. She is willing to let Chris go so he can get clean, even though she does not want to lose him. I feel sad for her because she is hurt, lonely, and depressed, but I also think she is doing a wonderful job of getting over these emotions by not relying on all the drugs that her friends do.

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September 2024: Gripped Part 3

This book touches upon the use of Adderall, acid, marijuana, alcohol, and Xanax. For that reason, parents may not want their children to read the novel. However, the author feels there is much to be learned. What do you think tweens and teens could learn from reading Gripped Part 3 that would be beneficial for them?

• Gripped Part 3 can help tweens and teens learn that using these types of drugs drastically changes your behaviors and attitudes; they can even change your morals and character. This is illustrated through Jason’s story as he begins to lose himself to drugs. His once good-natured, cheerful, and caring character was altered by the drugs he used, causing him to become a hazardous influence on his friends. Even his bond with his best friend, Chris, was torn apart by drugs; readers can see how what started as a seemingly harmless, fun experimentation, can escalate into a life altering addiction.

Why could adults benefit from reading Gripped Part 3?

• Adults, especially those with children, can benefit from reading this book because it is a reminder to what their kids are being exposed to at such a young age. It could also help them be more understanding of the pressures and norms that their children face and teach them to have patience, such as what Cathy’s dad shows to her. Chris’s parents, on the other hand, serve as a warning to pay more attention and be present in your children’s lives so that they are safe and less likely to follow the leads of older kids. 

What storylines were most intriguing in Gripped Part 3? What kept you wanting to turn the page?

• The two most intriguing storylines in Gripped Part 3 were Chris and Courtney’s relationship and Cathy and Jason’s relationship. Chris and Courtney’s developing relationship, which entailed lots of drama, was captivating because their relationship was such a good influence on Chris so I was happy for them. The other intriguing storyline was the demise of Cathy and Jason’s relationship. As drugs seeped deeper into their lives, the two character’s began drifting. As I turned each page, I found myself hoping it would be a conversation between the two of them, talking it out and fixing their problems.

As drug use abounds in the series, some characters are trying their best to sober up, while others are getting deeper and deeper into substance abuse. How do you think readers can benefit from reading about Chris’s journey from the beginning of the series until now?

• Chris began the series with a desire to experiment with various sorts of drugs, which evolved into the act of taking these substances, but Gripped Part 3 explores Chris’s new mindset towards drugs and his attempt to cut them out of his life by eliminating the bad influences that make him want to. Readers can benefit from reading about Chris’s story because they can see how he felt less dependent on drugs when he hung out with a crowd that avoided doing drugs. This indicates how a good support system can help one overcome a terrible addiction. Through his healing process, Chris is able to recognize that he is a weak person when it comes to temptation around drugs and begins to smartly make decisions to not go to parties where he knows he could be tempted, even though all his friends are there. Readers can take note of these hard decisions he makes as inspiration to not be afraid to take the difficult, yet necessary steps that are required if one wants to sober up.

At this point in the series, what character intrigues you the most and why?

• The character that intrigues me the most is Cathy. Cathy is a complex character and it has been interesting watching Cathy’s morals change throughout the books. Cathy has undergone a large negative character development in the stories from the past, yet, in the present day, Cathy is sober, so I am curious as to how she quit her addiction, as well as how her breakup with Jason played a role in this.

What does this book teach readers about why people begin using drugs?

• The biggest lesson regarding why people begin using drugs is from Taylor’s story; he lost his ability to play football, struggled to find meaning in life without it, and ultimately relied on drugs to ease his physical and mental pain. His dependence on drugs arose from his vulnerable state of depression and sudden lack of direction in his life. People can relate to this if they find their life turned upside down and are struggling with how to go on. There are also more reasons that people begin using drugs that are highlighted in this book, for example to relieve stress, gain popularity, express anger, etc. These common teenager sentiments help readers comprehend how easy it is to be sucked into the world of drugs.

Chris loves Jordan, but Marc hates Jordan. He has slowly been introduced to the reader in the first three books and will play a more significant role later in the series. At this point in the series what are your honest thoughts on Jordan?

• Jordan is still a mystery character and I understand both Chris and Marc’s perspectives on him because they both believe different truths about him. The reason Marc hates Jordan has not been proven and I think he is unnecessarily angry at his brother. From what I know about Jordan, he has positive attributes, such as being a member of a Catholic Association, not doing drugs, and being committed to his football career at Notre Dame. Jordan seems ambitious and focused, while also being family oriented, something I respect and admire. One of my favorite things about Jordan was his concern for his brother Taylor’s drug problem and his intention to help him recover. 

