The Right Person

Montgomery Lake High #1

by Stacy A. Padula

Growing up in the shadow of two NFL-destined cousins, Chris Dunkin has high hopes for his own future in football. However, a drug addiction threatens to destroy everything he has worked hard to attain. When Chris meets Courtney Angeletti–the mayor’s straightedge Christian daughter–he believes she could be the source of inspiration he needs to overcome his destructive lifestyle. Courtney, however, has other ideas.

The desire to rebel has been tugging on Courtney’s heartstrings for some time, and Chris’s “bad-boy” reputation draws her to him like a moth to a flame. After all, he is a central part of the most popular clique in her high school. Will Chris pull Courtney away from her faith or will Courtney inspire him to overcome his addiction?

Genres: Fiction, Young Adult

153 pages, ebook

First published June 24, 2010

About the author

Stacy Padula grew up in Pembroke, Massachusetts. She is the founder of Briley & Baxter Publications, the founder of South Shore College Consulting & Tutoring, a co-founder of BLE Pictures, and the author of thirteen books. She began writing her first book series, Montgomery Lake High, when she was a teenager because she saw a need for realistic Y.A. books that address topics such as substance abuse and bullying. Between 2010-2014 all five Montgomery Lake High books were published. In 2017, she began writing her second series, Gripped, which serves as both a prequel and sequel to her first series. Gripped parts 1-5 were published between 2019-2021. She is currently writing part 6. In 2019, she also wrote her first screenplay, an adaptation of her novel The Aftermath, and worked on writing a pilot for Gripped, which caught the attention of Hollywood producers.

In 2020, she began writing a third book series with NBA Coach Brett Gunning. Geared towards children ages three through eight, Stacy and Brett’s On The Right Path book series has been endorsed by Joel Osteen, Mike D’Antoni, and Kevin McHale as a series that belongs in every school, library, and household. Both Stacy’s Gripped series and On the Right Path series are currently being adapted for TV by Emmy award winning producer Mark Blutman.

Stacy has been featured in Marquis Who’s Who in America (2018-Present) for excellence in literature and education, Marquis Who’s Who in the World (2018-Present), and Cambridge Who’s Who for Young Professionals (2009). In 2018, she was awarded the Albert Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award, and in 2019, the International Association of Top Professionals (IAOTP of New York, NY) chose Stacy as its “Top Educational Consultant of the Year.”

In 2020, she was named “Empowered Woman of the Year” by IAOTP and a “Social Impact Hero” by Authority Magazine for her support of animal rescues through her publishing company. She was also chosen to be on the cover of T.I.P. Magazine, an international business publication.

In June of 2021, Stacy was featured on the famous Reuters Building in Times Square as Empowered Woman of the Year. In 2022, she was named “Top Inspirational Author of the Year” and was honored at a gala at the Bellagio in Las Vegas in December. She was also broadcast for her award on the Planet Hollywood Jumbotron overlooking the Las Vegas Strip. Her novel Gripped Part 5: Taylor’s Story won the Silver Award and Gripped Part 1: The Truth We Never Told won the Gold Award for “Best Teen Book” in the 2022 Readers’ Choice Awards.

For 2023, Stacy has been named “Top Global Impact Author of the Year” for her literary work on several continents, and she will be honored at a gala at The Plaza in New York City. In addition, she was chosen to be featured in an international publication titled 50 Fearless Leaders for 2023. She also was asked to serve as a judge for the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards, the nation’s oldest and most prestigious contest for creative young adults, sponsored by Bloomberg Philanthropies, The New York Times, and Scholastic.

Reviews

[Charlotte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Right Person, the first book in the Montgomery Lake High book series by Stacy Padula, chronicles the difficulties faced all too commonly by high school students. As the story follows a group of friends - some new, some old - as they navigate the beginnings of freshman year, the reader is quickly drawn to two of the main characters, Courtney and Chris.

All throughout middle school and even the summer leading up to ninth grade, Courtney is a person of integrity and great faith. She has no issue standing up for her religious beliefs and saying no to the peer pressure to indulge in drugs and alcohol. However, like many new high schoolers, Courtney is drawn away from her convictions and swept into the world of popularity and the pressures of fitting in. Consumed with the desire to be liked by her new boyfriend Chris and his party going friends, Courtney abandons everything that she once stood for. Chris, on the other hand, begins the story as a diehard party goer and is rarely sober. However, upon reflection on his own life Chris begins to see God in his life again - not through his own actions, but the influence another person has on his life.

