Jason Davids’ Mission to Restore Cathy’s Reputation in the Gripped Series

In the intricate tapestry of Stacy A. Padula’s Gripped series, Jason Davids embarks on a poignant journey to mend the reputational damage suffered by Cathy Kagelli. This process is not about grand gestures but rather about the delicate work of truth-telling and setting the record straight with key figures in Cathy’s life, namely Chantal, Chris,ContinueContinue reading “Jason Davids’ Mission to Restore Cathy’s Reputation in the Gripped Series”

Enneagram Types in the Gripped Book Series

Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” series delves into the lives of high school and young adult characters grappling with issues like substance abuse, identity, and personal redemption, set against the backdrop of a small town in Massachusetts. One intriguing way to understand these characters’ motivations, fears, and growth is through the lens of the Enneagram, a systemContinueContinue reading “Enneagram Types in the Gripped Book Series”

The Compelling Dynamics of Friendship and Recovery in “Gripped Part 3: The Fallout”

In Stacy A. Padula’s “Gripped Part 3: The Fallout,” the narrative intricately weaves the story of friendship, betrayal, and personal redemption through the experiences of Jason Davids and Chris Dunkin. These characters are central to the book’s appeal, resonating deeply with both teenage and adult readers as they explore the complex terrain of addiction recoveryContinueContinue reading “The Compelling Dynamics of Friendship and Recovery in “Gripped Part 3: The Fallout””

Cathy Kagelli and Jason Davids: A Tale of Love, Addiction, and Redemption in the “Gripped” Series

In Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” book series, the relationship between Cathy Kagelli and Jason Davids stands as a central narrative thread, encapsulating the series’ exploration of love, addiction, and the quest for redemption. Their story is a complex dance of mutual influence, where affection and destruction intertwine, offering readers a poignant look at how love canContinueContinue reading “Cathy Kagelli and Jason Davids: A Tale of Love, Addiction, and Redemption in the “Gripped” Series”

The Dance of Love, Manipulation, and Salvation: Cathy Kagelli and Jason Davids in the “Gripped” Series

In Stacy A. Padula’s “Gripped” series, the relationship between Cathy Kagelli and Jason Davids is a complex tapestry woven with threads of love, manipulation, and the desperate attempts to save each other from the depths of their personal demons. Their story, particularly highlighted in “Gripped Part 3: The Fallout” and “Gripped Part 4: Smoke &ContinueContinue reading “The Dance of Love, Manipulation, and Salvation: Cathy Kagelli and Jason Davids in the “Gripped” Series”

The Standout Book: “When Darkness Tries to Hide” in the Montgomery Lake High Series

In the tapestry of Stacy A. Padula’s “Montgomery Lake High” series, one book emerges not just as a part of the narrative but as a pinnacle of storytelling, character development, and thematic depth: “When Darkness Tries to Hide.” This book, which is the second in the series, stands out for several compelling reasons that elevateContinueContinue reading “The Standout Book: “When Darkness Tries to Hide” in the Montgomery Lake High Series”

The Significance of Cathy Kagelli’s Journey, Arc, and Relationships in the “Gripped” Series

Cathy & Chantal Cathy & Jason Cathy Kagelli’s role in Stacy A. Padula’s “Gripped” series is pivotal, not only for her personal growth but also for the thematic depth she brings to the narrative. Her journey through the complexities of substance abuse, particularly with anxiety medications like Xanax and Klonopin, her evolving relationships, and herContinueContinue reading “The Significance of Cathy Kagelli’s Journey, Arc, and Relationships in the “Gripped” Series”

“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: 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”

Jordan Dunkin, the Black Sheep of “Gripped” or Not?

Article by Michael Farinacci—Medfield, Massachusetts Michael Farinacci 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 inContinueContinue reading “Jordan Dunkin, the Black Sheep of “Gripped” or Not?”

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 inContinueContinue reading “A Close Look at the Characters in Gripped Part 2: Blindsided”

Jennifer O’Sullivan on Jason Davids, Protagonist of “The Aftermath”

Article by Jennifer O’Sullivan of Dover-Sherborn High School Instagram @jds_on Jason Davids is a character that has always sparked my interest; he’s smart, funny, confident, good-looking, well-loved and wealthy, yet he always found his life to be empty and sad, and turned to drugs as an escape. His hostile attitude intrigued me, because he seemedContinueContinue reading “Jennifer O’Sullivan on Jason Davids, Protagonist of “The Aftermath””

July’s Q&A with Joanna Dakoyannis on The Aftermath by Stacy Padula

Who could benefit from reading this book and why? This book is mainly directed toward teens and the challenges that they encounter in high school, socially and spiritually, but it could certainly be beneficial to any young adult. While teens face these issues in high school, young adults might face the same difficulties as theyContinueContinue reading “July’s Q&A with Joanna Dakoyannis on The Aftermath by Stacy Padula”

A YA Book for Teens in Need of Inspiration

Written by Jennifer O’Sullivan of Dover-Sherborn Regional High School The Aftermath by Stacy Padula is a book that I would recommend to anyone who is lost or struggling and needs some inspiration. This book follows the journey of high school freshman Jason Davids, who is struggling to overcome his drug dependency and steer his lifeContinueContinue reading “A YA Book for Teens in Need of Inspiration”

“The Aftermath” is an Encouraging Book for Teens

Written by Joanna Dakoyannis of Dover-Sherborn High School The Aftermath, by Stacy Padula, is an exceptional book that continues to follow the lives and challenges of a group of teens at Montgomery Lake High.  The teens embody many different lifestyles, challenging each other to find their voice against the many vices that high school socialContinueContinue reading ““The Aftermath” is an Encouraging Book for Teens”

Q&A with Samantha Waxman on Young Adult Novel “The Aftermath” by Stacy Padula

Who do you think could benefit from reading this book and why?

There are lots of ways you could benefit from this book. It shows how you can use your faith (like Jason) to overcome certain difficulties you thought you never could. You can fail before you get it right. I learned even in the darkest of times you still have your friends and family to guide you into the right path.

Young Adult Novel “The Aftermath” Teaches Important Lessons About Friendship

Rebecca read “The Aftermath” by Stacy Padula, which is the third book in the Montgomery Lake High young adult book series. Afterwards, she was asked to answer some questions about the characters and plot in order to give potential readers some background on the novel.

The Aftermath by Stacy Padula is an Encouraging Book for Teens

This book shows readers that times may be tough but you need to push through. With the help of great friends and family supporting you, anything is possible. I believe this book is good for those readers that are struggling with something so similar. It could potentially make them realize this isn’t the path they should be going down. They could have a change of heart or way of life.

A Teen’s Opinion of “The Aftermath” by Stacy A. Padula

“The Aftermath” by Stacy Padula represents party animal Jason David’s’ experience with trying to change for the better in the extremely restricting environment of Montgomery Lake High.

Rebecca Ronning on the Young Adult Novel “When Darkness Tries to Hide” by Stacy Padula

How did your opinion of Jason change as you read the story? Jason changed for the better when he came to realize the benefits that having faith can bring into your life. Faith and spirituality, individual to all and regardless of form, is something one can always return to as a grounding element at timesContinueContinue reading “Rebecca Ronning on the Young Adult Novel “When Darkness Tries to Hide” by Stacy Padula”