October 2024: Gripped Part 4

1. Who would you recommend this book to and why?

I would continue to recommend this book, and all the rest in the series as well, to teenagers in middle and high school. Through the lives of the characters, this novel emphasizes how risky it may be to party when you’re young. Readers of this age might relate with the characters and put themselves in their shoes, which will be useful in the future when a similar circumstance—like one involving drugs—occurs. Reading this as an educational resource can warn teenagers about the risks of opiates, such as how they rewire your brain and make it hard to ever feel normal again.

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

The subjects of alcohol, weed, pills, and other drugs are particularly pertinent to teenagers who are experimenting with them but, because of their developing minds, are unaware of the full extent of addiction or the repercussions that can follow. Reading about these concepts and seeing how drugs can ruin a perfect child, athlete, and student with a successful future is a much needed warning. Drugs have the power to ruin relationships and make you push away those you love. Reading this book can help you see how to come out of a rut before relationships start to crumble. Other concepts in this book, mainly relationships, can shine light on what to do/not do if your partner is losing themselves to drugs. This is also relevant for teenagers who may not know what to do and who could be hesitant to talk to an adult as it shows how other kids have handled these types of situations.

3. Why should parents read this book?

It’s critical for parents to talk with their children about drugs. By introducing the Gripped book series to them, it can open a conversation between parents and their kids to begin a solid, open, and honest relationship with good communication about drugs in their kid’s lives. Parents should discuss the potential dangers with their children in an honest way that can help kids have more respect for their parent’s rules and advice. Starting a conversation about how drugs changed the lives of the characters in Gripped and highlighting the issues they cause is a smart first step in establishing this relationship. 

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

I would really like to find out what actually happened on the night that Jordan allegedly drugged Michelle. There were a lot of wounded feelings and no communication between Jordan and Marc. This incident has played a big role in the story because, although some people know the truth, others have developed their own opinions resulting in strained relationships. Without attempting to give anything away, I also want to know what will happen to Taylor when he tries to leave the crime ring he is involved in. Taylor’s parked car and the alarming phone call from the Dunkins’ father had me wondering: where is he and what happened?

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

I was excited that this book had a big focus on the incorporation of faith and God. It was an illustration of how trusting and relying on God may help you get through difficult situations. I thought it was excellent that Jordan felt like God was guiding him in the right direction and that his connection with God was growing. It was also encouraging to see Chris discover the church and see how much it has aided in his efforts to stay away from drugs. While reading about this was exciting, Jason’s story of downward spiraling was what really kept me turning the page. As I turned each page, I hoped Jason would start to see his errors more clearly and come up with a plan to correct these mistakes.

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

I enjoyed that this story was developing multiple plotlines, connecting almost all of the characters through a variety of situations. In the present day sections of the book, there were a number of different stories that it kept switching back and forth from all on the same night, including Taylor’s stressful meeting with his boss, Jordan and Marc’s rekindling, Michelle and her friends’ night at the club, and Cathy and Marc’s TD Garden adventure. It’s thrilling to read since the nights of this many characters are entwined.

7. How has your opinion of the characters evolved overtime? Specify what you now think of the following people after reading Gripped 4:
   1. Luke: Since Luke continues to sell drugs to kids in Montgomery and has not changed his ways, my opinion of him hasn’t improved all that much. The fact that Luke contributed directly to ruining his own family by selling drugs to his cousin and younger brother still frustrates me. For most of the series so far, Luke has been incredibly unaware of the negative effects of addiction and he thinks his intentions are good. But, at this book’s end, Luke claims to have seen how the pills he supplied to classmates were making their problems worse rather than better. I’m glad he’s finally realized this problem and will hopefully stop dealing drugs.
   2. Jordan: Although the truth about what occurred between Michelle and Jordan that night at the party has not been told, I don’t think Jordan did anything wrong. I’m glad Jordan is concentrating on his studies and football at Notre Dame, and I’m especially glad that he’s grown more family- and religious-focused. Since Jordan and Marc are two of the series’ nicest characters and it hurts to see two brothers not get along, I still hope they can reconcile.
   3. Taylor: I now have a better understanding of why Taylor pushed Julie away; he didn’t want to bring her down and didn’t feel worthy of her. It was heartbreaking to learn more about Taylor’s life and his sense of emptiness, disorientation, and apathy. Given that snorting medications helped him quit self-loathing and miss his former self, it is simple to see how they gripped him. His brain was rewired by opiates. I’m relieved that Taylor has realized that he needs to find a way to leave the drug trade and crime ring. I also now see how dangerous the criminal circle he was in was, and why he had to cut off his relationships with his loved ones in order to keep them safe. 
   4. Jason: It hurts me to watch Jason turning to drugs to cope with his sadness following the loss of his friendship with Chris. Cathy is being manipulated by Jason, and I wish he would breakup with her so they can find themselves again. I still think Jason is a wonderful guy at heart, but he isn’t high on my list because of his drug issues and his inability to stop, despite being aware of the damage he is causing. Additionally, I find it offensive that he is treating Chris, who was formerly his best friend, disrespectfully behind Chris’ back. Even if he is hurt from their friendship breakup, it is disheartening to see him be so cruel to someone who was good to him.
   5. Cathy: Although I am pleased that Cathy has weaned herself off of her drug addiction, I worry about her still occasionally using drugs. Cathy might be able to overcome her anxiety without resorting to harmful drugs if she talks to her parents about it. Though I can understand how it is ripping her apart, I think Cathy is an admirable person for standing by Jason and supporting him during his friendship ending with Chris, although I wish she had the strength to let him go so they could both heal.

