Kyle Banker on the 5th & Final Installment of the MLH Book Series

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami I think that all teenagers should read “The Forces Within” as they will learn a great amount about the final development of characters in the MLH series and how it could correlate to their own lives. All of the key messages that were mentioned throughout the series areContinue reading “Kyle Banker on the 5th & Final Installment of the MLH Book Series”

Kyle Banker Reviews “The Right Person” by Stacy A. Padula – A Young Adult Novel

High school consists of the four most transformative years of your life, both academically and socially. The introductions of parties, substances, peer pressure, and popularity can completely change one’s personality and mindset. In “The Right Person,” Stacy Padula tells the story of a group of freshmen at Montgomery Lake High as they encounter and face countless social scenarios that change their lifestyles for the long run.

May’s Q&A with Kyle Banker of Beaver Country Day School

Kyle Banker of Needham, Massachusetts is a senior at Beaver Country Day School. He will be attending the University of Miami in the fall as a biology major. This month, Kyle read “The Right Person” – a young adult novel by Stacy Padula – and shared some insightful feedback.

Looking Ahead to Gripped Part 2 with Kyle Banker

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 think that the storyline between Cathy and Jason is most compelling to me because of their dual perspective of how they see theContinue reading “Looking Ahead to Gripped Part 2 with Kyle Banker”

Needham’s Kyle Banker on the “Gripped” Book Series’ Characters

The Gripped Book Series has an array of main characters, who range in age from twelve to twenty-three. Although they have vastly different struggles, values, and personalities, their lives are indisputably entwined. Kyle Banker, a Communications Intern for the Gripped book series, read “Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told” and shared his insight on the characters. His responses are below:

Nasin Groshek Reviews ‘Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told’ by Stacy Padula

Written by Nasin Groshek, Plymouth, Massachusetts Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy Padula is a fast-paced, compelling story about substance abuse and how it affects young adults’ relationships and future aspirations. I highly recommend this book to other high school and middle school students since they should easily relate to thisContinue reading “Nasin Groshek Reviews ‘Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told’ by Stacy Padula”

Newton Country Day Senior Reviews ‘Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors’ by Stacy Padula

“The author’s ability to seamlessly connect several plot lines is unlike anything I have read. Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors is the best one yet, and I cannot wait to read Taylor’s Story next.” – Megan Farinacci

The Y.A. Page Tuner Parents Should Be Reading

“As a senior in high school, I highly recommend the book Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors, along with any of the books in the Gripped series by Stacy Padula, to parents and teens. Gripped 4 touches on heavy topics like drug and alcohol abuse, which are rarely talked about in schools across the country. It is important for teens to be knowledgeable on these topics and be able to share their knowledge with their peers for the good of their community.” – Megan Farinacci, Newton Country Day School

Reflecting on Taylor’s Story: The Gripped Characters

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami After reading the latest novel in Stacy Padula’s Gripped series, Kyle Banker was asked to share his opinion on some of the main characters. Taylor Taylor has dug himself into a deep hole within Bilotti’s drug dealing business. However, he is trying to get out of the gangContinue reading “Reflecting on Taylor’s Story: The Gripped Characters”

Alternating Storylines Maintain Suspense in “Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story”

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami In Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story by Stacy Padula, I enjoyed the alternation between the storylines of Taylor and the Boston Police with Cathy and Chantal. I believe that this style worked best in Gripped 5 as Taylor’s situation kept its intensity as the reader was separated fromContinue reading “Alternating Storylines Maintain Suspense in “Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story””

“Taylor’s Story” Sets the Tone for an Exciting 6th Novel in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Series

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami “Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story” by Stacy Padula is a book that displays the heavy consequences of substances to young adults in Montgomery. Part 5 of the Gripped series smoothly picks up the storylines from the previous novel, including the situations of Taylor and Cathy. In this novel,Continue reading ““Taylor’s Story” Sets the Tone for an Exciting 6th Novel in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Series”

“Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story” Sends Imperative Message to Teen Readers

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami As a junior in college, I believe that the topics covered in Stacy Padula’s Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story, including substance usage and purchasing, are becoming vastly more common across high schools and colleges in the United States. While many young adults feel it is simple to stay awayContinue reading ““Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story” Sends Imperative Message to Teen Readers”

Teen Novel Effectively Shows the Effort Needed to Overcome Addiction & Begin New Life

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors by Stacy Padula is a novel that showcases the evident consequences of substance to young adults in Montgomery. Part 4 of the Gripped series picks up the storylines effectively from the previous novel, including the situations of Taylor and Cathy. In thisContinue reading “Teen Novel Effectively Shows the Effort Needed to Overcome Addiction & Begin New Life”

College Junior Shares Thoughts on Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Characters

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami After reading Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors by Stacy Padula, Kyle Banker was asked, How has your opinion of the Gripped series’ main characters evolved overtime? Luke I think Luke has developed stronger positive intentions with his life after reflecting on his past as a drug supplier. IContinue reading “College Junior Shares Thoughts on Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Characters”

U-Miami Junior Discusses Stacy Padula’s Unique Writing Style in “Gripped”

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami In Stacy Padula’s Y.A. novel, Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors, I immensely enjoyed the dual storyline between Taylor’s unexpected secret life with his crime circle and the interactions of Cathy and Jason. This setup allowed for the reader to be learning more information about Taylor in oneContinue reading “U-Miami Junior Discusses Stacy Padula’s Unique Writing Style in “Gripped””

Y.A. Novel Prepares High School Freshmen and Parents for Social Pressures

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami The usage of drugs are more prevalent than ever, mostly in high schools and colleges. While many teenagers may feel as if they will be able to avoid drugs, most are influenced to take a substance at some point in high school or college to enhance their socialContinue reading “Y.A. Novel Prepares High School Freshmen and Parents for Social Pressures”

Teen Fiction Novel Shows the Impact of Drugs on Relationships

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula is a book that showcases significant shifts in relationships within Montgomery. In this novel, Chris Dunkin is still continuing to stay away from drugs and parties, but that has come with the question about whether he should hold onto CourtneyContinue reading “Teen Fiction Novel Shows the Impact of Drugs on Relationships”

Teen Novel Sends Hopeful Message about Recovery

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula 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. I believe that there is aContinue reading “Teen Novel Sends Hopeful Message about Recovery”