By Michael Farinacci, Medfield, Massachusetts, University of Notre Dame The Gripped book series by Stacy Padula offers great insight for parents and teens into the complex years of high school and college. In the Gripped series many of the characters do “not fit the description of a drug addict at all – except for theContinue reading “Michael Farinacci Gives “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors” a 10 out of 10″
Search results for: Michael Farinacci
Michael Farinacci of St. Sebastian’s School Reviews “Gripped Part 2: Blindsided”
It is important for all high school and middle school aged kids to read this book, as it is very likely that they will run into a similar situation at some point in the middle and high school lives.
Looking Ahead to Gripped Part 2 with Michael Farinacci
Last month, Michael Farinacci of Medfield, Massachusetts—a junior at St. Sebastian’s School—read and reviewed Gripped Part 1 by Stacy Padula: the first installment in a young adult book series that highlights the perils of prescription drug abuse. Before beginning to read Gripped Part 2, Michael answered a couple questions about what he was most looking forward to uncovering in the next installment.
May’s Q&A with Michael Farinacci of St. Sebastian’s School
Michael Farinacci, a junior at St. Sebastian’s School in Needham, Massachusetts, read and reviewed Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told—the first book in a young adult series that examines the perils of prescription drug abuse amongst teenagers. After reading the novel, he was asked a series of questions about its main characters. His responses are below.
Michael Farinacci Reviews Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told
The book Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told investigates the complicated social lives of young adults ranging from middle-school to college. The story follows numerous people throughout their lives outside of school and demonstrates how difficult decision can be for young adults, and the consequences that these decisions have. The book deals with drug abuse, relationships, and the effects of miscommunication as it follows the lives of the children from Montgomery Lake, while brilliantly setting up the rest of the series.
Q&A with Megan Farinacci on Stacy Padula’s ‘Gripped’ Characters
After reading Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors, Megan Farinacci, a senior at Newton Country Day School, was asked to share how her opinion of certain main characters has changed throughout the series.
Megan Farinacci On ‘Gripped Part 2: Blindsided’
Written by Megan Farinacci, Medfield, MA Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy Padula puts drug abuse into the perspective of young adults, even reaching a middle school aged audience. The book focuses heavily on the younger characters who will soon be attending high school. Although the topics covered in this book are not what manyContinue reading “Megan Farinacci On ‘Gripped Part 2: Blindsided’”
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
Y.A. Fiction Novel Addresses Crucial Issues For Teenagers
Written by Megan Farinacci, Medfield, MA Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy Padula was extremely eye opening. It is crucial for these issues to be addressed in a novel for young adults. In this novel, we see how even middle schoolers are affected by drugs and alcohol. This sequel focuses on fourteen year old ChrisContinue reading “Y.A. Fiction Novel Addresses Crucial Issues For Teenagers”
University of Notre Dame Freshman Shares Why Parents Should Read Stacy Padula’s “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors”
By Michael Farinacci, University of Notre Dame I recommend “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors” by Stacy Padula to all high-schoolers, as well as their parents. The topics covered in “Gripped 4” are real problems that are found in every high school across America. High-schoolers should read the novel to understand the precursors to drug abuseContinue reading “University of Notre Dame Freshman Shares Why Parents Should Read Stacy Padula’s “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors””
The Flashbacks Kept Me Gripped – “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors”
By Michael Farinacci, University of Notre Dame In Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors by Stacy Padula, I loved the multiple, intertwining storylines. It seemed as if every time a question was answered, at least two more questions arose due. The book also contained lots of action and different scenes, which made it a quick readContinue reading “The Flashbacks Kept Me Gripped – “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors””
Teen Fiction Novel Exposes Consequences of Substance Abuse
Written by Emily Han, Easton, MA The book, Gripped Part 2: Blindsided, by Stacy A. Padula continues the storylines of teenagers affected by substance abuse. By splitting the timeline (past and present) in the story, readers can see how the characters are changing due to their drug use. Those who were concerned with schoolwork, grades,Continue reading “Teen Fiction Novel Exposes Consequences of Substance Abuse”
The People Behind the Gripped Book Series
When a book is published, people see the author’s name on the cover, but hardly ever do they hear about the team of people who helped bring the story to fruition. Yet, behind the scenes, a group of talented individuals may have provided insight and feedback to help the author keep the book relevant toContinue reading “The People Behind the Gripped Book Series”
Jordan Dunkin, the Black Sheep of “Gripped” or Not?
Article by Michael Farinacci—Medfield, Massachusetts Since Gripped Part 2: Blindsided, Jordan Dunkin has been, by far, the most intriguing character in my opinion. At the University of Notre Dame, he has a high GPA, has joined the Catholic club, and is starting at wide receiver on one of the best football teams in the nation,Continue reading “Jordan Dunkin, the Black Sheep of “Gripped” or Not?”
New Teen Book Educates Kids about Prescription Drug Abuse, but Is It Controversial?
Gripped Part 3: The Fallout 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.
New Teen Series Educates Readers About The Root Causes of Substance Abuse
Written by Michael Farinacci of St. Sebastian’s School Gripped Part 3: The Fallout is yet another great addition to the Gripped book series. The book tackles many complex issues including substance abuse, relationships, and the difficult time that is high school and middle school. The story follows many different storylines, which not only makes theContinue reading “New Teen Series Educates Readers About The Root Causes of Substance Abuse”
A Rising Senior’s Take on Stacy Padula’s New Release “Gripped Part 2: Blindsided”
One of the main benefits of reading Gripped part 2, and the entire Gripped series is that the book not only shows the horrors of substance abuse, but shows the buildup to substance abuse. Most likely, an addiction is not formed by one singular decision. Gripped part 2, does a great job of showing not only the worst day, but the first day.
A Junior from St. Sebastian’s School Shares His Opinion of “Gripped Part 1” by Stacy A. Padula
Although this book should be read by everybody, I would highly recommend Gripped Part 1 to anybody who is either in middle school or high school. The conflicts that occur in the story are almost identical to what happens in a real high school or middle school…
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