Gripped Part 1 - (The Gripped) 3rd Edition by Stacy A Padula (Paperback)

About the Book

"A riveting read from start to finish, 'Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told' is especially and unreservedly recommended for middle school, high school, and community library YA Fiction collections." - Midwest Book Review

Book Synopsis

The Gold Winner for "Best Teen Book" in the Readers' Choice Book Awards, now being adapted for TV by Emmy award-winning producer Mark Blutman!

"A riveting read from start to finish, 'Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told' by author Stacy A. Padula is especially and unreservedly recommended for middle school, high school, and community library YA Fiction collections." - Midwest Book Review

In high school, Taylor Dunkin broke more records than any other athlete to step foot in Montgomery, Massachusetts. As a sophomore in college, he was ranked by ESPN as one of the NFL's top 100 prospects. However, his aspirations came to a jarring halt when a season-ending injury sent him spiraling into a dark world of pain, depression, and addiction.

One year later, Taylor is a person of interest in a highly confidential investigation headed by the Boston Police Department. He has entangled himself in a crime ring notorious for pushing drugs on local college campuses. Montgomery's hometown hero has fallen hard, and he's taking a lot of people down with him.

Luke Davids has become the middleman between Taylor and teens in Montgomery who want to buy drugs. Freshmen Cathy Kagelli, Chris Dunkin, and Jason Davids are just a few of the students at Montgomery Lake High who have fallen victim to the benzos and opiates supplied by Taylor and Luke.

When Taylor's youngest brother Marc discovers that Taylor is behind the copious amount of pills circulating around his high school, he sets off to not only reverse the damage Taylor has caused, but also save his lifelong role model from becoming a casualty of America's deadly opioid epidemic.

Review Quotes

"Although a brilliantly crafted work of fiction, 'Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told' will resonate with the reader as being accurately reflecting similar drug/alcohol related tragedies well known to the sports community of baseball, football, and basketball players. A riveting read from start to finish, 'Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told' by author Stacy A. Padula is especially and unreservedly recommended for middle school, high school, and community library YA Fiction collections." - Midwest Book Review

"Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told is a tragic tale of one young man's descent into a vicious cycle of depression and drug addiction. The book shows the devastating impact of drug addiction, not only on Taylor, but on everyone around him, his friends, family and loved ones, as well as the wider community. This is a compelling and gripping novel, with an important message. The book shows the stark reality of life as a teenager, the many pressures they experience growing up in today's society, and the deadly opioid epidemic that is sweeping the nation. An essential read for any young person or adult." - Readers' Choice Book Awards

"Gripped is perfect for Middle School and High School students, as well as their parents. It is an educational, yet entertaining narrative that highlights the growing problem of addiction in the U.S and just how easy it is for harmless fun to take a dark turn, regardless of who you are or where you come from." - E. Harvey, Emerson College

"Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy A. Padula is a fast-paced and complex novel perfect for tweens, teens, and parents that is hard to put down." - K. Nally, Boston College

"Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy Padula is book that I could not be put down due to its unique character web and thorough storyline. This book introduces the consequences that come with taking drugs, and this could hopefully reduce the likelihood of students utilizing drugs throughout their education. I loved this book both because it was powerful and thorough, yet easy to follow." - K. Banker, University of Miami

"Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told by Stacy Padula quite literally 'grips' the reader into the story, resulting in the inability to put the book down. It transports readers to the mysterious, yet intriguing realm of young adults, teaching valuable lessons in a journey through the pages." - O. Syat, University of Illinois

"With the opioid epidemic at an all time high, it is important that teens educate themselves on the dangers that drugs bring, and this book does a great job at providing an in depth look on the consequences of getting involved in dangerous, illegal substances." - S. Coggeshall, University of Notre Dame