Tag: Young adult books

Mackenzie Wells Analyzes Key Relationships in Stacy Padula’s Gripped Book Series

By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA In "Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors" by Stacy Padula, I loved seeing the dynamic between the three Dunkin brothers (Taylor, Jordan, and Marc), especially now as they are changing for the better. I think there have always been redeeming qualities in Marc’s relationship with Taylor. Even when Taylor was at … Continue reading Mackenzie Wells Analyzes Key Relationships in Stacy Padula’s Gripped Book Series

The Thrilling Search for Answers in Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors

By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA The fourth book in Stacy Padula's Gripped series will be captivating to anyone who likes mysteries or a thrilling search for answers. I believe “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors” will still appeal to the same audience as the first three books while also drawing new readers to the series with … Continue reading The Thrilling Search for Answers in Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors

Mackenzie Wells Reviews “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors” by Stacy Padula

By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA In the fourth installment of Stacy Padula’s Gripped Book series, the stakes are higher as Taylor Dunkin struggles to save himself and protect the ones he loves. He never knew that a slippery slope could cause him to fall into such a pit of despair. As he tries to pull … Continue reading Mackenzie Wells Reviews “Gripped 4: Smoke & Mirrors” by Stacy Padula

Faith Shines Through When Darkness Tries to Hide by Lindsay Rourke

Written by Lindsay Rourke, Kingston, MA In Stacy Padula’s first book The Right Person, protagonist Chris Dunkin was in search of fulfillment and quickly realized that his void was not going to be filled with drugs, alcohol, or partying. Rather, he was in need of a spiritual uplift, which he found in his relationship and commitment … Continue reading Faith Shines Through When Darkness Tries to Hide by Lindsay Rourke

The Highly Intriguing Book Teens Won’t Want to Put Down

By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA Intrigued. That's the best word to describe how I felt as I read Stacy Padula's "Gripped 3: The Fallout." Honestly, I was intrigued by the increasing police interventions, both at the teenagers’ parties and in Taylor Dunkin’s case as it progresses. The very real likelihood of the law catching up … Continue reading The Highly Intriguing Book Teens Won’t Want to Put Down

Here’s Why Parents of Teens Need to Read The Gripped Book Series

By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA "Gripped 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.  Even more than the past two books, “Gripped Part 3” demonstrates … Continue reading Here’s Why Parents of Teens Need to Read The Gripped Book Series

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

Mackenzie Wells 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 … Continue 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”

Mackenzie Wells 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 … Continue reading The Benefits of Reading Uncensored Y.A. Novels like “Gripped 2: Blindsided”

Sophia Karnolt Reviews “The Battle for Innocence” by Stacy Padula

Sophia Karnolt Written By Sophia Karnolt, Kingston, MA I recommend "The Battle for Innocence" by Stacy Padula to anyone who is about to enter high school because it highlights the importance of keeping your morals and staying true to what you believe. Peer Pressure is a big encounter that many people entering high school experience … Continue reading Sophia Karnolt Reviews “The Battle for Innocence” by Stacy Padula