By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA After reading “Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story,” I can say this book is my favorite in the series yet! I love the mystery of it and the high-profile suspense. The characters seem more relatable than ever before, and I love seeing how the story continues to unfold. It is crazyContinueContinue reading “The Most Thrilling Gripped Novel Yet: Taylor’s Story”
Tag Archives: Stacy Padula
U-Miami Junior Discusses Stacy Padula’s Unique Writing Style in “Gripped”
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami In Stacy Padula’s Y.A. novel, Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors, I immensely enjoyed the dual storyline between Taylor’s unexpected secret life with his crime circle and the interactions of Cathy and Jason. This setup allowed for the reader to be learning more information about Taylor in oneContinueContinue reading “U-Miami Junior Discusses Stacy Padula’s Unique Writing Style in “Gripped””
Y.A. Novel “Blindsided” Shows How Even The Most Unlikely Teens Can Fall Victim to Substance Abuse
Stacy Padula’s story, Gripped Part 2: Blindsided is a 5/5 star read, as it is a captivating and revealing story on the dangers of drugs. An important read for people of all ages, this book shows how drugs can become a prominent factor in anyone’s life, even those who it would be least suspected of. The novel is able to keep the reader curious and engaged with each chapter, and I look forward to reading the rest of the series!
“Taylor’s Story” – An Eye Opening Read for Teens & Parents
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 nowContinueContinue reading ““Taylor’s Story” – An Eye Opening Read for Teens & Parents”
Y.A. Novel Prepares High School Freshmen and Parents for Social Pressures
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami The usage of drugs are more prevalent than ever, mostly in high schools and colleges. While many teenagers may feel as if they will be able to avoid drugs, most are influenced to take a substance at some point in high school or college to enhance their socialContinueContinue reading “Y.A. Novel Prepares High School Freshmen and Parents for Social Pressures”
Notre Dame Academy Senior Reviews Stacy Padula’s Y.A. Novel “Gripped Part 3: The Fallout”
The book Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula is a GREAT read. As a teenager, I learned so much from this book and was intrigued while reading every page. We learn about the dangers of drug abuse/addiction through the characters. The characters all have different struggles and reasons for their addictions, so we learn about their issues from different perspectives.
UGA Grad Recommends Thrilling Crime Novel to Young Adults
By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA Anyone who likes true crime or detective novels will enjoy the mysterious intrigue of Taylor’s Story (Gripped 5) by Stacy Padula. I would recommend this book to many young adults who like thrilling stories that are more than just action packed. This book is still perfect for anyone who enjoysContinueContinue reading “UGA Grad Recommends Thrilling Crime Novel to Young Adults”
Teen Author Isabelle Semas Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Her Peers
Isabelle Semas By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts Based on the content of this book, I would recommend Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story to college and high school students. The topics introduced, as well as the ages of the characters, would be most applicable to that audience. That being said, people of many ages will enjoy the mystery andContinueContinue reading “Teen Author Isabelle Semas Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Her Peers”
William & Mary Freshman Reviews “Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story”
By Emily Han, College of William & Mary Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story by Stacy Padula is a fantastic continuation of the Gripped Series. We see Taylor Dunkin continue to struggle with trying to get out of the Drug Dealing ring, while still being fearful for his life and the repercussions of leaving. The ripples ofContinueContinue reading “William & Mary Freshman Reviews “Gripped 5: Taylor’s Story””
Teen Fiction Novel Shows the Impact of Drugs on Relationships
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula is a book that showcases significant shifts in relationships within Montgomery. In this novel, Chris Dunkin is still continuing to stay away from drugs and parties, but that has come with the question about whether he should hold onto CourtneyContinueContinue reading “Teen Fiction Novel Shows the Impact of Drugs on Relationships”
