Teenage Author Isabelle Semas Recommends Y.A. Suspense Novel

By Isabelle Semas, South Shore, Massachusetts Taylor Dunkin, former football star, is attempting to escape the drug distributing ring he is entangled in.  His life has been ruined by addiction, and he is ready to change.  Just when Taylor begins to work with police, he goes missing.  As his family members and friends piece togetherContinue reading “Teenage Author Isabelle Semas Recommends Y.A. Suspense Novel”

Isabelle Semas on the “Gripped 5” Characters

By Isabelle Semas, South Shore, Massachusetts After reading Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story by Stacy Padula, teen best-selling author Isabelle Semas was asked to share how her opinion of the main characters has changed throughout the story. Taylor At first, I thought Taylor was an evil, heartless person.  As the series has gone on, IContinue reading “Isabelle Semas on the “Gripped 5” Characters”

Teen Author Isabelle Semas Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Her Peers

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 and drama withinContinue reading “Teen Author Isabelle Semas Recommends “Taylor’s Story” to Her Peers”

Dynamic Characters Take Y.A. Readers by Surprise in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped 2: Blindsided”

By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA At the very beginning of the first book in Stacy Padula’s best-selling young adult series, Gripped, the reader gains a glimpse of where Taylor Dunkin ends up. Without any understanding of who he was before or how he wound up in his current predicament, it was easy to make assumptionsContinue reading “Dynamic Characters Take Y.A. Readers by Surprise in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped 2: Blindsided””

The Benefits of Reading Uncensored Y.A. Novels like “Gripped 2: Blindsided”

By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA Most books or T.V. series with a target audience of young teenagers pull back from showing the complete picture of teenage drug use and sexual activity. However, living life without knowing the complete picture and without an understanding of the repercussions can lead to very dangerous decisions. Life does notContinue reading “The Benefits of Reading Uncensored Y.A. Novels like “Gripped 2: Blindsided””

Gripped 4: The Drama, Mystery, & Uncertainty Kept Me Captivated from Cover to Cover

By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts The drama and mystery of “Gripped Part 4: Smoke & Mirrors” by Stacy A. Padula was engaging. The uncertainty of Taylor Dunkin’s plot mixed with the tension of Jason Davids’ and Cathy Kagelli’s storyline had me captivated from cover to cover.  I also enjoyed how this book delved more into theContinue reading “Gripped 4: The Drama, Mystery, & Uncertainty Kept Me Captivated from Cover to Cover”

Isabelle Semas on Gripped 3: The Fallout’s Main Characters

By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts Chris Dunkin’s Journey Chris’s story teaches readers that people can change. He tries to pull his life together and stop making bad decisions. Hopefully, readers will also learn from Chris’s journey about how much of an impact those you choose to be friends with has on you. Chris must distance himself from those whoContinue reading “Isabelle Semas on Gripped 3: The Fallout’s Main Characters”

New Young Adult Book Entertains, Educates, & Engages Teens and Parents

By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts The plot of “Gripped Part 3: The Fallout” by Stacy A. Padula handles subjects such as substance abuse and relationship problems, both of which are prevalent in the lives of young adults. This book shows how even those who think they are “experimenting” with drugs can become ensnared in a serious addiction,Continue reading “New Young Adult Book Entertains, Educates, & Engages Teens and Parents”

Xaverian Brothers Senior Reviews Stacy Padula’s “Gripped 2: Blindsided”

By Joe Siracusa—Braintree, Massachusetts The novel Gripped Part 2: Blindsided by Stacy A. Padula portrays the damaged relationships of many characters as a result of drug and alcohol abuse. When Taylor, the older brother of Marc and Jordan, begins to attempt recovering from addiction, he has to also deal with the drug epidemic he hasContinue reading “Xaverian Brothers Senior Reviews Stacy Padula’s “Gripped 2: Blindsided””

Young Adult Book Teaches Teens the Importance of Choosing Relationships Wisely

By Isabelle Semas, Massachusetts “Gripped Part 2: Blindsided” by Stacy A. Padula unveils the raw truth behind prescription and recreational drug addiction. These topics—though uncomfortable to speak about with young teens—are far too prevalent in our society to be ignored. The Gripped series portrays exactly how this process takes place through an engaging storyline.  By reading thisContinue reading “Young Adult Book Teaches Teens the Importance of Choosing Relationships Wisely”

An Enjoyable & Informative Way For Teens to Learn about the Dangers of Drug Abuse

