Eva’s Book Nook

Eva is a senior in high school, and has been homeschooled since her freshman year. Her favorite subjects in school are English and Greek. She is currently dual enrolled at Bridgewater State University to get a head start on her college education, and is planning on studying journalism in college in hopes of becoming a writer/editor. She works two jobs in the food industry and loves talking to customers. She also leads worship for her church’s youth group. In her free time, Eva enjoys reading, playing guitar, singing, and camping with her family. 

Book Reviews

“Gripped: The Truth We Never Told”, by Stacy Padula, is a book that speaks the truth in a time that needs it more than ever. The book presents a multitude of characters, ranging from middle school to college age. The characters are developed exquisitely, through inner thoughts, dialogue, and backstories. By the end of the first book you will feel like you know them personally, and you will be rooting for every one of them to succeed. It is guaranteed that readers will see themselves through at least one situation or character in this book, no matter who they are or what they have been through. That is the beauty of a novel that is real, relatable, and allows readers to truly empathize with the characters.

Each character’s story is unique, but they are all tied together by a common theme; substance abuse. Drugs are not romanticized in this book like they are in many others today. Padula tells of the unfiltered truths and horrors of how drugs and alcohol can destroy a young person’s life, including their social life, family life, health, and future. The lessons within the story will really take root within the reader, and will act as a warning to stay away from the situations the characters get themselves into.

This book sets up multiple different plotlines that readers will follow through the series. Because there are so many unanswered questions at the end of this book, it will leave you wanting to read the rest of the series right after you finish. It is fast paced, compelling, and also shines light on prevalent problems that many people don’t want to talk about in detail. In a generation that takes very little seriously, this book is something that every teen should read to understand the realness and seriousness of the issue that is presented.

Although I was sitting outside in a lawn chair simply staring at the pages of a book, in my head I was running around in the sand at Jon’s beach party; I was sitting on the couch in Chris’s basement; I was on a float next to Lisa in Jason’s pool. I got totally lost within the world of Montgomery. “Blindsided” is Stacy Padula’s second installation of her Gripped series. This book picks up right where the last one left off, and carries on the dual timelines that were set up in the first book. The flashback storyline continues to develop the characters into the people we see them as in the present storyline. It allows us to understand how they got to the place they are at. This novel focuses on the beginning of Jason and Cathy’s relationship, the end of Chris and Lisa’s, Taylor’s injury, Luke’s drug dealing, and the start of hard drug use within Cathy’s friend group. 

This book perfectly balances deep, important messages with fun, playful scenes to keep any reader captivated. The series is ultimately meant for a younger audience, and although there are heavy adult topics, Padula handles it so well that there is bound to be a positive response to the lessons within the writing. The sinful lifestyle of the characters is not glorified, but rather serves as a warning to teens to not put themselves in these circumstances, or to give them some direction on how to act when they encounter these situations. All teens should get their hands on this book, because no matter what they’re going through, they’re bound to see themselves in at least one of the characters within the series.

“Gripped: The Fallout”, by Stacy Padula, is a story you will get so indulged in, you won’t stop until you realize you’ve reached the end. It is the third book in the Gripped series, and the plot continues to become more and more captivating as the series continues. This book dives into many of the friendships and romantic relationships of the main characters as they enter high school. Reading about these characters and situations feels like watching a coming of age romantic comedy; but, of course, this book does not lack darker topics and valuable lessons. 

As the rest of the series does, “The Fallout” shines light on the drug abuse of teenagers and young adults. This book specifically touches on the way young people may start using drugs. It shows the innocent mindset of it. It shows that in reality, it’s not only the bad kids’ who get hooked on drugs like in the movies. These truths can benefit young readers, because they emphasize that drug addiction can happen to anyone. It shows that they should stay away from drugs at all costs, even if they’re just trying to have a good time. Because, as shown in this story, the “good times” with drugs never end well.

“Gripped: Smoke & Mirrors”, by Stacy A. Padula is the page turning fourth installation in the “Gripped” pentalogy, and it is a great build up to the final book that ensues.

