By Jenna Finnerty, University of New Hampshire Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story by Stacy A. Padula is an excellent read that shows the consequences of getting into drugs at a young age. Main character, Taylor Dunkin, shares his story of getting into drugs and organized crime, and how it has ruined his life. He is nowContinue reading ““Taylor’s Story” – An Eye Opening Read for Teens & Parents”
Tag Archives: Cathy Kagelli
UNH Junior Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Teen Readers
By Jenna Finnerty, University of New Hampshire As a junior in college, I would like to recommend Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story by Stacy Padula to teens who may be susceptible to drug use. Most teens do not realize the consequences of getting into drugs, and this book is a perfect example of how drugs canContinue reading “UNH Junior Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Teen Readers”
Gripped 2: Blindsided – A School Book Or Not?
Written by Charlie Hallal – Hingham, Massachusetts The drug use and sexual content in Gripped 2: Blindsided by Stacy Padula will likely get it banned from schools, but the topics are too relevant in teenage culture to be ignored. This book should be read by kids in middle school and high school to teach themContinue reading “Gripped 2: Blindsided – A School Book Or Not?”
Gripped 2: Blindsided – Not Just A Teen Read
Written by Charlie Hallal – Hingham, Massachusetts The book Gripped, Part Two: Blindsided by Stacy A. Padula is an intriguing story that allows young adult readers to learn about the severity of drug use and the possible impacts it can have on peoples’ lives. It gives readers an in-depth view into the lives of manyContinue reading “Gripped 2: Blindsided – Not Just A Teen Read”
A Teenage Take on the Gripped Series’ Characters
Written by Charlie Hallal – Hingham, Massachusetts In the first book in Stacy Padula’s Gripped series, the reader meets a large cast of characters whom any teenager would easily relate to and empathize with. As a teen myself, I most closely relate to Jason Davids because he seems to try to see all perspectives whenContinue reading “A Teenage Take on the Gripped Series’ Characters”
Charlie Hallal Reviews Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told
Written by Charlie Hallal – Hingham, Massachusetts The book Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy Padula is an incredibly entertaining story that never fails to keep readers entertained and engaged. The many interesting characters that appear in the story demonstrate both how important it is to be conscious about how yourContinue reading “Charlie Hallal Reviews Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told”
Hingham High School Junior Shares Why Teens Should Be Reading The Gripped Series
Written by Charlie Hallal – Hingham, Massachusetts As a junior in high school, I would recommend Stacy Padula’s book, Gripped #1: The Truth We Never Told, to any kid anywhere from middle school to college. This is due to the many ways I feel kids in this age group, including myself, can relate to theContinue reading “Hingham High School Junior Shares Why Teens Should Be Reading The Gripped Series”
UNH Sophomore Jenna Finnerty’s Thoughts on the “Gripped” Characters
By Jenna Finnerty, University of New Hampshire In Stacy Padula’s latest novel, “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors,” I really liked how there were a bunch of different storylines that made me want to learn what was going to happen next. The different stories kept me focused, because there were so many things that you hadContinue reading “UNH Sophomore Jenna Finnerty’s Thoughts on the “Gripped” Characters”
“Gripped” Relationships: Lisa Ankerman & Cathy Kagelli
Our character relationship series continues today with best friends Lisa Ankerman and Cathy Kagelli, who have stayed tried and true by each other’s side throughout the Gripped and the Montgomery Lake High book series. Lisa is fiercely loyal to the people she loves and Cathy is no exception. During Cathy’s lowest points in her tumultuousContinue reading ““Gripped” Relationships: Lisa Ankerman & Cathy Kagelli”
“Gripped” Relationships: Marc Dunkin & Cathy Kagelli
Our character relationship series continues with Marc Dunkin and Cathy Kagelli. In the MLH books, we quickly see Marc swooping in on Cathy after her and Jason’s breakup. Prior to that, we see a few instances of Marc attempting to encourage Cathy and Jason to stay clear of each other, but we don’t get toContinue reading ““Gripped” Relationships: Marc Dunkin & Cathy Kagelli”
“Gripped” Relationships: Jason Davids & Cathy Kagelli
We begin our character relationship series with Cathy Kagelli and Jason Davids. Their relationship is central to the Gripped and the MLH books in many ways. They are each other’s greatest advocate and greatest weakness. Their relationship is strong but tumultuous. Their connection is visceral. Jason met Cathy when she was a shy and sociallyContinue reading ““Gripped” Relationships: Jason Davids & Cathy Kagelli”
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?”
A Look at Cathy, Jon, and Chantal in Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told
Article by Jennifer O’Sullivan, Dover, Massachusetts In Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told, the characters are compelling and easy to relate to. In Stacy A. Padula’s other book series, Montgomery Lake High, Cathy Kagelli is portrayed as a toxic girl who is rude, coldhearted and manipulative. Gripped Part 1 flashes back to Cathy’sContinue reading “A Look at Cathy, Jon, and Chantal in Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told”
A Close Look at the Characters in Gripped Part 2: Blindsided
Written by Elizabeth Harvey, Emerson College How has your opinion of Taylor changed from the beginning of the series until the end of book 2? I was happy with the progress Taylor has made that became evident by the end of book 2. Although he still has to figure out many things and relationships inContinue reading “A Close Look at the Characters in Gripped Part 2: Blindsided”
The Perfect Book for Teens Entering High School
This book touches on the struggle to get out of the darkness and back into the light but also the great feeling of having an amazing support system to help you when in need. It makes you feel grateful for the friends you have and makes you want to help others in their times of need.
Books by Stacy A. Padula 