Angelina Tzeng

Gripped Part 2 by Stacy Padula was super intense- in a good way. I couldn’t stop reading once I got into it. Chris Dunkin, who seemed like just a fun, popular guy in the first book, really changes in this one. You find out that he’s been dealing with a lot emotionally, and it makes sense why he starts going down a darker path. It was sad, but also eye-opening. I liked how the book didn’t sugarcoat anything. It shows how addiction doesn’t just happen overnight and how it can affect everyone around you, not just the person using. The flashbacks were a cool way to see how things built up for Chris, and I started to feel bad for him even when he made bad choices. It felt real, like these could be kids from any school. This book is definitely worth reading if you’re in high school. It gets you thinking about how easy it is to get caught up in bad situations and how important it is to check in on your friends. I can’t wait to read the next one- I need to know what happens next.

Gripped Part 1 is a raw and captivating look into the pressures faced by high school students and the struggles that come with addiction and peer influence. Stacy Padula crafted a world where characters are deeply complex, and their choices are shaped by both internal and external forces. The book shows the realities of substance abuse, with a focus on empathy, self-awareness, and a relationship with God all from the Young Adult point of view. The story doesn’t sugarcoat anything and is an honest portrayal of how drugs and alcohol can alter the course of a student/young person’s life. The relationships between characters, especially the dynamics between Cathy and her twin sister Chantal, will keep readers hooked as they explore the emotional depth of each individual’s journey. What makes Gripped Part 1 stand out is its ability to present difficult topics with realism. From family relationships to drugs and alcohol, Padula provides a platform for readers to reflect on their own lives and relationships, making it not just a compelling story but a thought-provoking one. The way the characters evolve throughout the book keeps you invested, and the cliffhanger ending ensures that readers will be eagerly awaiting the next book. This is a must-read for anyone looking to understand the complexities of adolescence, addiction, and the impact of choices, and Young Adults looking for a book to resonate with. Padula’s storytelling is both powerful and meaningful, making Gripped Part 1 a book that should go on everyone’s “to read” list!