Written by Olivia Syat of Sharon, Massachusetts The book Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy Padula put me in a trance. After indulging in the first chapter, my eyes were unable to be removed from the pages. Moving from present day of all the characters to the past of each individual allowed me to feel … Continue reading "Gripped 2: Blindsided" Put Me in a Trance

Written by Sophia Coggeshall, Marshfield, Massachusetts Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy A. Padula provides the reader with a realistic, uncensored look into what it is like to deal with the lasting effects of drugs, specifically through the storylines of characters such as Taylor Dunkin, a recovering addict and drug dealer, and his relationship with … Continue reading "Blindsided" Takes an Uncensored Look at Teen Substance Abuse & Its Effects on Relationships

Article by Joanna Dakoyannis, Dover, MA Gripped Part 2: Blindsided  is an excellent book for high school students to read for several reasons. First, it takes a startling look into the lives of teenagers and what their social experiences around drugs and sex can entail. The story also exemplifies what the effects of drug and … Continue reading New Young Adult Book Takes a Startling Look at Mounting Social Pressures Amongst Teens

The Gripped book series by Stacy A. Padula allows teens to learn about substance abuse in a different manner than they are accustomed to at school. Instead of being educated about the issue, they are instead being warned about the consequences of taking drugs. More specifically, readers will see the drastic changes that drugs can make to a teenager, such as a change in personality traits, motives, or social interactions.

Article by Joanna Dakoyannis, Dover, MA Although Chantal Kagelli has been a favorite character of mine throughout Stacy A. Padula's Montgomery Lake High book series, I found her somewhat frustrating in Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told. I feel that she passes judgement quickly and fails to communicate with the people who care about … Continue reading Gripped Book Series Sheds Light on Montgomery Lake High’s Main Characters

Article by Katherine Nally, Scituate, MA At the end of Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy A. Padula, I was left dying to uncover what happens between Taylor Dunkin and the Boston police. In the last chapter of Gripped Part 1, a detective interrupts Marc Dunkin’s meeting at Boston College to … Continue reading Relatable Characters Make “Gripped” a Must Read for High School Students

Article by Joanna Dakoyannis, Dover, Massachusetts As a young adult, I can easily relate to the scenarios portrayed in Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy A. Padula. The dating and friendship drama, as well as the substance abuse, are real issues that I see unfolding every day.  Similar to the characters … Continue reading New Teen Fiction Book Teaches the Importance of Healthy Relationships

The evolution of the characters in the newly released Gripped book series by Stacy A. Padula keeps me eagerly turning the page. From Gripped Part 1 to Gripped Part 2, my perception of Taylor Dunkin has changed due to the way I now see his involvement in drugs.

So far in the Gripped book series my two favorite characters are Chris Dunkin and Marc Dunkin. Despite having such a troubling childhood, neglected by his parents and left to be raised by his reckless older cousin, Chris lives his life putting the happiness of those around him before his own, a trait that makes me strongly admire his character.

Article by Katherine Nally, Scituate, MA The book Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy A. Padula is a fast-paced and complex novel—perfect for tweens, teens, and parents—that is hard to put down. The many different storylines are captivating and make you want to read the entire book in one sitting. Gripped … Continue reading New Young Adult Book Addresses the Stigma Surrounding Drugs, Alcohol, & Teenagers