The book follows many different characters, all of which depict the struggles of growing up as a modern day teenager. The characters all encounter relationships that are constantly changing. There are multiple falling outs, but along with that, many new bonds are created. The ups and downs of the characters’ social lives is something that is not seen much in media curated for teenagers today. There is always an unrealistic portrayal of friendships and relationships shown in books for the younger generation. Realism is something that is needed so that teenagers can relate to the troubles they’re reading about, which will help them feel less alone in their struggles. Substance abuse is the biggest struggle that dominates almost all of the characters’ lives. The book shows that it is a very relevant topic during a teen’s life whether they’re involved with it or not. Reading about drugs and alcohol can help develop an understanding of the seriousness of substance abuse, which is why this book is so beneficial for young people to read. 

By living vicariously through the characters in Gripped, young readers can acquire an understanding of the dangers of living a reckless lifestyle, and will hopefully learn how to take the right course of action in their own lives.

“Taylor’s story,” the most recently published book in Stacy A. Padula’s “Gripped” series, will immerse you in the world of mystery, romance, and drama. This book specifically focuses on familial relationships, and brings Cathy and Chantal’s storyline to a satisfying conclusion. Taylor’s relationship with his family really drives home the idea that family is everything. It shows readers not to take their family for granted, because they will always be there for you to pick up your broken pieces. 

Unlike the first 4 books in the series, this one focuses mostly on the suspenseful storyline of Taylor’s association with drug dealing and criminals, which isn’t something many teens will encounter in their life. But of course some of the more mundane things that were discussed in the previous novels bring the story back down to earth, making it very realistic and relatable to teen readers. The partying and drug abuse aspects of the story are portrayed very realistically, and teens will be able to relate to the social pressures of trying to fit in with the popular crowd. Teens in the book also struggle with anxiety while looking forward to their future, which is something that isn’t focused on much in popular media, but Padula handles it perfectly, allowing teens to see themselves in those characters and work through their struggles along with them. Many characters learn to put their trust in God to direct their paths, and this shows readers to also lean on God to fix the wrong in their lives and pave the way to their future.

The sixth installment of the “Gripped” series was set up perfectly by the cliffhanger at the end of “Taylor’s Story”, and it is bound to be a phenomenal continuation of the series.

“The Right Person” by Stacy A. Padula follows Chris Dunkin as he navigates the daunting social world of high school. In the prologue, Chris paints a picture of the story before readers get a chance to witness the plot unfold. He claims that “It’s somewhat of a teenage love story– packed tightly, of course, with all the unimportant drama you’d expect from high school freshmen– but more importantly it is a story of trial, inspiration, revelation, and death.” These words perfectly summarize the story within the pages that follow. 

The first draft of “The Right Person” was written when Padula was only thirteen years old. This small detail is a key factor in why the book is so impactful; the words on the page are a direct reflection of the mind of a teenager. This gives the story a very authentic feel, and makes it extremely relatable to an adolescent audience. While other forms of media today may overly romanticize the teenage years, this book shows an honest depiction of a teenager’s struggle to fit in and navigate friendships and romantic relationships.

The story’s main theme is the power of friendship, and how people can make lasting impacts on our lives. Characters get into fights, have falling outs, and lead each other down the wrong paths– just as many teenagers do in their lives– but ultimately, they come together and reflect on their experiences, and allow themselves to learn from their mistakes. At the end of the novel, Chris says, “I can’t honestly guess many of the events will mean anything to me five years from now, but I know the friendships will.”

What does a town do when faced with a tragedy within their community? In Stacy A. In Padula’s “When Darkness Tries to Hide”, the residents of Montgomery Lake show what it truly means to rally together in love and support for a common goal. 

The plot of the second book in the Montgomery Lake High series diverges from Chris’s story, bringing focus to the life of his ex-best friend Jason. Just as Chris was in book one, Jason is struggling with his substance abuse throughout his early teenage years. As Jason wrestles with his choice between right and wrong, readers come to understand the misleading appeal of the darkness he lives in. After a terrible accident in the town, Jason finds himself questioning all of his life choices up until that moment, wondering if he could have prevented the events that transpired. He is intrigued by the transformation Chris had undergone, and he is compelled by the peace that exudes off of him during the life altering circumstances that they are all enduring. Jason begins to desire the same fulfilling life that Chris now leads. As he starts seeking the truth in the midst of heartache, it is apparent how hard it is to make the right choices; but as the story progresses, it is also clear how rewarding the process will become.

