College Junior Shares Thoughts on Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Characters

Written by Kyle Banker, University of Miami After reading Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors by Stacy Padula, Kyle Banker was asked, How has your opinion of the Gripped series’ main characters evolved overtime? Luke I think Luke has developed stronger positive intentions with his life after reflecting on his past as a drug supplier. IContinueContinue reading “College Junior Shares Thoughts on Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Characters”

The Most Thrilling Gripped Novel Yet: Taylor’s Story

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”

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””

“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”

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”

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”

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’”

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 themContinueContinue 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 manyContinueContinue 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 whenContinueContinue 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 yourContinueContinue 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 theContinueContinue 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 Stacy Padula & Jenna Finnerty 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 soContinueContinue reading “UNH Sophomore Jenna Finnerty’s Thoughts on the “Gripped” Characters”

Relatable Characters Make Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Book Series a Teen Favorite

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 InContinueContinue reading “Relatable Characters Make Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Book Series a Teen Favorite”

“Gripped” By Stacy Padula: “An Addictive Read”

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 TheContinueContinue reading ““Gripped” By Stacy Padula: “An Addictive Read””

“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”

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”

Gripped on “Gripped” – Why Teens Will Love This New Book Series

As a young adult, I can relate to Gripped by Stacy A. Padula because I have witnessed firsthand some of the same issues within my own high school and friend group that the characters in the story have been through. I am at an age where the curiosity of experimentation along with peer pressure drive people to try things and do things that often lead to difficult and even dangerous consequences, and I have seen how one bad decision can lead to an immense amount of turmoil, as experienced by several of the characters in Gripped.