Search results for: Finnerty

UNH Sophomore Jenna Finnerty’s Thoughts on the “Gripped” Characters

By Jenna Finnerty, University of New Hampshire In Stacy Padula’s latest novel, “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors,” I really liked how there were a bunch of different storylines that made me want to learn what was going to happen next. The different stories kept me focused, because there were so many things that you hadContinue reading “UNH Sophomore Jenna Finnerty’s Thoughts on the “Gripped” Characters”

Jenna Finnerty Reviews “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors”

By Jenna Finnerty, Norwell, Massachusetts & University of New Hampshire The book Gripped Part 4 by Stacy Padula is a great book to teach teens and parents what it would be like to get into drugs and how it can affect your life. The book goes into detail about how drugs have ruined many ofContinue reading “Jenna Finnerty Reviews “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors””

Jenna Finnerty Reviews Stacy Padula’s Novel “Gripped Part 2: Blindsided”

Gripped Part 2 will show teens how easy it is to get addicted to drugs and how it can affect everyone around you. Not only will this book show how dangerous it is to start experimenting with drugs, but it could also teach a valuable lesson to anyone struggling with addiction. It shows that even if you stray from your morals, you can always go back.

Jenna Finnerty’s Take on New Y.A. Novel “Gripped” by Stacy Padula

The book Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy Padula allows readers to learn from the mistakes of the young and naive characters. It shows how entangled young adults can get in drugs and alcohol and the consequences that come with them. When relationships are ruined due to the mistakes the teens have made, many of them question their actions and if it is worth the loss of friends and family.

Q&A with Jenna Finnerty on Young Adult Novel “When Darkness Tries to Hide”

When Darkness Tries to Hide is a teen novel by Stacy A. Padula. It is book #2 in the Montgomery Lake High book series. Jenna Finnerty was asked a series of questions about the characters, theme, and plot of the story. Reading this would be useful for anyone who has read the book to gainContinue reading “Q&A with Jenna Finnerty on Young Adult Novel “When Darkness Tries to Hide””

Hope Found in Darkness: A Young Adult Book Review by Jenna Finnerty

When Darkness Tries to Hide, by Stacy Padula, follows the same group of friends from Montgomery Lake High, The Right Person. The group of friend has begun to split up, with some of them realizing partying and getting into drugs is not the best idea. Some of them have turned to God, and are lettingContinue reading “Hope Found in Darkness: A Young Adult Book Review by Jenna Finnerty”

Q&A with Jenna Finnerty of Norwell, Massachusetts

Jenna Finnerty is a senior at Norwell High School in Norwell, Massachusetts. She is planning to major in nursing next year. Jenna has accrued years of experience as a cheerleader and gymnast. She also has a passion for traveling and looks forward to studying abroad in college. Jenna was asked to read the first book in Stacy Padula’s Montgomery Lake High book series “The Right Person” and answer questions about the novel. Below are her responses.

“Taylor’s Story” – An Eye Opening Read for Teens & Parents

By Jenna Finnerty, University of New Hampshire Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story by Stacy A. Padula is an excellent read that shows the consequences of getting into drugs at a young age. Main character, Taylor Dunkin, shares his story of getting into drugs and organized crime, and how it has ruined his life. He is nowContinue reading ““Taylor’s Story” – An Eye Opening Read for Teens & Parents”

UNH Junior Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Teen Readers

By Jenna Finnerty, University of New Hampshire As a junior in college, I would like to recommend Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story by Stacy Padula to teens who may be susceptible to drug use. Most teens do not realize the consequences of getting into drugs, and this book is a perfect example of how drugs canContinue reading “UNH Junior Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Teen Readers”

Chris, Jason, & Cathy in “Gripped 3: The Fallout”

Stacy Padula’s Gripped book series for young adults covers controversial topics such as substance abuse, which may deter some hesitant parents and schools from recommending the books to teens. While Gripped Part 3: The Fallout exposes readers to Adderall, acid, marijuana, alcohol, and Xanax, the author’s intention is to educate tweens and teens on drug and alcohol abuse. The novel focuses not on the use of drugs, but how the use of drugs negatively impacts relationships, family dynamics, and athletic and school performance. After reading the novel, it is clear that the message behind the stories told is not only about drug use, but connects to a bigger social issue of how we can stop this cycle in teenage society.

Here’s Why Parents Should Want Their Teens to Read “Gripped”

Stacy Padula’s Gripped book series for young adults covers controversial topics such as substance abuse, which may deter some hesitant parents and schools from recommending the books to teens. While Gripped Part 3: The Fallout exposes readers to Adderall, acid, marijuana, alcohol, and Xanax, the author’s intention is to educate tweens and teens on drug and alcohol abuse. The novel focuses not on the use of drugs, but how the use of drugs negatively impacts relationships, family dynamics, and athletic and school performance. After reading the novel, it is clear that the message behind the stories told is not only about drug use, but connects to a bigger social issue of how we can stop this cycle in teenage society.

‘Gripped’ Series Addresses Social Issues Relevant to Today’s Teen Culture

Written by Megan Farinacci, Medfield, MA I really enjoyed Stacy Padula’s book, Gripped Part 3: The Fallout. The novel starts off in the present day and jumps back eight months, then comes full circle, ending in the present day. As a reader you are able to see the character development throughout the book. As manyContinue reading “‘Gripped’ Series Addresses Social Issues Relevant to Today’s Teen Culture”

UNH Sophomore Recommends “Smoke & Mirrors” to Parents of Teenagers

By Jenna Finnerty, University of New Hampshire I recommend “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors” by Stacy Padula to teens and parents for a multitude of reasons. First of all, I think teens should read it because it gives good insight into what people deal with once they get wrapped up in drugs. Second, I thinkContinue reading “UNH Sophomore Recommends “Smoke & Mirrors” to Parents of Teenagers”

New Teen Novel Helps Kids Make Smart Decisions in the Face of Peer Pressure

Written by Jenna Finnerty, Durham, NH Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy A. Padula shows the effects that drugs have on the characters’ lives and the ways pills, such as opiates and benzos, can change someone’s personality, as well as their relationships with other people. Hopefully by reading about the characters’ situations, teens willContinue reading “New Teen Novel Helps Kids Make Smart Decisions in the Face of Peer Pressure”

A College Freshman’s Take on “Gripped Part 2: Blindsided” by Stacy Padula

This book will hopefully influence teens to abstain from drugs and alcohol after reading about the effects it has on everyone’s lives. Teens who read this book will also learn what could happen to them if they do end up getting involved with drugs. Similar to Taylor’s situation, drugs can ruin someone’s life after becoming addicted.

The Right Person by Stacy Padula Accurately Depicts High School Social Challenges

The Right Person, by Stacy Padula, shows how a group of freshman at Montgomery Lake High face the challenges of high school. They go through dangerous situations and have to resist temptations. They realize what it is like to try to become popular and how you can lose friends easily. All of their situations are very relatable to many high school students.

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