This novel serves as an inspiration to young readers, acting as a testimony to God’s power by showing how living in the light will bring purpose and joy into the lives of those going through tough times. 

After Andy’s devastating accident, Jason realizes that he needs to reevaluate the direction of his life. The shadow he was engulfed in blinding him from an unfulfilling lifestyle quickly dissipated after a tragedy in his life. Although the drugs, alcohol, and social life that Jason has seemed to be enough to sustain his happiness, he begins to realize that these things are merely temporary fixes. 

Throughout the book, Jason wrestles with the allure of the world versus the truth of God, providing insight into the struggle faced by youth when choosing the right path in their daily lives.  

Stacy A. Padula’s third installment in the Montgomery Lake High series, titled “The Aftermath,” is the most captivating one yet. The characters continue to develop and come to life as the series progresses, and the lessons in the story resonate strongly with readers.

Padula’s book is an amazing vessel to share the Gospel with teens. The plot is both entertaining and rich in important lessons; it uses realistic coming of age situations to reveal the unfiltered truth about a lifestyle that may seem appealing to many, but only from the outside. And most importantly, she emphasizes that drawing strength from God is the only way to live a fulfilling life that meets your personal needs and allows you to be a light to those around you.

We all have a past, no matter how young or old we may be. And many can attest that these pasts may be something that bring up feelings of shame or embarrassment; but what matters is whether or not this past is turned into a testimony for the Lord.

In the Montgomery Lake High series, Stacy A. Padula shares the struggles of modern day teenagers regarding substance abuse, social pressures, and morality. Book four, titled “The Battle for Innocence”, reveals a crucial part of the characters that readers have come to know and love over the course of the series. A flashback runs throughout the entire book, giving a look into the characters’ lives in 7th grade, before some of them even met each other, giving a high resolution look into their pasts. 

The difference between the stories of the past and what happens in the present timeline show a stark difference after knowing what happens in book three. As the reader, there is knowledge of their future that they don’t have, making it evident that characters such as Jason or Chris truly took a one-hundred-and-eighty degree turn from the path they were going down in life.

This series shows teens that it’s okay to make mistakes, and that their redemption can be right around the corner, no matter how far gone they think they are, and this installation is the perfect example of that concept.

Interviews with Eva

March 2024: Gripped Part 1

1. Who would you recommend Gripped Part 1 to and why?

I would recommend Gripped Part 1 to all teenagers of middle school or high school age. There are so many different problems that the characters are dealing with, so most young adults will likely be able to see themselves reflected in at least one of the characters. When reading a story that they can see themselves in, and watching the characters deal with their problems, teens can see that they’re not alone and learn how they can help themselves alongside the characters.

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

While reading the story I could relate to a few of the situations the characters were put in. Jon, Cathy, and Chantal’s convictions are very close to my own, and their struggle with wanting to fit in, but also stand with their morals, is something I also struggled with in middle school. Although the party scene is not one I was or will be involved in, I could relate some of those situations to the things I hear about and  witness as a bystander. I can see how realistic the story is through my personal experience and situations I see from the outside point of view. 

3. What did you like best about the story?

As a reader I have always loved character driven books, and Gripped Part 1 is exactly that. Because it is setting up the rest of the series, this book really focuses on background stories, which allows the reader to get to know the characters very well. By the end of the book I felt like I was really getting to know them, which made me want to continue on with the series almost immediately. 

4. What message does this book send to readers?

This book shows readers the effect that drugs and alcohol can have on teens and how easy it is to get roped into that lifestyle. It is a warning to young readers to stay away from all substances, and it also shows readers who might have already fallen into that lifestyle that they are not alone, letting them see their own choices can affect themselves and other people.  

5. 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.)

My favorite storyline in Gripped Part 1 is Cathy and Jason’s story. Their present day situation is shown first, so we already know how their relationship ends, but that’s why I am so intrigued. I am invested in finding out how their relationship started, how it was built up, then how it fell apart. 