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 canContinueContinue reading “UNH Junior Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Teen Readers”
Duxbury High School Junior Reviews ‘Gripped’ by Stacy Padula
Written by Maya Daly, Duxbury, Massachusetts Stacy Padula’s Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told, is a realistic depiction of teens of all ages and their battles with peer pressure and substance abuse.The story brings in many characters of all different ages who all unite through a common friend group and environment. One ofContinueContinue reading “Duxbury High School Junior Reviews ‘Gripped’ by Stacy Padula”
Teen Novel Sends Hopeful Message about Recovery
Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula 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. I believe that there is aContinueContinue reading “Teen Novel Sends Hopeful Message about Recovery”
Duxbury High School Junior Recommends Y.A. Novel ‘Gripped’ to Teens – Here’s Why
Written by Maya Daly, Duxbury, Massachusetts Stacy Padula’s young adult novel, Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told, is a realistic depiction of teens of all ages and their battles with peer pressure and substance abuse. Though I have not gotten into situations of the same magnitude as shown in Gripped, I relate toContinueContinue reading “Duxbury High School Junior Recommends Y.A. Novel ‘Gripped’ to Teens – Here’s Why”
A High School Senior’s Take on Taylor & Marc Dunkin in ‘Gripped Part 1’
WRITTEN BY JACK STANTON, MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS Jack Stanton Jack is a senior at Medfield High School where he is the founder and president of the school’s Investment Club. He has a passion for business and finance, engaging his interests in other business-related clubs such as DECA. Jack is a member of the Varsity Lacrosse andContinueContinue reading “A High School Senior’s Take on Taylor & Marc Dunkin in ‘Gripped Part 1’”
A Teen’s Perspective on Chris Dunkin & Cathy Kagelli in ‘Gripped 2: Blindsided’
Written by Kate Peterson, Hingham, MA Kate Peterson is a senior at Notre Dame Academy. She is the captain of her schools varsity ski team and a member of the tennis team. She is in NDA’s National Honor Society and is involved in her school’s Growing Greener, Spanish, and Model UN clubs. Kate traveled toContinueContinue reading “A Teen’s Perspective on Chris Dunkin & Cathy Kagelli in ‘Gripped 2: Blindsided’”
Medfield High School Class Leader Recommends ‘Gripped’ to Teens
WRITTEN BY JACK STANTON, MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS Jack is a senior at Medfield High School where he is the founder and president of the school’s Investment Club. He has a passion for business and finance, engaging his interests in other business-related clubs such as DECA. Jack is a member of the Varsity Lacrosse and Hockey teamsContinueContinue reading “Medfield High School Class Leader Recommends ‘Gripped’ to Teens”
Notre Dame Academy Senior Uncovers Valuable Lessons for Teens in Stacy Padula’s ‘Gripped 2: Blindsided’
Written by Kate Peterson, Hingham, MA Kate Peterson is a senior at Notre Dame Academy. She is the captain of her school’s varsity ski team and a member of the tennis team. She is in NDA’s National Honor Society and is involved in her school’s Growing Greener, Spanish, and Model UN clubs. Kate traveled toContinueContinue reading “Notre Dame Academy Senior Uncovers Valuable Lessons for Teens in Stacy Padula’s ‘Gripped 2: Blindsided’”
Medfield High School Student-Athlete Shares Why Stacy Padula’s ‘Gripped’ Series Is a Must-read
WRITTEN BY JACK STANTON, MEDFIELD, MASSACHUSETTS Jack Stanton Jack is a senior at Medfield High School where he is the founder and president of the school’s Investment Club. He has a passion for business and finance, engaging his interests in other business-related clubs such as DECA. Jack is a member of the Varsity Lacrosse andContinueContinue reading “Medfield High School Student-Athlete Shares Why Stacy Padula’s ‘Gripped’ Series Is a Must-read”
Chris, Jason, & Cathy in “Gripped 3: The Fallout”
Stacy Padula’s Gripped book series for young adults covers controversial topics such as substance abuse, which may deter some hesitant parents and schools from recommending the books to teens. While Gripped Part 3: The Fallout exposes readers to Adderall, acid, marijuana, alcohol, and Xanax, the author’s intention is to educate tweens and teens on drug and alcohol abuse. The novel focuses not on the use of drugs, but how the use of drugs negatively impacts relationships, family dynamics, and athletic and school performance. After reading the novel, it is clear that the message behind the stories told is not only about drug use, but connects to a bigger social issue of how we can stop this cycle in teenage society.