This story very accurately details the pressures teenagers face and the feeling that fitting in and loving God may not seem to go together. I think many high schoolers, especially those feeling consumed by the constant social pressure, will be able to relate to the ups and downs the characters in The Right Person face. Their struggles with the sudden prevalence of drugs and alcohol in Montgomery Lake is very real to new high schoolers suddenly faced with these difficult choices. I would recommend this book to all teenagers, but especially those struggling with drug or alcohol abuse or those who feel they might be at risk of future abuse.

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story describes a typical friend group, one that everyone is able to relate to and apply to their own life. Everyday teenagers are forced to make decisions that question and test their morality and this story uses the example of partying to illustrate the different choices one can make and the different outcomes that those choices result in. The temptation of alcohol and drugs is very prevalent in the lives of teenagers and only grows as one enters high school and college. The realistic descriptions throughout the story accurately portray some of the intimate conversations that teenagers have with friends, boyfriends or girlfriends, and family.

The fact that this is a universal story is the most appealing thing about the book. It also focuses on teenage relationships which are very appealing to middle school and high school aged students. Teenagers often look to movies, tv, and books and apply the lessons or stories they see to their own lives. This book focuses on a love story and various relationships which makes it a very entertaining, yet still educational read, including elements of both drama and comedy which grasp the attention of the target audience. The character development is also very appealing and creates a story that is able to resonate to teenagers.

Every teenager around the world will at some point in their life deal with a moral crisis, such as how to handle going to a party, and this book does a great job at creating a world and characters that are very relatable, drawing the reader in and making them very invested in the storyline. Additionally the detailed descriptions of every character and the setting in which the story takes place add to the intrigue of the entire story and made me want to keep reading more.

[Kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

High School can be a difficult time in one’s life and presents unfamiliar situations and temptations that challenge one’s morals. Parties, peer pressure, and popularity can become an attraction and lead students away from God. The Right Person, by Stacy Padula, tells the story of a group of freshmen at Montgomery Lake High as they confront these same obstacles faced as many other high school students around the world.

The story focuses mainly on Chris: an athletic, partier who has spent the past two years reliant on alcohol and drugs. As freshman year begins, Chris finds himself becoming tiresome of his partying ways and looking for something more. He is influenced by his new girlfriend Courtney; a girl who is firm on her morals and opposition to drugs and alcohol. Courtney, however, intrigued by this new surrounding becomes absorbed into the party scene of Chris’ friends and sacrifices her values to fit in.

This book depicts the struggles many kids encounter during their high school years through the eyes of compelling characters. I recommend this book to both students currently in high school and middle schoolers preparing for these tricky years. It is a reminded of God’s presence in our lives and the importance of seeking strength through him in times of uncertainty.

[Lynn Dove · Rating 5 out of 5]

I can't believe I had this book sitting on my shelf unread for so long! Fast paced, edgy, a page-turner! Now that I've read the first book of the series, I am looking forward to reading the second book. Stacy has captured the teenaged angst well in her books. Her characters are believable and I found myself drawn into the story.
Well done!

[Montana · Rating 5 out of 5]

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 is important not to loose focus of your morals, and that is an important life lesson that this book portrayed in an amusing, way.
There was many twists throughout the book, that were exciting and intriguing, yet realistic for what teenage expectations of high school should be. Each character evolved throughout the story, some in positive ways, some in negative ways. I enjoyed the depth to each character their was. It enabled me to get very involved in the book, and at times made me feel as if I was the character, and had to make their tough choices myself. The different outcomes of the decisions made by the characters allowed me to learn from their mistakes, making me feel as if I had suddenly gained wisdom and experiences.
This story always captivated my full attention, with it’s uniqueness. In past stories I have read there has been the typical climate throughout the whole book, then the plot and resolution. What was different about the style of this book, was that there were multiple plots throughout the book. The roller coaster of events left me wanting to read more, and kept me from putting the book down and getting bored. After finishing this book I have been left excited to read the next book!

[Teen Book Blogger · Rating 5 out of 5]

This story is about a high school freshman named Chris Dunkin, who, along with most of his friends, has been pulled into the party life where drugs, alcohol, and popularity seems to be all that matters until he meets a girl who seems to be different. He feels drawn to her, but doesn’t figure out what drew him to her until their lives take a reverse role, that it was the life of Christ in her that was drawing Chris.

To everyone’s amazement, Chris, the class partier, turns his life over to Jesus Christ and everyone witnesses a dramatic change in him.