6. 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?

There are many plotlines that are continuing in the next book that I am excited to read about, but there are a few that I am really invested in. I want to see if Cathy and Chantal start talking again in high school, after Chantal and Jason’s conversation about events that happened in the past. I am also excited to see what happens with Taylor, and if the men Marcus talked to will really help him get out of his bad situation and back into a good school. 

7. About the characters…
   1. Who do you feel bad for and why?

I feel bad for Jason, because I can tell he really loved Cathy, and he blames himself for her downfall and their breakup. 

2. Who frustrates you and why? 

After reading the back story from middle school, Jon frustrates me. He was not acting right towards any of his friends, and his bad choices led to a terrible breakup in which he played the victim. 

3. Who do you most relate to and why?

I relate most to Chantal, who loves her friends, but knows that doing the right thing and following God is the best choice. She separates herself from people who will cause her to backslide and she steps away from bad situations, which is what I have always tried to do when it comes to social situations. 

4. Who do you like and why? 

I really like Cathy’s character and her narration. She is a very complex character, which makes her seem so much more real. She starts off as a girl who doesn’t have many friends, and doesn’t party, and then she slowly becomes more outgoing. She finds her group of friends and starts partying, and we know that she eventually becomes hooked on drugs. She’s a character that a wide range of different teens could see themselves in.  

5. Who do you dislike and why?

During the present day plotline, I dislike Luke. I don’t like the fact that he supplies young kids with drugs, and that he tried to get Cathy to take drugs again after knowing she didn’t want to and had a problem with it in the past. 

April 2024: Gripped Part 2

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?

Although there are heavy adult topics in this book, middle school and high school kids should all still have the opportunity to read it. When certain topics are ignored, and not taught to kids in the way it should be, they will learn in other ways, maybe even through experimenting with things themselves. So, since Gripped touches on these heavy topics in a way that educates and doesn’t glorify sin, teens should still be allowed to read this novel. 

2. What can kids learn from reading this book?

From this book kids can learn about peer pressure, the struggle of addiction, toxic relationships, and bad friendships. This can serve as a warning for kids to not put themselves in these circumstances, or give kids some direction on how to deal with these situations if they ever encounter them in their life. 

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

Even at the beginning of book 1, I was already sympathetic for Taylor, so my opinion of him has not changed much. By the end of book 2, he is definitely a more developed character, which led me to root for him even more than I was before. He is still a bit of a mystery, even though a main focus of the series is his story. I think as the series goes on and I get more pieces of information he will become a favorite of mine.

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

I like Chris a lot more in book 2. In book 1 he was the most prominent bad influence, and he did not seem like someone I would ever want to be around. But in book 2, I really started to feel bad for him after his incident, and I am really hoping he can better himself and get back with Lisa, so he can have a happy ending. 

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

I have been rooting for Cathy and Jason since the beginning. I think that they clearly both still care about each other a lot, and they have been apart to work on themselves for enough time, so they can now rekindle a great relationship. Marc is a great character, but I think he would be best with someone else. The relationship between him and Cathy feels very forced and awkward.

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

I think their relationship was very toxic for both of them while they were in it, and it stayed that way for Lisa once they broke up. Her motivation to work on herself was within her relationship with Chris, and once it ended she started to go off the rails a bit, and turned to other guys and even some drugs to make herself feel better. On the other hand, I think the breakup was very healthy for Chris, and great motivation for him to work on his own problems. 

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

At the moment, I would have to say Cathy and Chris. I still love to follow Cathy’s story, and I really hope everything works out for her. I have connected to her character the most since the beginning. And after reading the second book, where we follow a lot of Chris’s story, he quickly became one of my favorites. I love how much he’s developing as a character already, and that makes me want to continue reading his storyline. 

May 2024: Gripped Part 3

1. 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?

One thing that I personally found beneficial is the description of the effects of drug use. This is something that I would not have known otherwise, as I am a teenager who has not personally used drugs or been exposed to much drug use. I think that for inexperienced tweens and teens learning this could be good, because this information could keep them from wanting to experiment with drugs, and allow them to recognize when peers are using them. 

