Student Body President Recommends YA Series “Gripped” to Classmates

An Interview with Angelina Tzeng of Braintree, Massachusetts

Angelina is a senior at Braintree High School, a member of the Class of 2026, Student Body President, and an active leader in her school and community. With the desire to help others, she has been a member of the Student Council club for three years and also an officer in the Future Medical Professionals club at her school. Angelina is also deeply involved with volunteering, as she is a youth leader at an Asian Youth Association called OCA where she mentors younger children while also planning cultural festivals and activities for the Asian community. She also plays club volleyball and the clarinet while maintaining a part-time job as a waitress at a senior living center. With a strong interest in Health Sciences, Psychology, and STEM, Angelina aspires to pursue a college degree in the field.

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

• I highly recommend Gripped Part 1 to all teenagers, as it sheds light on the harsh reality of drug use within our school system, regardless of where you live in the U.S. This book offers valuable insights for young minds, presenting the unfiltered truth about growing up without sugarcoating the challenges. Its raw and realistic portrayal makes it a must-read for teens.

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

• As a young adult, I relate to this story because I witness its reality every day. Both in and out of school, some students use marijuana, vape, and smoke cigarettes. Thankfully, I have not encountered hard drugs in my life so far, but I believe many high schoolers across the U.S. do.

3. What did you like best about the story?

• What I liked best about Gripped Part 1 was how well-developed the characters were. The book really reinforces the idea that ‘you never know what another person is going through,’ which is an important lesson for teenagers. The misunderstandings between characters feel very realistic and mirror real-life situations, making the story eye-opening. When you’re living through these kinds of experiences, it’s hard to see the bigger picture, but reading about them allows you to recognize their complexities and learn from them.

4. What message does this book send to readers?

• The biggest message in Gripped Part 1 is the importance of both empathy and willpower. Empathy is a major theme throughout the book, from Chris’s difficult home life—something others may know nothing about—to Cathy’s overthinking nature. It highlights the idea that you never truly know what someone else is going through. Willpower is also a key focus, especially in the context of drug use, showing how some characters resist while others fall into it

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?

• I found Cathy and Chantal’s storyline the most interesting because it’s something I can personally relate to. Having a sister myself, I can’t imagine not having a strong relationship with her. Their dynamic keeps you on the edge of your seat, especially since the book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving you wondering what will happen between them in the future.

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’m most curious to see how the relationship between Chantal and Cathy will unfold in Gripped Part 2. Cathy was a central character throughout the book, and her storyline with Chantal remains unresolved. Since their relationship was left in question, I’m eager to find out what happens next between them.

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

• I feel bad for Cathy because we already know she falls into drug and alcohol use, as we’ve seen glimpses of her future. At the beginning, she was strongly against these things, which makes her downfall even more tragic. It’s upsetting to think that she was either pressured into addiction or ended up making a series of bad decisions that led her there.

2. Who frustrates you and why? 

• Jason frustrates me because he played a role in turning Cathy into a different person. He even acknowledges how he changed her for the worse, which makes it even more upsetting. It’s frustrating to see how she went from being against drugs and alcohol to becoming someone she never intended to be.

3. Who do you most relate to and why?

• I don’t necessarily relate to any one character in the book, but if I had to choose, it would be Cathy. She’s not really a popular kid, but she has a tight-knit group of friends that she truly values. What I admire about Cathy is her loyalty to her friends and her desire to stay true to herself, despite the pressure around her.

4. Who do you like and why? 

• I like Chantal because she’s incredibly enthusiastic about so many things, and I feel like I can resonate with her on that level. She’s very passionate and often a bit overdramatic, but it’s part of what makes her real. Chantal tends to think with her heart, and while that can lead to impulsive decisions, it’s also a very genuine and heartfelt trait that I admire.

5. Who do you dislike and why?

• I dislike Chris because he heavily relies on alcohol and drugs, and it seems like he lacks strong morals at this point in the book. He comes across as very impressionable, doing whatever those around him are doing without much thought or resistance. His inability to make his own decisions is frustrating, especially since it’s clear he’s allowing others to influence him in negative ways.

Angelina’s Book Review

Gripped Part 1 is a raw and captivating look into the pressures faced by high school students and the struggles that come with addiction and peer influence. Stacy Padula crafted a world where characters are deeply complex, and their choices are shaped by both internal and external forces. The book shows the realities of substance abuse, with a focus on empathy, self-awareness, and a relationship with God all from the Young Adult point of view. The story doesn’t sugarcoat anything and is an honest portrayal of how drugs and alcohol can alter the course of a student/young person’s life. The relationships between characters, especially the dynamics between Cathy and her twin sister Chantal, will keep readers hooked as they explore the emotional depth of each individual’s journey.

What makes Gripped Part 1 stand out is its ability to present difficult topics with realism. From family relationships to drugs and alcohol, Padula provides a platform for readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships, making it not just a compelling story but a thought-provoking one. The way the characters evolve throughout the book keeps you invested, and the cliffhanger ending ensures that readers will be eagerly awaiting the next book. This is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the complexities of adolescence, addiction, and the impact of choices, and Young Adults looking for a book to resonate with. Padula’s storytelling is both powerful and meaningful, making Gripped Part 1 a book that should go on everyone’s “to read” list!