YA Novel “Blindsided” Portrays Honest Depiction of Teen Relationships & Struggles

An Interview with Ava Khouri of Hanover, Massachusetts

Ava Khouri is a senior at Hanover High School and serves as Class President, where she works to strengthen school spirit and foster a positive experience for her classmates. She is also Vice President of the Outreach Club, Treasurer of the Debate Team, and a member of the National Honor Society. A dedicated student-athlete, Ava is Captain of the Varsity Cheerleading Team, plays Varsity Tennis, and has been a dancer for over ten years. Beyond school, she has served as a Project 351 Ambassador and Lead Trainer for the Playbook Initiative, experiences that strengthened her passion for service and leadership. In her free time, Ava enjoys spending time with friends and family and working summers at JC’s Ice Cream.

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Ava’s Book Review

Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy Padula is an incredible continuation of the series that dives even deeper into the pasts, choices, and unraveling lives of its characters. Through flashbacks that illuminate the events leading up to Part 1, the author masterfully reveals how one decision can spark a chain reaction with life-altering consequences. The character development is exceptional—relationships shift, friendships fracture, and personal struggles come into sharp focus. This installment not only strengthens readers’ emotional connections to each character but also delivers a storyline so compelling that it becomes impossible to put the book down.

What makes this book truly impactful is its honest portrayal of the pressures facing middle and high school students today—from substance use and peer influence to identity struggles and shattered expectations. Stacy Padula addresses drug and alcohol abuse with realism and urgency, showing how experimentation can quickly spiral into something far more dangerous. The story tackles difficult topics with authenticity, making it both engaging and educational. Gripped Part 2 is a meaningful cautionary tale that teens need to read and that adults will find eye-opening. I truly recommend this book for everyone.

Going in Depth on the Story: an Interview with Ava

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 believe that “Gripped Part 2,” and the entire series for that matter, should be read by kids in middle school and high school due to the relevance of these topics in teenage culture. The exact reasons that might get it banned from schools are why it should be read. This book speaks on the serious risks of substance abuse and how easy it is for someone to become addicted to drugs. If teenagers are not exposed to the dangers and repercussions discussed in this book, then they are more likely to make the same mistakes as the characters in the book. Reading this book allows these ideas to come to life and for the reader to visualize the actual damage that can be done, making them more likely to believe it.

2. What can kids learn from reading this book?

Kids can learn so many valuable lessons from reading this book that they can apply to their own lives. One that sticks out to me as the most prevalent is the power that drugs can have on your life. Addiction can affect anyone, even the most “put together” kids, and that addiction affects much deeper than themselves and has the power to destroy relationships and futures. You also learn about the power of peer pressure and the importance of honesty and speaking up if you need help rather than resorting to drugs.

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

My opinion of Taylor has certainly changed from the beginning of the series as “Gripped Part 2” takes a deeper dive into the pasts of the characters and after learning more about Taylor I like his character much more now at the end of book 2. Taylor was a good kid who went down the wrong path, but what really changed my opinion was his efforts to change himself for the better now. Taylor is not only trying to get rid of drugs and stop being a drug dealer, but he is also trying to become a better person and improve his relationships with his family and get back on track with school and football.

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

My opinions of Chris have also improved since the beginning of the series due to the nature of this book. I originally saw Chris as a bad influence, always suggesting drinking, smoking, or taking drugs, but now I can see his efforts to become sober and improve his life, and he also encourages others to do the same. It is clear how much he cares about his friends and I believe that Chris has just been around the wrong people and that has caused his poor judgement and actions.

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

After reading books 1 & 2, I am rooting for Cathy to end up with Marc. Although I love Cathy and Jason, it is clear that he serves as a bad influence on her, encouraging her to do drugs that she did not do before. Marc on the other hand is a genuinely good kid who doesn’t get caught up with drugs and serves as a good influence on Cathy and can support her when she feels the need to turn to drugs to help her stay sober. Even if Cathy might like Jason more, he needs to focus on improving himself before being in a relationship with Cathy. 

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

I loved Chris and Lisa’s relationship, but I think that breaking up was a smart decision for now. I think that once Chris becomes sober he and Lisa can get back together because I do not like Lisa and Jeff nor Chris and Courtney as much. Chris has shown how much he genuinely cares for Lisa by stepping back to protect her and is proving that he can and will get better. They both have issues that they need to address on their own before they are ready to get back together, but ultimately, I think that they will come back even stronger. 

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

My two favorite characters so far in the series are Chris and Cathy. I have loved seeing Chris bettering himself so far throughout the series and admire how he is beginning to take care of himself and his friends. I also really like Cathy and her empathy and kindness. I love her story and how she is developing as a character, however, I am worried about the drugs and I am hoping that she finds a better way to cope.