The Compelling Nature of “Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told” for Both Teens and Adults

Stacy A. Padula’s “Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told” stands out as a riveting piece of young adult fiction that resonates with both teenagers and adults alike. This novel, part of the award-winning Gripped series, delves into the complex world of adolescent struggles with substance abuse, relationships, and personal growth. Its appeal spansContinueContinue reading “The Compelling Nature of “Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told” for Both Teens and Adults”

Chris Dunkin and Lisa Ankerman: A Dance of Love, Addiction, and Recovery in the “Gripped” Series

In Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” series, the relationship between Chris Dunkin and Lisa Ankerman unfolds as a poignant narrative of love caught in the crossfires of addiction, mutual influence, and the arduous journey towards recovery. Their story is emblematic of the series’ deeper exploration into how personal relationships can both fuel destructive behaviors and serve asContinueContinue reading “Chris Dunkin and Lisa Ankerman: A Dance of Love, Addiction, and Recovery in the “Gripped” Series”

Chris Dunkin’s Best Character Trait in “Gripped” = Empathy

In Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” series, Chris Dunkin emerges as a character whose journey is both tumultuous and redemptive. Among his many traits, empathy stands out as his best character trait, a quality that not only defines his growth but also influences the narrative around him. This article explores how Chris’s empathy shapes his interactions, decisions,ContinueContinue reading “Chris Dunkin’s Best Character Trait in “Gripped” = Empathy”

The Unraveling of Cathy Kagelli: A Deep Dive into Her Mental Health in the “Gripped” Series

Cathy Kagelli’s journey through the “Gripped” series by Stacy Padula is a poignant narrative of how intertwined secrets, guilt, and familial bonds can profoundly impact mental health. Here’s an in-depth look into Cathy’s mental health issues, focusing on the pivotal moments that catalyze her descent into anxiety and depression. The Root of Anxiety: The SecretContinueContinue reading “The Unraveling of Cathy Kagelli: A Deep Dive into Her Mental Health in the “Gripped” Series”

Jordan Dunkin: A Journey from Reputation to Redemption

Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” series has captivated readers with its raw portrayal of addiction, family dynamics, and the search for redemption. Among the characters who undergo significant development, Jordan Dunkin stands out as the kindest and most likable, especially as readers delve deeper into the series. Here’s why Jordan, initially known for his less-than-stellar reputation, blossomsContinueContinue reading “Jordan Dunkin: A Journey from Reputation to Redemption”

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”

Chris Dunkin and Lisa Ankerman’s Relationship in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Series

The Gripped series by Stacy Padula delves deep into the lives of teenagers navigating the complexities of adolescence, including the trials of friendship, romance, and the looming shadow of substance abuse. Among the intertwining narratives, the relationship between Chris Dunkin and Lisa Ankerman stands out as a poignant tale of love, loss, and the struggleContinueContinue reading “Chris Dunkin and Lisa Ankerman’s Relationship in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Series”

Nicole Kroon Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Young Adults

Article by Nicole Kroon—North Andover, Massachusetts https://read.amazon.com/kp/card?preview=inline&linkCode=kpd&ref_=k4w_oembed_9dDMUMv4gozEV0&asin=B098FC3LWN&tag=kpembed-20 As a junior in high school, I would recommend the novel Taylor’s Story (Gripped Part 5) by Stacy Padula to young adults who are constantly being exposed to drugs and alcohol, and are at a higher risk of being tempted to try them. This book is an excellentContinueContinue reading “Nicole Kroon Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Young Adults”

Fordham University Graduate Reviews ‘When Darkness Tries to Hide’ by Stacy Padula

“This book throws the readers completely into the MLH world on a deeper level than ever before and makes for a quick read as you will not be able to put it down!” – Reilly Fournier

Y.A. Fiction Novel Expertly Juxtaposes the Internal & External Struggles of Being a Modern-day Teenager

Written by Reilly Fournier, Falmouth, Massachusetts In the premiere of the series “Montgomery Lake High: The Right Person,” author Stacy Padula expertly juxtaposes both the internal and external struggles of being and becoming a modern day teenager. https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004GKMHWO/ref=dbs_a_def_rwt_hsch_vapi_tkin_p1_i5 From addressing a growing drug epidemic amongst this generation to opening the door for conversations about self-reflectionContinueContinue reading “Y.A. Fiction Novel Expertly Juxtaposes the Internal & External Struggles of Being a Modern-day Teenager”

April Q&A with Notre Dame Academy’s Kate Peterson

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 to the Dominican republic this past summer to build houses for a community in need. With a great passion for psychology and science, she plans to major in neuroscience or health science in college. After reading the young adult novel Gripped Part 3: The Fallout by Stacy Padula, Kate was asked by the author to answer the following questions and provide honest teenage feedback.

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.

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”

Y.A. Fiction Novel Teaches Valuable Lessons in an Entertaining Way

Written by Kate Peterson, Hingham, MA The young adult book Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy Padula is a great read. It teaches many valuable lessons, ranging from friendship to drug addiction. Through the experiences of one of the main characters, it addresses the epidemic of opioids to teenagers in aContinueContinue reading “Y.A. Fiction Novel Teaches Valuable Lessons in an Entertaining Way”

Y.A. Fiction Novel Sends Important Message to Teen Readers

Written by Kate Peterson, Hingham, MA I recommend Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy Padula to middle school and high school students. They are the perfect age for this book because it relates so well to teenagers’ everyday lives. The characters are in their age group and going through tricky experiencesContinueContinue reading “Y.A. Fiction Novel Sends Important Message to Teen Readers”