Eliza’s Book Nook

Eliza Morgan is a senior at Plymouth South High School. She plans to study communications in college. She is the Vice President of Marketing for DECA, the co-founder of a local non-profit organization that supplies sporting equipment to underserved youth, a member of Unified Track, and the Captain of the Varsity Dance Team.

Book Reviews

“The Truth We Never Told” is a book that is hard to put down. Not only is this story easy to follow and fun to read, but it is a story that brings awareness to drug usage and how easily a person’s life can change simply from trying harmful substances. This is the perfect read for young adults because although it is entertaining, it is also a lesson that becomes engraved in the reader’s mind. Along with its lessons, Part 1 of this series also provides readers with a want for more. The story leaves on a bit of a cliffhanger which is the perfect way for readers to be introduced to Part 2. 

Not only does this story highlight the importance of staying away from harmful substances, but it also provides the reader with easy understanding of each character. One of my favorite things about this book is its flashback into the young versions of the characters. It is so easy to picture the moments and relationships forming between the protagonists. And it also shows the complex changes between twin sisters Cathy and Chantal. There are so many different storylines within the bigger story that leave room for a lot of character development which is something so intriguing throughout this book.

Coming Soon!

Interviews with Eliza

January 2025: Gripped Part 1

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

I recommend Gripped Part 1 to one of my best friends Emma. Not only is she one of the biggest bookworms I know, but she has already found interest in this series while seeing me reading and enjoying it. I know that she would enjoy Part 1 of this series because it is a novel that can keep the attention of anyone reading, and it is easy to follow throughout. Emma finds interest in books with similar plot structures, and because of this, I know this will be a book she’d love. 

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

Throughout middle school and high school we have always been taught the dangers and harm of addiction, drugs, alcohol, and much more. This has taught the majority of students how to avoid succumbing to peer pressure, and ways they can stay on the right path. “Gripped Part 1” displays scenes of partying, drinking, and young teens trying harmful substances. As I continue through high school, I have seen fellow classmates explore and students within my school fall down dangerous paths and begin to struggle with addiction which is something very unfortunate given the fact that this changes many of their lives for the worse. 

3. What did you like best about the story?

One of my favorite parts about this book was witnessing the character development and the changes that they faced throughout the story. Being able to get a descriptive backstory of their lives before the present moment in the book was very vital in my growing knowledge of each character. I was able to picture each scene vividly as I read, imagining each scene and how the characters reacted and responded to their problems.

4. What message does this book send to readers?

This book teaches a lot of lessons and helps readers understand the importance of staying away from bad crowds, and potential bad influences. Watching as Jon begins to partake in drinking with the older kids just to fit in at Chris’s parties conveys a message to readers that it is very easy to end up going down the wrong path. It also teaches the importance of surrounding yourself with good people and knowing right from wrong and I believe that this is a perfect story for many young adults. 

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.)

The storyline that I found most interesting was the development of Cathy and Jason’s relationship. As a teen, young relationships are something so prevalent when growing up and becoming a young adult–they truly help you gain many lessons and understandings of what is important in a relationship. Part 1 gives a glimpse into not only the current state of their relationship, but the very beginning, which is very important in order to understand what their relationship was like before everything went downhill. 

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 most curious about Cathy and Chantal’s relationship. We get a conversation between Chantal and Jason and Chantal gains the understanding that Cathy is not the one that broke Chantal and Jon up. I am interested in knowing how the twins’ relationship changes as they enter a new chapter in their lives. 

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

I feel bad for Chantal throughout Part 1. This is because she is continuously put into harmful situations and is almost always the one trying to help her boyfriend, or friends stay away from the things they shouldn’t try. Not only that but we are also made aware of the troubles Cathy and Chantal had with each other that we will learn about in Part 2, and her and Jon broke up. 

2. Who frustrates you and why? 

Jon frustrates me most, this is because he consistently gave in to trying harmful substances in order to seem “cool.” Not only did this frustrate me, but his neglect towards Chantal at the end of their relationship did as well. He continued to try addictive substances at such a young age after Chantal warned him he shouldn’t, simply because she wanted him to maintain a healthy lifestyle. And ultimately, this was a reason for the couple’s demise which is very unfortunate and preventative. 

3. Who do you most relate to and why?

I most relate to Cathy throughout this story. In the beginning of the middle school flashbacks, Cathy was hesitant to hangout with Chantal’s friends. But once she was there she was able to connect with all of them and they turned into her best friends, I relate to Cathy’s ability to communicate and want what’s best for her friends and her sister. 

4. Who do you like and why? 

I like Lisa a lot and really enjoyed learning about who she was as a character. Lisa is a committed friend who is always willinging to help any in need. She constantly tries to mend any troubles within friendships and wants what’s best for people.

5. Who do you dislike and why?

I dislike Jordan. I think that the way he acted throughout the middle school flashbacks was immature and irresponsible. Jordan’s ability to be okay with knowing that his younger cousins are trying such harmful things is upsetting and can say a lot about his character.