2. Why could adults benefit from reading Gripped Part 3?

Since this story is about middle school, high school, and college students, adults might not have as much of a connection reading the book as a younger audience might have. As the author Alain de Botton says, “Most of what makes a book ‘good’ is that we are reading it at the right moment for us.” But adults can still learn from this series. One thing I think they could benefit from is seeing struggle through the eyes of the younger people. Sometimes adults can come off as judgy towards the things that the younger generation might do, but this book could open their eyes to the harshness of growing up and create sympathy. Some adults might also relate to the different situations, because they were that age once. They have experienced a lot more than teenage readers, and could possibly see their past selves in the characters. 

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

The romance aspect of this book really kept me turning the pages. As much as I don’t like to admit it, I’m always wanting a good romance story in a book, even if it’s not a romance novel. I think the fact that all the characters are currently with someone they know they don’t want to be with is really keeping me hooked. I want to find out how they all solve this issue and if they end up with the person they truly are meant to be with. 

4. 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?

I think Chris is an inspiration to turn away from the things that are holding you back. Even if his struggles may look different than the readers’ struggles, Chris’s mindset and his drive to fix his life can really be beneficial to read about. His story shows that you can get out of the hole you dug yourself, no matter how deep it is. 

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

Right now Chantal is intriguing me the most, solely because I’ve heard little to none of her side of the story. Then the fact that she finally had a full conversation with Cathy again, and that was her first appearance in this book, really made me interested in how their relationship will be mended. 

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

This book shows how harmess a person might think drugs are when they start using. None of the characters in the book wanted to become addicts, and they claim they simply “try” things but don’t truly “do” them. They think it’s just innocent and fun, and they have no ill intentions, but we can then see how quickly that can backfire. 

7. 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?

I think I had the wrong impression of Jordan for the first two books. He was portrayed by the idea that Marc had of him, and that biased opinion ended up swaying my own view of him. Now that I got to see Jordan’s perspective of everything that made him out to be the bad guy, I can understand that it was really just a misunderstanding. He’s not the best person ever, he still has many flaws, but he’s not the awful guy that he was shown to be for a majority of the series. 

June 2024: Gripped Part 4

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

I would recommend “Gripped: Smoke & Mirrors” to all of my friends. I have friends who are part of different friend groups that I am not involved in, and their friends are very different from the people I am used to being around. Some of the social situations in the book remind me of my friends’ social lives. So, I would recommend the book to my friends because I think people who can relate to the story are most likely to be heavily impacted by the message, which is the main goal of the series. 

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

Everyone leads a very different life than the people surrounding them, but at the same time, there is nothing new under the sun. Some situations are universal, and this includes a lot of the situations that are depicted in Gripped Part 4. Many teenagers go through the same emotions and troubles throughout their time in middle school and high school, and reading about these things can eliminate feelings of loneliness and confusion. Reading about drugs and alcohol, which is a relevant topic during a teen’s life whether they’re involved with them or not, can help develop an understanding of the seriousness of substance abuse.

3. Why should parents read this book?

I think parents should read this book to understand what it is like to go through middle school and high school in this generation. Many parents will quickly make fun of and misunderstand the generation their child is growing up in, and I think by seeing the world through a younger character they could sympathize better with today’s teens. I also think parents should read this book along with their child, because it could start great conversations about serious topics that might not be normally brought up in day to day life. 

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

I’m looking forward to uncovering what is going to happen to Taylor. I would argue that this is the main plotline of the entire series, so it makes sense that it is the most alluring. I want to know what will happen during the meeting with the man he works for, if he will get out of the crime ring, and if he will make it safely home to see his brothers again. 

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

Many things in this book kept me turning the page. The fact that the book is a frame story left me wondering what happens in the present day timeline all throughout the time I was reading the flashbacks that made up most of the story. One of my favorite parts of the story is the constantly changing relationships. There are many falling outs, and many new bonds are created, and I love reading the ups and downs of the characters’ social lives.  

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

Again, I like the way this novel is set up as a frame story. I like how it starts with the present day storyline, gets you hooked, then goes into a flashback, and eventually comes back to the present day situation.

