Jack’s Book Nook

Jack is a senior at Marshfield High School in Marshfield, MA. He has a passion for Media, Sports, Writing, and Nutrition for which he looks to improve his knowledge in college. Jack is the captain of his high school’s Varsity hockey team and also plays Varsity baseball. Jack works as a Bag Room employee at Marshfield Country Club during the summer and coaches kids hockey skills as well. He loves going to the beach, analyzing sports, writing, and hanging with his friends during his free time. 

Book Reviews

In Stacy Padula’s first book in her “Gripped” series, “The Truth We Never Told”, the story begins with superstar athlete Taylor Dunkin suffering a season and possibly career ending injury in his senior season at Northeastern. The heartstrings are pulled right away in this story when Marc Dunkin’ (Taylor’s brother) finds out the extent of Taylor’s drug addiction. As the story carries on, flashbacks provide detail on the origin of Taylor’s drug use and the lasting effect he put on his family and friends surrounded by him. 

As one may see this novel as a single storyline, don’t be surprised when relationships are ruined and also formed by not only Taylor, but his younger brother and his extended middle school friends who are influenced. As a teenager reading this book, I can definitely recommend this book to not only high school students, but middle school as well. The relatable decisions that have to be made in the story are real life situations that can influence the rest of your life. The story does a great job portraying how the effect of one person’s decision can destroy relationships and lives as it is important for teenagers to know the effects of even just one drug.

In Stacy Padula’s second book in her “Gripped” series, “Blindsided”, the story begins in present day, where Marc is at Boston College. He gets inside info on Taylor’s situation and the Police know he wants to get clean but, he must do something for them in return. Flashback to about a year earlier, where we see the who, what, where, when, why. After experimenting with drugs goes one step too far, friends are split up and problems are born. Who will make the right decision, and who will fall deeper into their addiction?

Although, it seems like an easy decision for these kids to make, addiction is very much apparent in each and every person in this torn friend group. As a teenager reading this book, I know that it would be very beneficial for every middle and high schooler to read this book. It shows the reality of what can happen if things go slightly too far and how small the margin is between sickness and death. The book provides an interesting yet important message that students need to hear before their lives are ruined by this very common ‘disease’.

In Stacy Padula’s third book in her “Gripped” series, “The Fallout” keeps the same drama level as the previous two books. Once again, I believe this is a very important read for any teens or tweens who might experience parties in their future. This book tackles the intensity of many different relationships within the large group of friends. An important lesson to learn in the book is how easily bonds can be broken when drugs are present. At some points, its not even the person talking anymore, it’s the drugs. 

This book does a great job of including entertaining yet important dialogue that is relatable and understandable by a wide range of audiences.. The lessons to be learned in this book can prevent an array of problems that may happen sooner than later. When the book showcases many different breakups, I think it is a wake up call for many teens to show how relationships in high school are very fragile and if you truly care about your significant others, stay away from substances.

In Stacy Padula’s fourth book in her “Gripped” series, “Smoke and Mirrors,” the story continues to dive into the abuse and drama that drugs bring to teenagers. The lives of these now high school students are torn as they experience peer pressure and substance abuse. This book, even more than the others, keeps you intrigued throughout the entire story making it fly by. The storylines make it easy for readers to relate to the characters almost as friends. The intertwining relationships in this book make it the best book yet and allows readers to begin to put the puzzle pieces together with unsolved mysteries.

A different aspect of the book is its integration to include more realistic but darker parts of drugs and alcohol abuse. The characters’ backstories finally begin to fall into place throughout the book, finally answering readers’ awaited questions. “Gripped Part 4” is an important read that not only informs readers of the dangers of drugs and alcohol, but also allows them to relate to the struggles and apply it to their own situations in real life.

In Stacy Padula’s fifth book in her “Gripped” series, “Taylor’s Story,” the story continues to indulge deep into the interesting lives of the young adults, struggling to break free from addiction. However, Taylor is more of the main focus of this story, giving the reader an uncensored look into his struggles and solutions. As the story progresses, readers get to see more of Taylor’s background, allowing them to relate to Taylor and get a better understanding of how he got to where he is.

What is most compelling about this story is how multiple storylines all come together throughout the story. As the book begins, there are many different plot lines in many different settings, but as the reader moves down the timeline, the puzzle pieces begin to fall into place and things start to make sense. Family and friends are an important part of this story, and it is good for the reader to understand the importance of strong connections and bonds with those you love most. “Taylor’s Story” is a page turner to say the least and a book of answers as well.

