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.
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”
Written by Mackenzie Wells, Athens, Georgia Any teenagers or young adults would benefit from reading “When Darkness Tries to Hide” by Stacy A. Padula. Although the book centers on freshmen in high school, the story is bigger than just their drama. I believe that anyone who has faced a tragic experience will relate to this … Continue reading Y.A. Novel Recommended for Teens Who Have Faced Tragedy
Written by Mackenzie Wells, University of Georgia “The Battle for Innocence” by Stacy A. Padula takes an extremely impactful look at the unfortunate truth about what can happen at seemingly innocent parties. Two female characters, Chantal and Michelle, end up in situations in which they unintentionally fall under the influence of substances. In both cases, … Continue reading An Impactful Book Full of Important Truths for Teen & Pre-teen Girls
Written by Mackenzie Wells, University of Georgia The Aftermath by Stacy A. Padula is all about transformation. Reading this book could be the inciting incident that launches change in the lives of readers. Sometimes, seeing transformation in others is enough to create a discontent for the status quo in our own lives. Everyone has aspects … Continue reading Teen Novel Demonstrates the Power of God and Salvation
Written by Mackenzie Wells, University of Georgia When Darkness Tries to Hide by Stacy A. Padula tells a story of an entire community coming together in the wake of a tragedy; any divisive lines which were drawn between age groups or cliques are dissolved in the interest of the greater good. Many characters in this … Continue reading A Story of Hope & Redemption for Teenagers
Written by Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA The Right Person by Stacy A. Padula takes like an authentic glimpse into the lives and minds of high school freshmen. It can be easy to forget or ignore the pressures and social stresses placed on young teenagers, but this story provides an intimate view of the exciting and … Continue reading Teen Novel “The Right Person” Prepares Kids for the Social Pressures of High School