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

Luke is becoming one of my favorite characters. He treats Cathy like a sister, and seems like he has the best intentions even if he isn’t doing the right things. After reading book 1, I stated that I disliked Luke. But after really getting to know him throughout this book, I like him a lot.

2. Jordan

Jordan seems like the type of person I would want to be friends with. He is not at all like the person Marc made him out to be. I like how genuine he is towards Michelle, and how loyal he is to all of his friends.

3. Taylor

I’m still rooting for Taylor. I think that he has so much potential to be great, and even in the state that he’s in throughout the fourth book he is very admirable for trying to better himself. 

4. Jason

Jason is one of my least favorite characters right now. It’s not that I’m not sympathetic, but I just don’t think Jason is very likable in the current plot. I hope that he gets back on the right path, because he used to be a character I really liked. 

5. Cathy

Cathy is still the character I’m most sympathetic for, but she is not making the best choices in recent parts of the story. I definitely think she’ll get better in the next book, and fix the mess her life has become, but the way she is acting right now is making me like her a little less. 

July 2024: Gripped Part 5

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

I would recommend this book to all my friends. Since it’s the 5th book in the series, obviously time would need to be put into reading the first 4, but even someone who doesn’t read much could fly through this series because of how addicting it is. This is probably the best book in the series, and the suspense surrounding Taylor’s crime-ring plotline will keep anyone hooked the entire time. 

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

Unlike the first 4 books in the series, this one focuses mostly on the drama of Taylor’s association with criminals and drug dealing, which isn’t something many teens will encounter in their life. But of course some of the more mundane things that were discussed in the previous novels make the story very realistic and relatable to teen readers. The partying and drug abuse aspects of the story are portrayed very realistically, and teens will be able to relate to the social pressures of trying to fit in with the popular crowd.

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

• Drugs and alcohol will ruin your future, relationships, and your life overall, and this is hard to come back from. 
• Put your trust in God to direct your path, create your future, and fix all the wrong in your life.
• Family is everything; don’t take them for granted, and keep them close. They will always be there for you, and will always be there to pick up your broken pieces to help you heal.

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

I can’t wait to see how Taylor gets out of the crime-ring, and if he gets back into playing football. I also have been wondering for a while what happened between Michelle, Jordan, and Marc, so I hope that is uncovered in the next book. Lastly, I want to read about the conversation between Cathy and Jason, to see if they get back together or if they make up and stay friends. 

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

My favorite thing about this book is seeing all the familial relationships and bonds. I love how Marc and Jordan are so concerned for Taylor, and how Taylor shows his love for them through the video he sends at the end of the book. I love seeing Mr. Dunkin’s relationship with his sons as well. I also was so happy to see Cathy and Chantal make up, and restore their bond. 

My favorite character at this point is Jordan. I think the fact that everything I knew about him before was all a biased view of who he actually is, and once I really got to know him as a character he quickly became my favorite. I love his development, and how he matured throughout the series, eventually coming to a saving knowledge of Jesus.

6. What do you hope happens to:
   1. Taylor

I hope Taylor gets out of his situation and back into college, where he can then go onto playing in the NFL. I just hope his story comes full circle back to where he was supposed to be before he got roped into drugs and drug dealing. 

2. Cathy & Chantal

I was hoping for the whole series that Cathy and Chantal would make up, and I’m so happy they finally did. Now I hope to see them grow closer and hang out with the same group of friends so that they aren’t separated again.

3. Cathy & Jason

Cathy and Jason are my favorite romantic couple in the series, and even though I like Marc as a character I really want Cathy to get back with Jason. I think they’re both back in a place where they can start fresh and build up their relationship into something great again. I think they have been missing the innocent versions of each other, and now that they’re getting back to that place they can start dating again and be an encouragement to one another.

4. Luke & Missy

I don’t care too much for Luke and Missy’s relationship. I’m not hoping they’ll break up, but I also see why many people around them think they should. If they stay together I want to see Luke’s decision to stop dealing drugs affect Missy in a positive way, so that they can be sober as a couple. I also want it to be confirmed that Luke is only feeling insecure, and that Missy is not using him. If neither of those things happen, then I hope they break up and find other people to date before things get out of hand and become toxic. 