Stacy Padula’s first book of her Montgomery Lake High series, The Right Person, there are a lot of great lessons and relatable issues that can be learned from. The Right Person focuses most of its plot around a group of freshman in high school who are struggling with their identity as well as popularity. Faith in God plays a prevalent factor in the story as these teens begin to realize what he can do for their lives. 

As a teenager myself, I can say that this book is a must read for anyone ages 13 and older. Although the story may seem dramatic, it is very real and drinking and drug abuse does happen at that age. It is very easy to relate to the characters in this story and I think that is why it is such a fun read. At some points you really feel as if you are friends with these characters and you are witnessing all of your friends fight their own problems and their own struggles. This is a very interesting and intriguing read and I am very excited to see what the rest of the books have in store.

In Stacy Padula’s second book of her Montgomery Lake High series, When Darkness Tries to Hide, there is an entertaining yet important story being told that follows a group of high school teens through their lives. When a tragedy strikes their group of friends, it causes many of them to take a step back and themselves and their consequences. The story illustrates how impactful our actions, both good and bad, can be on others around us.

When Darkness Tries to Hide also reinforces how important faith and friendship can be to teens, especially when they are in a period of personal troubles and confusion. The book shows the importance of consistency in pursuing faith, even when you feel like it’s not worth it anymore. Likewise, taking just a small amount of time to support people you care about can make a life-changing difference as seen through Chris and Jason’s relationship throughout the book.

Interviews with Jack

July 2024: Gripped Part 1

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

I would recommend Gripped to my hockey teammates who enjoy drinking and smoking every once in a while. This book can teach them valuable lessons as to why they should stop immediately before their habits get any worse.

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

I relate to this story because as a teenager I am constantly surrounded by people drinking and smoking and personally I have never endorsed any of this behavior. I can relate to certain characters who refrain from drinking in the beginning like Jason and Cathy.

3. What did you like best about the story?

I liked how much drama was included in the flashbacks of the story. I enjoyed seeing characters torn on a decision they had to make and how that decision could lead to significant consequences in the future.

4. What message does this book send to readers?

The message the book sends is that just because your friends are doing something “cool” doesn’t mean it’s right or good for you. Peer pressure is a strong force that can completely change someone and it’s important not to fall in the early stages because it only gets worse.

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.)

I am most interested in the relationship between Cathy and Jason. Knowing that they are broken up in the present day really intrigues me to learn how both their lives changed for the worse and how their relationship tore 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?

I am curious to uncover the reason that the group of friends all broke apart. Of course there is drama between the relationships like Jon/Alyssa, Chantal/Andy, Cathy/Jason, and even Bryan/Courtney, but I still wonder what happens when the entire thing blows over and drugs take over the friendships.

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

I feel bad for Marc because he seems to be the smartest kid and he has to be surrounded by his family, friends, and even girlfriend who don’t make the right choices. 

2. Who frustrates you and why? 

Jon frustrates me because of his choices at Chris’s house parties and his choices with his relationship with Chantal. He chose to drink and then promised never to again, and then drank again which evidently led to him breaking up with Chantal and ruining the entire friendship between the group.

3. Who do you most relate to and why?

I relate to Marc the most because he is trying to sort all the problems out and he must deal with people like Taylor who constantly make poor decisions for their health.

4. Who do you like and why? 

I like Jason because he is responsible and is very smart with his decision making. Whenever someone needs advice, he usually helps instantly.

5. Who do you dislike and why?

I don’t like Chris. Although he is a nice person and friend, he lets his cousins and friends basically take over his house and give them a free ride to drinking and drugging. If Chris declined his house as a party location, who knows where the friend group would end up like today.

August 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?

I think kids actually reading the dangers of drugs in this book can give them a wake up call to what can actually happen to your body and how it’s not just in the movies.

2. What can kids learn from reading this book?

I think teenagers and kids can learn to stop doing drugs before its too late. That next drug usage could be the one that you overdose on. 

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

Taylor actually seems as though he wants to get his life back together. Although, no one said it was going to be easy, he seems to want to change and move past his ‘past’. 

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

I think Chris has grown on me as a character because in the beginning of the series, he seemed to just want to be liked and be known as the partier, but now after his episode, he seems more in control and driven to be better.

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

I think although Cathy and Jason seem like true love, Marc is so much better for her. Marc is a lot more mature and makes smarter decisions whereas Jason is on track just like his friends. Jason seems like a great person, but his choices can influence Cathy for the worse.

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

I think Chris made the right decision leaving Lisa after his OD. Knowing that he could hurt Lisa and even vise-versa, he made the right choice leaving her for the time being.