By Joe Siracusa—Braintree, Massachusetts As seen in “Gripped Part 2: Blindsided” by Stacy A. Padula, drug use and sexual intercourse are very present in high school culture. Reading this book as a senior in high school is a very enjoyable and informative way to learn about the dangers of these topics. The whole Gripped series shouldContinue reading “An Enjoyable & Informative Way For Teens to Learn about the Dangers of Drug Abuse”

Q&A with Samantha Waxman on Stacy Padula’s Novel “When Darkness Tries to Hide”

Samantha is a senior at Oliver Ames High School in Easton, MA. Some of her hobbies include cheering for her high school’s team, hanging out with friends, and spending time with her dog Rosie. Samantha’s favorite subject in school is history, and she is excited to start her senior year. October 25, 2018—Easton, Massachusetts 1.Continue reading “Q&A with Samantha Waxman on Stacy Padula’s Novel “When Darkness Tries to Hide””

YA Novel “The Right Person” by Stacy Padula Guides Teens Through the Confusing World of High School

Going into your first year of high school is a historically stressful, confusing, scary experience. Surrounded by new faces, new perspectives, and new ideas, it is easy for a young impressionable teenager to be tempted to go against their morals and change themselves in an effort to fit in and make a good impression on their classmates, even if they know it’s not the right thing to do. The Right Person, by Stacy Padula, perfectly represents this internal conflict by entering the minds of a group of incoming freshman at Montgomery Lake High as they come across new obstacles in their social lives, much unlike what they experienced in middle school.

Q & A with Montana Aldridge of Plymouth North High School

Montana Aldridge of Plymouth, Massachusetts is a rising senior at Plymouth North High School. She was asked to share her thoughts on Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person – a young adult novel by Stacy Padula. The Montgomery Lake High book series addresses teenage social issues commonly faced in high school and middle school.Continue reading “Q & A with Montana Aldridge of Plymouth North High School”

Q & A with Norwell High School’s Jack Gallagher on Montgomery Lake High Book #1: The Right Person

Q. How do you personally relate to the story? A. I personally can relate to this story in many different ways. In my career as a student at Norwell High School I have personally witnessed underage drinking and drug use during school hours and after school hours. There is also in the book the peopleContinue reading “Q & A with Norwell High School’s Jack Gallagher on Montgomery Lake High Book #1: The Right Person”

Montana Aldridge on Montgomery Lake High #1 by Stacy Padula

– Written by Montana Aldridge, Class of 2019, Plymouth North High School, Plymouth, Massachusetts I was enlightened by the overall theme of this book. It provided me with real life examples of the tough decisions that I will come across as I grow older. The message this book relayed to me was that it isContinue reading “Montana Aldridge on Montgomery Lake High #1 by Stacy Padula”

Jack Gallagher Reviews Book #1 in the Montgomery Lake High Young Adult Series by Stacy Padula

A rising high school junior at Norwell High School in Massachusetts reviews Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person by Stacy Padula: As a high school student myself I have a personal connection to this book. The way that the use of drugs and alcohol are presented in this book are unfortunately truthful. As youContinue reading “Jack Gallagher Reviews Book #1 in the Montgomery Lake High Young Adult Series by Stacy Padula”

Q&A with Caroline Forbes about The Right Person by Stacy Padula

Providing a teen’s perspective on Montgomery Lake High #1: The Right Person, Caroline Forbes is about to begin her senior year at Needham High School in Needham, Massachusetts… What do you believe influenced Courtney to turn away from her morals in order to feel accepted? I believe tht Courtney turned from her morals because sheContinue reading “Q&A with Caroline Forbes about The Right Person by Stacy Padula”

A Rising High School Senior’s Take on “The Right Person” by Stacy Padula

The Right Person by Stacy Padula focuses on the ins and outs of high school drama. Giving you a look into the world of teenagers. The parties, the relationships, the drinking. In the book, a group of high school freshman struggle to find themselves and use outlets they never would imagine. The characters are soContinue reading “A Rising High School Senior’s Take on “The Right Person” by Stacy Padula”

Caroline Forbes Reviews The 1st Book in the Montgomery Lake High Young Adult Book Series

I recommend this book too pre-teens and teenagers who will begin to go through these troubling years soon. Seeing Courtney and Chris’ point of view on entering high school is a good way to prepare yourself. Sticking to your morals is a huge lesson throughout the novel, as well as trying to change your bad habits when entering a new environment.