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”

The Significance of Cathy Kagelli’s Journey, Arc, and Relationships in the “Gripped” Series

Cathy & Chantal Cathy & Jason Cathy Kagelli’s role in Stacy A. Padula’s “Gripped” series is pivotal, not only for her personal growth but also for the thematic depth she brings to the narrative. Her journey through the complexities of substance abuse, particularly with anxiety medications like Xanax and Klonopin, her evolving relationships, and herContinueContinue reading “The Significance of Cathy Kagelli’s Journey, Arc, and Relationships in the “Gripped” Series”

Jordan Dunkin: The Unseen Hero of Kindness in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Series

In Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” series, where the narrative is steeped in the trials of addiction, family dynamics, and personal redemption, Jordan Dunkin emerges as a character whose journey is often overshadowed by his more notorious actions. However, a closer examination reveals that beneath his troubled exterior lies one of the series’ most compassionate and kind-heartedContinueContinue reading “Jordan Dunkin: The Unseen Hero of Kindness in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Series”

Chantal Kagelli: The Unsung Hero of “Montgomery Lake High” – A Case for Her as the Best Character

In Stacy Padula’s “Montgomery Lake High” series, a cast of diverse, complex characters navigates the tumultuous landscape of teenage life, with its trials of faith, friendship, and personal integrity. Among these, Chantal Kagelli emerges not just as a participant in the narrative but as a pivotal figure whose actions, decisions, and moral compass make herContinueContinue reading “Chantal Kagelli: The Unsung Hero of “Montgomery Lake High” – A Case for Her as the Best Character”

The Intricate Dance of Love and Redemption: Courtney Angeletti and Chris Dunkin’s Relationship in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” and “Montgomery Lake High” Series

Stacy Padula’s entwined series, “Gripped” and “Montgomery Lake High,” weave a complex narrative tapestry where characters navigate the tumultuous waters of adolescence, with Courtney Angeletti and Chris Dunkin’s relationship serving as a focal point for themes of love, rebellion, redemption, and spiritual awakening. This article explores the evolution of their relationship across both series, highlightingContinueContinue reading “The Intricate Dance of Love and Redemption: Courtney Angeletti and Chris Dunkin’s Relationship in Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” and “Montgomery Lake High” Series”

The Literary Journey and Success of Stacy Padula: A Beacon in Young Adult Literature

Stacy Padula has carved out a significant place in the literary world, particularly within the young adult (YA) genre, with her insightful narratives on teen life, substance abuse, and the quest for redemption. Her success as an author is not just measured by sales or accolades but by the impact her stories have had onContinueContinue reading “The Literary Journey and Success of Stacy Padula: A Beacon in Young Adult Literature”

Stacy Padula: Weaving Faith into the Fabric of Literature

Stacy A. Padula, an acclaimed author known for her “Gripped” and “Montgomery Lake High” series, has made a name for herself not only through her storytelling but also through the integration of her Christian faith into her work. Padula’s journey of faith is not just a personal one but one that she shares with herContinueContinue reading “Stacy Padula: Weaving Faith into the Fabric of Literature”

The Unbreakable Grip: What Makes Stacy Padula’s Gripped Series So Compelling

Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” series stands out in the realm of young adult literature, not just for its setting in the tumultuous world of high school but for its unflinching exploration of drug addiction among teenagers. This article delves into the elements that make the “Gripped” series a gripping, must-read saga. Realism and Authenticity Gritty DepictionContinueContinue reading “The Unbreakable Grip: What Makes Stacy Padula’s Gripped Series So Compelling”

Dive Into the Depths of “The Forces Within” by Stacy Padula

Are you ready to embark on a journey where the boundaries between the physical and the supernatural blur? Look no further than “The Forces Within” by the captivating author, Stacy Padula. In this spellbinding novel, Padula masterfully intertwines the complexities of human emotion with the mystique of the paranormal, creating a narrative that grips youContinueContinue reading “Dive Into the Depths of “The Forces Within” by Stacy Padula”

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”

Mackenzie Wells on Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Characters

By Mackenzie Wells, Athens, GA After reading Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story, Mackenzie was asked to share her honest opinions of the characters and how they have changed since the beginning of the series. Taylor After reading Gripped 5, I think that Taylor is a really good kid who was dealt a bad hand andContinueContinue reading “Mackenzie Wells on Stacy Padula’s “Gripped” Characters”

Oliver Ames ’21 Graduate Recommends Y.A. Novel to High Schoolers

By Emily Han, College of William & Mary As a college freshman, I would recommend Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story by Stacy Padula to any teenagers who are about to or are going through high school. I would also recommend it to parents who have kids going through high school or college. This book approaches importantContinueContinue reading “Oliver Ames ’21 Graduate Recommends Y.A. Novel to High Schoolers”

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.

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”

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.