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

I really like Chris and Marc. I feel like they are the only two characters that aren’t hypocrites and actually mean what they say. Chris was one of my least favorite characters at the beginning due to his high ego and unsafe drug usage, but after he actually started to figure his life out, I started to like him. He actually followed up on what he said, and took a break. Also, I like Marc because he is determined as well. He doesn’t really get distracted from all the shenanigans and doesn’t really go crazy like his surroundings.

September 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?

I think this book could be the most beneficial book in the series so far because of the constant loss of relationships. Knowing that these drugs listed here are not typically the drugs associated with high risk, the book shows how even a little bit of experimentation goes a long way.

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

I think adults could learn that just because their kids say they are going one place, could mean they are going another. It is important to keep their location with an app like Life 360 especially when you suspect they are doing something wrong. 

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

I think the reason this book was so intriguing was because of the many storylines that came along with it. The relationships and couples that formed and broke within a few chapters was so interesting but also a wake up call to learn how these drugs turn some people into completely different people. 

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 has evolved so much from being the life of the party to the first person to try and fully get clean. He makes hard decisions like breaking up with Lisa and staying away from his best friend Jason to try to better himself. A lot of teens or just people in general can learn from this as they might need to cut someone out of their life who is dragging them down. 

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

I think Jason intrigues me most because he seems to be connected to everyone. He isn’t really sure if he is getting truly clean or not and he also has to fix the relationships he ruined. 

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

I think this book teaches teens how slowly but quickly drugs become addictive. Some of these kids are just doing drugs to relieve themselves of anxiety which is a horrible choice to begin with. But sooner or later, their lives are taken over by one small decision. 

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 Chris only loves Jordan for what he’s given him in the past. I think Jordan needs to figure his life out just as much as Taylor and he needs to distance himself from these parties.

October 2024: Gripped Part 4

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

I would recommend this book to most likely every teenager just because of the quality information and call for action the book preaches. Knowing how real the situations are in the story makes me want all of my friends and acquaintances in school to read this story. 

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

I think ignorance is a big factor as to why teenagers do the things they do and reading this book can change their mindsets with ease. Reading a book that is entertaining and informative is hard to find in this day and age, and this book exceeds all expectations. 

3. Why should parents read this book?

I think it is important for parents to read this book because although most parents know what their kids get into, they may not know the extent of their issues and actions. Parents are at the forefront of the future generations and putting a stop to drug and alcohol abuse now can make all the difference in the future.

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

I am most interested to see what happens to Taylor. It seems that although he is the main character in the stories, he hasn’t got the light he needs for people to truly understand his story. I also want to know if he will finally make it out of the crime situation he put himself in and make it back to his family.

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

What kept me turning the page was the constant questioning of what was actually happening in real time while reading the flashbacks of the past. But even though I wanted to know what was happening in the present time, the constant drama and relationships kept me more interested in the past and how everything came to be. 

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

I really like how the flashbacks make up most of the story knowing that you really want to find out what is happening in the present. Early in the story it starts in the present day to get you interested with Taylor’s story and then it throws you into the past for the entire middle portion and finally lets you back into the present day in the end. 

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

After not really liking Luke throughout the first few books, he has grown on me a lot. He treats Cathy so much better than Jason does. Although Luke may not be sober, he still does a lot of great things, and he is truly a good person.

2. Jordan

Jordan is finally getting some more spotlight, and after hearing what Marc had to say about him, I didn’t really like him, but now after seeing how he is with Michelle and all of  his friends, he seems so genuine and is not as evil as Marc made him out to be.

3. Taylor

After all the things Taylor has gone through, I have finally started to sympathize with him. When he says how the drugs were talking for him and living for him, it put a different perspective into my eyes as to how hard it truly is to get clean. I hope he can finally escape in the 5th book, and I think he’s already come a long way.

4. Jason

I have mixed emotions about Jason, and I always have even from the beginning. I think this story puts him out to be more of a dislikeable person from the eyes of Cathy, but I think eventually he can get clean and get back to his old life. 

5. Cathy

It has always seemed like for me that Cathy is the main character for most of this series and story. I have honestly liked Cathy’s character even though she really hasn’t made great choices. I think she has good intentions and a good mindset, but sometimes she falls to pressure and is easy to crack.

November 2024: Gripped Part 5

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

I would recommend this book to any teenager and/or parent because it informs every age about the importance of consequences in drug use and the extent of each and every drug’s side effects.

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

I think it is very important for teenagers to learn that drugs and alcohol are so dangerous and they can change your entire personality and make you a different person. Sometimes, your decisions on drugs can’t be undone when your off them.