January 2025: Gripped Part 5

1. Who would you recommend this book to and why?

Because the events in this book of the series get more serious, I would suggest this book to high school upperclassmen. Since the themes covered in this book are more geared toward older high school students and are therefore more aimed at offering guidance to them, a more adult reader would be appropriate. 

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

The book’s topics, which include drug usage, high school experiences, and relationships, are valuable to teens since reading about them can help them understand what to do in similar circumstances. In particular, readers may learn what not to do because many of the characters in this novel make poor decisions that result in consequences. Teenagers can also benefit from the book since it teaches them about the addictive nature of drugs and cautions them that taking something once could be fatal due to the availability of harmful substances.

3. What 3 important messages does Gripped 5 send to readers?

It conveys a crucial message: if you need to overcome an addiction, it’s vital to surround yourself with individuals who can encourage you along the way and prevent you from going off course. Another lesson is from Jordan, he tells us that you don’t need anyone’s attention to achieve. Whether or not others support you, you should be driven by your own ambition to achieve and follow your dreams. He demonstrates that you should act separately to other people’s opinions. Jason’s experience of discovering God and letting Christianity take over his life serves as the third significant lesson that Gripped 5 conveys to its audience. Readers can see how Jason was able to overcome his drug use, acknowledge his previous mistakes, and learn how to correct them going forward by developing a personal connection with God. 

4. What are you most curious to uncover in Gripped Part 6?

I’m eager for Gripped 6 to tie up the loose ends because the book’s ending left me on such a cliffhanger. I’m eager to find out where the investigation leads and whether the Bilotti family will harm someone. After the investigation ends (peacefully hopefully), I’m interested in learning more about Taylor’s return to football and whether he can succeed in it once more and achieve his lifelong goals. I am also interested in seeing more of how Cathy will handle this discovery that Jason still loves her and her breakthrough with his sister.

5. What did you like best about this book and who is your favorite character in the series at this point?

At this point in the story, Taylor Dunkin is my favorite character. More of his life was revealed in this book, including how his offer to attend Notre Dame was withdrawn due to an incident that was never fully explained until now. Realizing that it was not his fault at all and seeing how he tried to deal with it made me respect his morals. I feel the deepest sympathy for him and everything that he has endured. His devotion to protecting his family and his affection for them are two of my favorite qualities about him. Even though he had previously dealt drugs, the suffering and changes he was going through explain everything, and he quit right away after seeing how detrimental it was to the community as a whole. Taylor is my favorite character after seeing him sober up and seeing how much he cares for his life now. 

