By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula is a story about the search for redemption. Chris Dunkin has had his eyes opened to the impact his choices are making on his friends and his own life. Despite his desire to turn his life around, Chris realizes that he is … Continue reading Mackenzie Wells Reviews “Gripped 3: The Fallout” by Stacy Padula
By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy Padula is a cautionary tale for young adults, but it is also a humanizing story of those who have fallen into bad habits. Eighth graders Chris Dunkin, Cathy Kagelli, and Jason Davids are an integral part of their clique in their community, and are … Continue reading Mackenzie Wells Reviews “Gripped 2: Blindsided” by Stacy Padula
Who would you recommend Gripped Part 1 to and why? “Gripped Part 1” by Stacy Padula deals with the stories of young adults navigating the transitions between middle school, high school, and college. I would recommend this book to readers in middle or high school. These books give them a glimpse into how one person’s … Continue reading An Interview with UGA’s Mackenzie Wells on Gripped 1: The Truth We Never Told
Series Review by Mackenzie Wells, University of Georgia Mackenzie Wells is a senior at the University of Georgia, majoring in English and public relations. She is a leader at the Wesley Foundation at UGA, the community outreach coordinator for UGA’s Undergraduate English Association, and a member of the Public Relations Student Society of America. Mackenzie … Continue reading Mackenzie Wells of UGA Reviews Stacy Padula’s Montgomery Lake High Book Series
Written by Mackenzie Wells, University of Georgia—A mixture between “The Screwtape Letters” and a Nancy Drew novel, “The Forces Within” by Stacy A. Padula takes a poignantly authentic look at spiritual warfare – albeit disguised as a metaphor. A group of high school freshmen find themselves taking refuge in an old abandoned mansion deep in the woods. As mysterious occurrences begin to take place, the teenagers realize that the battle is for their lives – and their hearts. A shocking reminder of a too-often overlooked battle, this book is desperately needed to educate today’s generation. Although this book deals with a heavy topic which can take some guidance to understand, it is specifically aimed at young adults and approaches the issue in a way relevant to our lives.
By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA Intrigued. That’s the best word to describe how I felt as I read Stacy Padula’s “Gripped 3: The Fallout.” Honestly, I was intrigued by the increasing police interventions, both at the teenagers’ parties and in Taylor Dunkin’s case as it progresses. The very real likelihood of the law catching up … Continue reading The Highly Intriguing Book Teens Won’t Want to Put Down
By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA “Gripped 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. Even more than the past two books, “Gripped Part 3” demonstrates … Continue reading Here’s Why Parents of Teens Need to Read The Gripped Book Series
By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA At the very beginning of the first book in Stacy Padula’s best-selling young adult series, Gripped, the reader gains a glimpse of where Taylor Dunkin ends up. Without any understanding of who he was before or how he wound up in his current predicament, it was easy to make assumptions … Continue reading Dynamic Characters Take Y.A. Readers by Surprise in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped 2: Blindsided”
By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA Most books or T.V. series with a target audience of young teenagers pull back from showing the complete picture of teenage drug use and sexual activity. However, living life without knowing the complete picture and without an understanding of the repercussions can lead to very dangerous decisions. Life does not … Continue reading The Benefits of Reading Uncensored Y.A. Novels like “Gripped 2: Blindsided”
Written by Mackenzie Wells, Athens, Georgia Brothers Taylor, Jordan, and Marc Dunkin seem to have it all. They are each incredible athletes and prolific football stars. Both Jordan and Taylor are playing college football, and Marc, a senior in high school, is about to sign with Boston College. However, there is a dark side to … Continue reading Y.A. Novel Kept Me “Gripped”
