“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 tumultuousContinueContinue 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 toContinueContinue reading ““Gripped” Relationships: Marc Dunkin & Cathy Kagelli”

“Gripped” Relationships: Chris Dunkin & Lisa Ankerman

Today, we continue our character relationship series with Chris Dunkin and Lisa Ankerman. There is certainly some unfinished business between these two. They dated for over a year but broke up for reasons better explained in Gripped 2. Lisa is perhaps the person Chris has loved most in life—if not his best friend Jason @jds_onContinueContinue reading ““Gripped” Relationships: Chris Dunkin & Lisa Ankerman”

“Gripped” Relationships: Luke, Matt, & Jason Davids

We continue our character relationship series with Luke, Matt, and Jason Davids. Matt, the oldest, has his work cut out for him when it comes to looking out for his younger brothers. He frequently takes on the role of a mentor to Jason, whose emotions often cloud his judgement. To Luke, Matt is a trueContinueContinue reading ““Gripped” Relationships: Luke, Matt, & Jason Davids”

“Gripped” Relationships: Chantal Kagelli & Andy Rosetti

We continue our character relationship series with Andy Rosetti and Chantal Kagelli. Their relationship is shown the most in “The Forces Within” but it plays an important role in both the Gripped and MLH series. Andy is ultimately the guy who came along and supported Chantal after Jon “broke her heart” (which was actually aContinueContinue reading ““Gripped” Relationships: Chantal Kagelli & Andy Rosetti”

“Gripped” Relationships: Jordan, Taylor, & Marc Dunkin

Our character relationship series continues with Jordan, Taylor, and Marc Dunkin.  At age 20, Jordan is making the most of his opportunities at Notre Dame both on and off the field. At age 23, Taylor is in a predicament no one saw coming he’s in the fight of his life—not just to get back onContinueContinue reading ““Gripped” Relationships: Jordan, Taylor, & Marc Dunkin”

“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 sociallyContinueContinue reading ““Gripped” Relationships: Jason Davids & Cathy Kagelli”

Isabelle Semas on The “Gripped” Characters

Isabelle Semas is in her senior year of high school, and has been homeschooled most of her life.  She looks forward to graduating this year and hopes to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education.  In her spare time, she sings in a christian band named NHB with her friends, is very involved in herContinueContinue reading “Isabelle Semas on The “Gripped” Characters”

An Interview with Isabelle Semas on “The Truth We Never Told”

Isabelle Semas is in her senior year of high school, and has been homeschooled most of her life.  She looks forward to graduating this year and hopes to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education.  In her spare time, she sings in a christian band named NHB with her friends, is very involved in herContinueContinue reading “An Interview with Isabelle Semas on “The Truth We Never Told””

A Y.A. Book Series That Is Brutally Honest

Isabelle Semas is in her senior year of high school, and has been homeschooled most of her life.  She looks forward to graduating this year and hopes to pursue a career in Early Childhood Education.  In her spare time, she sings in a christian band named NHB with her friends, is very involved in herContinueContinue reading “A Y.A. Book Series That Is Brutally Honest”

An Interview with Marshfield High School Senior Abby Fusco on Gripped 3: The Fallout

Abby Fusco is a senior at Marshfield High School. She has always enjoyed painting her dog, Teddy—a King Charles Cavalier. Her paintings made perfect gifts for her mother, and this inspired her to begin painting pet portraits for her friends and family. She founded A.R.F. Pet Portraits in 2020, where people can order paintings of their belovedContinueContinue reading “An Interview with Marshfield High School Senior Abby Fusco on Gripped 3: The Fallout”

An Interview with Oliver Ames Senior Emily Han on Gripped 3: The Fallout

Emily Han is a junior at Oliver Ames High School in Easton, Massachusetts. She is the captain of her varsity field hockey team and a leader on her club team, Lead The Way. She is a member of National Honor Society and a founder of the PAWS Club and an active member of the Jimmy Fund Club. HerContinueContinue reading “An Interview with Oliver Ames Senior Emily Han on Gripped 3: The Fallout”

An Interview with UGA’s Mackenzie Wells on Gripped 1: The Truth We Never Told

Mackenzie 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 has always had a passionate love for books andContinueContinue reading “An Interview with UGA’s Mackenzie Wells on Gripped 1: The Truth We Never Told”

Senior Class President at Xaverian Brothers Shares His Thoughts on “Gripped” by Stacy Padula

Joseph Siracusa is currently the president of the senior class at Xaverian Brother’s High School. In his free time, Joseph enjoys graphic designing, playing soccer, watching sports, and learning about many different topics. Joseph plans on studying finance in college, in hopes of pursuing a career in it. Written by Joseph Siracusa, Braintree, MA GrippedContinueContinue reading “Senior Class President at Xaverian Brothers Shares His Thoughts on “Gripped” by Stacy Padula”

Transformative Characters Leave Teens Gripped

Abby Fusco is a senior at Marshfield High School. She has always enjoyed painting her dog, Teddy—a King Charles Cavalier. Her paintings made perfect gifts for her mother, and this inspired her to begin painting pet portraits for her friends and family. She founded A.R.F. Pet Portraits in 2020, where people can order paintings of their belovedContinueContinue reading “Transformative Characters Leave Teens Gripped”

Y.A. Novel Kept Me “Gripped”

Written by Mackenzie Wells, Athens, Georgia Mackenzie 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 has always hadContinueContinue reading “Y.A. Novel Kept Me “Gripped””

YA Fiction Novel Shows the Long-term Effects of Drug Abuse

Emily Han is a junior at Oliver Ames High School in Easton, Massachusetts. She is the captain of her varsity field hockey team and a leader on her club team, Lead The Way. She is a member of National Honor Society and a founder of the PAWS Club and an active member of the Jimmy Fund Club. HerContinueContinue reading “YA Fiction Novel Shows the Long-term Effects of Drug Abuse”

Y.A. Fiction Novel Helps Readers Understand Root Causes of Teenage Substance Abuse

As a senior in high school, I believe it is very important for teens to be aware of the consequences of using drugs and alcohol. There are too many teens that use drugs and alcohol to “fit in” without realizing what truly can happen to them. Gripped 3: The Fallout by Stacy A. Padula has many events that help portray the importance of making the right decisions.

New Y.A. Fiction Book is a Must Read for Teens

Abby Fusco is a senior at Marshfield High School. She has always enjoyed painting her dog, Teddy—a King Charles Cavalier. Her paintings made perfect gifts for her mother, and this inspired her to begin painting pet portraits for her friends and family. She founded A.R.F. Pet Portraits in 2020, where people can order paintings of their belovedContinueContinue reading “New Y.A. Fiction Book is a Must Read for Teens”

New Y.A. Fiction Book Takes a Sobering Look at Teenage Substance Abuse

Joanna Dakoyannis recently graduated from Dover-Sherborn High School and plans to attend Providence College this fall. She enjoys creative writing, traveling, going to the gym, running track for her high school team and loves cheering on the team at school sporting events. She plans to be a science major in college and hopes to eventuallyContinueContinue reading “New Y.A. Fiction Book Takes a Sobering Look at Teenage Substance Abuse”