6. What do you hope happens to:
   1. Taylor: I’m hoping Taylor can safely escape the Bilotti criminal network without getting hurt. After everything he has gone through and the hard work he has put into becoming clean, he deserves to be safe and have another chance at playing collegiate football. 
   2. Cathy & Chantal: Cathy and Chantal had a well needed breakthrough where they were able to finally talk about the issues that had been causing them to hate each other for the past two years and I hope they continue to mend their friendship. It’s clear how much their friendship impacts Cathy’s mental health, therefore it would be wonderful to watch her anxiety decrease if they revive their bond.
   3. Cathy & Jason: I hope Cathy and Jason don’t reconcile since I believe they brought out the worst in one another. Both Jason and Cathy have obviously changed for the better and grown closer to God, but I believe that Cathy is happier with Marc. If they reconcile, I believe they could follow the same path they were on before, which would be distressing given how long it took them to finally improve their mental and emotional health.
   4. Luke & Missy: Luke and Missy do not appear to be a suitable match, in my opinion. I believe that Missy brings out the worst in Luke, making him feel compelled to do drugs and attend parties in an attempt to get her approval. I believe that if they split up, Luke would have more time to discover his true passions and put an end to his crazy behavior before he gets into problems. If Luke stops using Missy as a distraction, I believe he will rediscover his hobbies, just like Jordan did.
7. How has your opinion of the characters evolved overtime? Specify what you now think of the following people after reading Gripped 5 vs. what your initial impression was:
   1. Taylor: My opinion of Taylor has significantly altered over time. I initially viewed him as a drug dealer who was ruining the lives of a lot of Montgomery kids for financial gain. However, there is significantly more depth to Taylor and the underlying motivations behind his acts after reading through Gripped 5. I now understand that Taylor has faced several challenges, and I can see how he got stuck in his current situation and I feel sympathy for him.
   2. Jordan: Jordan’s alleged rape of Michelle at a high school party was the only information about him that was revealed at the start of the series. Even if the details of that night are still unknown, it is known that he is one of the most admirable characters in the series and did not rape her. My current opinion of him is one of respect for his connection with God, his commitment to his family and football career, and his genuine care for others. 
   3. Marc: I still feel the same way about Marc as I did at the beginning of the series. He has consistently been a dependable, kind person who gets along well with others and has gotten Cathy out of a difficult circumstance. It is admirable that he has been working to address the issues caused by his elder brother’s drug dealing. 
   4. Missy: My opinion on Missy has always seen her as an out of control partyer that should start thinking about how her actions impact others. She is hurting Luke’s mental health by dating him and using him for the drugs he can get her and the parties he throws her. Although I initially didn’t see how she might be harming Luke, it appears that she is after learning more about her in Gripped 5. 
   5. Luke: At first glance, Luke seemed like an ordinary guy who would hook up friends with drugs because he wanted them to be happy. His  admirable traits, including his friendship with Cathy and his relationship with Missy, become clear after reading the series. My current perception of him has improved because he still wants his friends to be happy but has stopped giving them drugs because he has seen how harmful it is. 
   6. Laurelle: Laurelle’s relationship with Pat seemed illogical to me at first glance. However, after reading more of their story, I can see that it makes sense to them. In my opinion, Laurelle is an excellent friend who constantly looks out for her friends.

February 2025: Montgomery Lake High #1

1. Who do you recommend this book to?

I recommend this book to incoming high school students. As the majority of the characters in this book are high school freshmen, reading their experiences from the first week of high school can be helpful. While not all high school experiences start off like the one depicted at Montgomery Lake High School, having prior knowledge of some of the events that could occur can give a reader a step up and make them more confident to enter this new era of their lives.

2. What can be learned from Chris and Courtney’s story?

Chris and Courtney’s story is one heavily influenced by social expectations, outside opinions, and misguided feelings. Courtney hopping into a relationship with Chris right after breaking up with her ex-boyfriend, Bryan, can teach that it is important to have time to yourself after a breakup to heal. Time to get over your ex will allow you the readiness it takes to enter a new relationship and start out on the right foot. Since Courtney did not give herself this time, she found herself constantly still thinking of her past relationship which negatively affected her ability to connect with and give her all to Chris. Furthermore, Chris and Courtney had instances where not communicating with each other was the cause of mix-ups and hurtfulness. Yet, in the heartfelt conversation they have with each other when breaking up, their communication can teach a lesson about relationships. Their brutally honest conversation led them to discovering that the reason Chris liked her so much and was drawn to her was because she reflected the spirit of God that Chris was searching for. The peaceful and understanding end to their relationship helps one see that some relationships aren’t perfect, but can still be helpful and beneficial in the path of life.

3. What did you enjoy most about The Right Person?

Before starting this series, I read Stacy Padula’s other series, Gripped, which, set in the same town, has overlapping characters and stories. I enjoyed learning different perspectives of the same stories I had read before in the Gripped book series. These new perspectives offered further insight into details and the different point of views helped me see both sides of some situations. I also genuinely enjoyed the lessons I learned from this book, especially that it is important to face your problems head on without fear instead of running from them. The Right Person is thrilling storytelling mixed with realistic events that combine into an excellent, easy read.

4. What is one major theme you noticed running through the story?

One major theme running throughout the story is the idea of “bad company corrupts good morals.” Sometimes the best, smartest, and most goal-oriented kids can slip due to the influences of their friends and peers. This is especially true at the beginning of high school when kids are not fully developed, but still looking to be popular, have fun, or try out new things. There is a vulnerability in freshman year that can lead kids down bad paths and this book highlights this through the character’s stories. Expanding on this theme, this book highlights the idea that you shouldn’t have to sacrifice your own beliefs to fit in. 

5. How do you, as a teenager, personally relate to this story?

As a teenager and a senior in high school with almost my whole high school career behind me, I can relate to this story because I can see myself in some of the characters and their situations. I have also seen my peers go through problems similar to those in the book. I relate to the experience of having friends that are misguided by the thought of popularity who become dissociated from who they once were.