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 first thought about Taylor was that I knew he was redeemable. Now, after reading Gripped 5, I still have the same thought. Only one perspective has changed about him from the beginning until now, and that’s the fact that I see him as more tenderhearted. After reading the scene where he cries for his family, I’ve developed a lot more empathy for him. 

2. Jordan

Like I said before, my perspective on Jordan has changed a lot. I don’t think he necessarily changed too much as a character, but the way he is depicted has changed a lot. In the first few books we only got to see Jordan from an outside perspective, where he’s seen as a party guy and a bad influence, but then when we got to see his own perspective, we see that the opposite is true. Sure, he made some mistakes, and he did change his morals to align with the Bible in the 5th book, but he wasn’t as malicious as people made him seem. 

3. Marc

In the beginning, I thought Marc was just a likable guy, but he was a pretty 2d character. Now I think the complete opposite. Marc is really starting to bother me, from the way he thinks about and judges Jordan, and how he’s just keeping Cathy around until he leaves her to go to college. I also think he’s a very 3d character now, as I’ve gotten to read some of his perspective, and I see how his inner thoughts contradict how everyone sees him, making his character a bit more complex than before.

4. Missy

Gripped 5 is the first time I’ve really paid attention to Missy as a character, so I don’t remember much of what my opinion of her was before. She seems like an energetic and fun person, but when looking deeper into her character, I don’t think she’s a great influence to the people around her. I think she is one of the people who needs to do a complete one-eighty like Chris and Jason.

5. Luke

Right when I started the series I immediately didn’t like Luke. I wrote, “During the present day plotline, I dislike Luke. I don’t like the fact that he supplies young kids with drugs, and that he tried to get Cathy to take drugs again after knowing she didn’t want to and had a problem with it in the past.” I still agree with the fact that he shouldn’t have done some of the things he did, but slowly I’ve realized he only did it to help people. I can now see how caring and selfless he is, and I really hope he can channel those traits into something other than getting kids drugs. I hope that he continues on his path of sobriety and quitting dealing, and that he can put his trust in God, because that would help himself and influence the people around him that look up to him.

6. Laurelle

Laurelle is another character I didn’t pay attention to until the 5th book. But now that I’ve read a bit about her, she just seems like a typical party girl, meaning she’s another character who needs to clean up their act before things start to really take a turn for the worse. I did sympathize with her during her deep conversations with Pat, but otherwise she’s not one of my favorite characters. I do hope she can get on the right path though.

September 2024: Montgomery Lake High #1- The Right Person

1. Who do you recommend this book to?

I would recommend this book to people who have no former knowledge of the Montgomery Lake High characters and universe. I think this book is a great place to start in the series to really develop a love for the characters right from the beginning. 

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

Chris and Courtney’s story shows that you can not find strength or peace through any person in your life besides Jesus. Chris chased after Courtney because he felt an unexplainable attraction to her, and felt that she could give him strength to get back on the right path in his life. But when the two talked things through, they realized that Chris was really drawn to Christ’s light shining through Courtney, and all along that was what he should have been chasing. The book states that “All along he had been chasing after the wrong person.” 

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

After finishing the Gripped series, I really enjoyed getting to immerse myself in the Montgomery Lake High universe again. And since “The Right Person” follows the same general plot as Gripped, it was interesting to read scenes I have already read from a different perspective.

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

At the very end of the book, one specific quote from Chris allowed me to fully recognize the theme and main goal of the story. Chris writes “I can’t honestly guess many of the events will mean anything to me five years from now, but I know the friendships will.” This shows that the story is first and foremost a story about friendship and the lasting impact friends can have on our lives. 

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

This book was the most friendship and relationship oriented out of the 6 I have read so far. This means that the substance abuse aspect, which is something I can not personally relate to, is not a focal point of the story, allowing me to see my own life reflected in a lot more of the situations depicted. The part that I saw myself in the most was when Courtney talked about drifting away from her relationship with God. She says that she got too wrapped up in her social life to think about spiritual things, and I go through seasons in my life where that is something that I struggle with.