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

• Be careful what you say and when you say it
• Your past actions don’t fully determine your future
• The world isn’t all sunshine and rainbows

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

Honestly, everything I’ve read. From Jason and Cathy’s breakup to Taylor’s safety and everything in between. The cliffhanger I was left on, significantly increased my eagerness to read the next book.

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

I liked the intensity of the book and how strategic Taylor had to be with his situation. My favorite person was probably Jordan because of how much he changed coming to his faith and trying to help his brother in any way possible.

6. What do you hope happens to:
   1. Taylor – I hope he gets safe and gets back on the football field
   2. Cathy & Chantal – I hope their bond can grow back to where it used to be and Chantal can get Cathy fully clean.
   3. Cathy & Jason – I hope that even though Marc is good for Cathy, Cathy and Jason make up and date again hopefully not involving drugs.
   4. Luke & Missy – I hope they can safely make it out of the hotel with Laurelle and Pat and inform the Dunkins of the situation as quickly as possible. I do like their relationship, but I hope they can go drug-free to avoid problems in the future
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 – I like Taylor a lot more now than when I first met him. After seeing how determined he is to get clean, I started to like his character a lot more.
   2. Jordan – I really like Jordan. He has grown closer to his faith and has gotten to gain a better relationship with Marc and his family. The way he treats his girlfriend comforts me, knowing Marc’s past allegations.
   3. Marc – I think Marc is a good guy for Cathy. Although her heart might be elsewhere, he really is pure. However, he really needs to stop holding a grudge against Jordan, especially in a tough time.
   4. Missy – I like Missy. I think she is good for Luke and very understanding. The only problem I have is her drug issues and possible molly abuse.
   5. Luke – I have liked Luke ever since he got cleaner I should say. He really is a good mentor for Cathy, and I think he’ll help her get on the right path. 
   6. Laurelle – I think Laurelle is a lot like Missy with her drug abuse, but she has a good soul. I think she is good for Pat and them planning their future together is a green flag.

January 2025: Montgomery Lake High #1

1. Who do you recommend this book to?

I would recommend this book specifically to teenagers and young adults who could benefit from reading this powerful book. I feel like everyone that reads this book would benefit from learning lessons from the kids in the story; however teenagers and young adults specifically can relate to the characters and the plot.

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

There’s a lot that can be learned about Chris and Courtney’s relationship, but most of all, it’s that you should never jump into a relationship too quickly. Courtney had a perfect relationship with Bryan and dumped him just to try and date Chris who seemed more fun, which turned out to be true, but it wasn’t the best decision for a boyfriend.

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

I really enjoyed all of the drama and relationships in this book. Seeing new possible couples spark was very intriguing and I’m curious as to how they will all work out in the next book.

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

Faith. There are multiple characters like Courtney, Jon, and Chantal who mention God and try their best to incorporate Him in their lives. We see multiple times how when God is present, things seem to go much better in the story and when God is absent, the opposite occurs.

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

I personally relate to this story because I have friends who party and drink. They don’t do drugs but that’s not to say they’re innocent. I personally don’t drink and have no desire to drink, but being around people who drink is still not a good thing if I don’t try and persuade them to stop.

February 2025: Montgomery Lake High #2

1. Who could benefit from reading this book?

I think that people in toxic relationships, whether it be a friend or boy/girlfriend, could benefit from reading this book. There have been several instances of toxic relationships throughout the series, as well as messages about how to realize the problem and get out of those relationships. One of the main relationships is the one between Cathy and Jason, which gets increasingly toxic as the series goes on.

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

This book conveys messages of hope and prayer to readers. Chris is one of the biggest components of these messages throughout the story as he constantly prays for Jason even when he is toxic and turns his back on him.

3. Why should teens read this book?

Teens should really read this book because many of them are going through some of the same situations as the kids in the story and could really benefit from seeing how the characters solve their problems and learn from their mistakes. Reading about issues like drugs and alcohol also provides teens with an awareness that they might not have previously had since it is a very new experience.

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

Since reading the first MLH book, I feel like Jason has started to make some good steps towards fixing his many problems that have ruined him and his relationships with pretty much everyone around him. I’m starting to like him a little more because he’s starting to take back some control of his life,

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?

In the last chapter when Jason is struggling to accept what his life has become and how he needs to fix it, he thinks about his talk with Pastor Mark and about how he’s been so different because of his drug use and he can’t even realize it.. Throughout the novel, there’s this big division between faith and drugs that reflects the overall theme of light vs. darkness. The kids are constantly challenged throughout their high school lives as they’re presented with choices between the right and wrong things to do, and their struggle to make the right decision even when the consequences are very apparent.