October 2024: Montgomery Lake High #2 – When Darkness Tries to Hide

1. Who could benefit from reading this book?

This book is geared towards a younger audience, and for a good reason. Seeing most of the teenage characters also turn to God and fix up the mess of their lives is great testimony to His power, and should act as an inspiration to the young audience.

2. What positive messages does this book convey to readers?

The community shown through the tragedy in the story is a positive message to readers, showing how people can come together when times get hard. 

3. Why should teens read this book?

Teens’ brains are not yet developed enough to understand the true meaning of consequence, and this book’s main theme is regret and the actions that can be taken to avoid tragedy. I think all teens could benefit from reading this book to gain an understanding about making good choices to avoid any terrible consequences in their life. 

4. How has your opinion of Jason changed since reading the first MLH book?

Jason quickly became my favorite character in this book. The insight into his thought process allowed me to empathize with him, and understand his desire to better himself. I am really rooting for him to find God and start hanging out with the right group of friends. 

5. A main theme of this story is the battle between the dark and the light. When one is in darkness, he or she cannot see anything clearly. How does the last chapter relate to the events of the story and the theme of light vs. darkness?

The last chapter of the book, in which Jason’s dark actions come to light, he starts to realize his wrongdoings and understands the mess he has made of his life. The way his actions are only revealed to him through Pastor Mark shows that he was oblivious to the way he was destroying his life before. 

November 2024: Montgomery Lake High #3 – The Aftermath

1. Who do you think could benefit from reading this book and why?

As I meet different groups of high school students, I gain a greater understanding of their need for an influential book like this one. “The Aftermath” really hones in on the fragility of the happiness worldly pleasures bring, and shows the true transformation in a teen’s life through the Gospel.

2. What did you most enjoy about this story?

My favorite part of this book, and even the entire Montgomery Lake High series, is that it truly shows the meaning of being saved by Jesus. The development in the characters’ personalities and the progression of their stories really makes their redemption feel real and that serves as an inspiration to all readers.

3. What message does this book send to readers?

This book allows readers to see into the minds of teens who are seemingly just having fun, revealing that they are truly not fulfilled with the way they are living. It is shown that everything is not always as it seems, and that the appeal of a sinful life is just a façade. 

4. What do you hope happens between Jason and Cathy in the future?

I hope that Cathy and Jason are able to work things out and get back together. Although they are toxic and I have had mixed feelings about them, I also can’t help but root for them throughout the entirety of the series. I hope they are able to build a trusting, encouraging, Godly relationship from the rubble of their past.

January 2025: Montgomery Lake High #4 The Battle for Innocence

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

I have recently had my sister in mind while reading this series. She is a freshman in high school, meaning she is the same age as the characters in the present day plot. She enjoys reading, although not as much as me, so I will definitely be giving her the opportunity to read Montgomery Lake when I complete it.

2. Why is this book a helpful resource for teens?

I can personally say that I opened this book at the perfect time in my life. I saw so much of myself in multiple stories within the book, and I know that this experience will not just be unique to me; I think so many teens will be able to read this and see themselves or their story in at least one character or plot line.

3. Who is your favorite character in this story and why?

For the first time since being acquainted with the Montgomery Lake High characters, Jon is my favorite. I loved seeing his innocent beginning and his good intentions, and it makes it even better to have the knowledge that I have of his character arc, backsliding then coming back to the light. I am glad that even though he seemed to be a character that would be static and good he actually became very complex, real, and relatable.

4. What was the most surprising thing about seeing the main characters’ lives in 7th grade?

It was surprising to see the origin of some of the characters and how they met. The biggest shock was seeing how Cathy used to act, and especially how she was so against being friends with people like Lisa, who ends up becoming her best friend.

5. Why is it important for readers to know the backstory shared in this novel?

The biggest takeaway that I personally took from the backstory of this book is seeing the difference between their past and what happens in the present. As the reader I had the knowledge of their future that they don’t have; the scenes where Jason was speaking out against God and mocking Jon about Christianity really had an impact after reading about his redemption in the book prior. It shows a stark difference side by side, allowing readers to really see the 180 that Jason underwent.