The author’s purpose is to clearly show the awesome and amazing power God will have in transforming the life of anyone who repents and turns his life over to him. Regardless of one’s past.

The book covers many themes dealing with teen peer pressure, drugs, alcohol, popularity, friendship, and even depression.

I loved the Biblical teachings where a teen can understand them in today’s examples

[LKD1803 · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Right Person” by Stacy A. Padula takes an in-depth look at the obstacles and pressures an average teenager faces in their lives. It focuses on all the major issues a freshman faces as they enter the battlefield known as high school.

From peer pressure to drug use to early dating, moral, and faith issues, this book exposes how these issues can lead someone to compromise their morals and doubt their faith in their quest to be accepted.

The main point and recurring theme of this book is the strength and moral grounding that is needed to navigate the troubled waters that our youth face today, that it can only be found in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.

I enjoyed this book tremendously. It brought me to the front lines of what our young teenagers are facing. It also made me realize some moral issues in my own life that I am compromising to gain acceptance.

[Cynthia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book “The Right Person”, by Stacy Padula, is an excellent novel for adolescents going through the stress and pressure of growing up. The book describes the story of a group of teenagers who undergo the numerous changes of a growing teenager. The story focuses mainly on Chris: an athletic, partier who has spent the past two years reliant on alcohol and drugs. He is influenced by his new girlfriend Courtney; a girl who is firm on her morals and opposition to drugs and alcohol. Courtney, however, intrigued by this new surrounding becomes absorbed into the party scene of Chris’ friends and sacrifices her values to fit in. Along with the two main characters, each character experiences a different aspect of growing up whether it is learning how to overcome peer pressure when faced with temptation, choosing between maintaining moral values and being popular, and managing making and losing friends. The book provides an accurate description of how difficult life can be during middle and high school and emphasizes the importance of sticking true to yourself and maintaining the same moral values. This story is a great read for adolescents as it is extremely relatable as they may be going through the same struggles as the characters in the novel.
As a teenager, I can personally relate to this story as it emphasizes the struggle of being a teenager with trying to fit in, reject peer pressure, and retain the same moral values. During middle and high school, it is extremely difficult to find friends who will want to be with you if they do not share the same moral standards with you. Additionally, kids in middle and high school can be extremely pressuring when it comes to drinking/ doing drugs, and may only want to be with people who endure in that kind of behavior. As a teenager, part of growing up is learning how to make friends who will accept and you and respect your moral values and it is important not to get too caught up in pressure and stress from social hierarchy.
Overall, I highly recommend this novel to any teenagers who may be experiencing these same challenges as they undergo the changes of becoming an adult. Additionally, I feel it would be very beneficial for parents of adolescents to read as well in order to get a sense of the perspective of a child this age, and know how easy it is to slip into the wrong habits. I feel it is extremely relatable and provides a great insight into what life is like during high school, and can provide advice about how to handle specific situations.

[Sophia · Rating 5 out of 5]

The book The Right Person by Stacy Padula is one that reflects the hardships and choices throughout high school. The desire to fit in and be popular leads to many poor choices within the book. Obstacles such as partying, drugs, and alcohol use characterize the novel. The characters are faced with choosing whether to party to fit in or follow their hearts and do what they know is right. Throughout the book you meet many characters who are changed and define themselves by the decisions they have chosen to make.
The two main characters in the story are Courtney Angeletti and Chris Dunkin. Courtney is first known as being the perfect mayor’s daughter, while Chris is remembered for his crazy parties. When these two become a couple their influences on each other cause them to switch roles. Chris realizes he is letting his life go to waste and stops wanting to attend parties, drinking, and doing drugs. On the other hand, Courtney has become completely wrapped up in her newfound popularity and will do anything it takes to fit in. With the help of God these characters struggle to get their lives on track.
This book informs you of the difficulties faced throughout high school and provides many life lessons. This story is relatable to any high school and something many students can connect with. It is a quick and easy read that will have you on the edge of your seat. I highly recommend this to any high school students or soon to be high school students. There are many things you can take away from this book that could even help guide you in your own life.

[Georgia Dakoyannis · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Right Person of the MLH series was an exceptional book which I highly recommend to teens and preteens. It was nice to read a book about topics that I could relate to, compared to the typical, heavy English literature books that I am assigned to read in my AP-Lang class at school. I found the book very interesting and I was always wanting to read more. The book provides a very accurate description of the situations that occur in high school and similar to “real life,” I could not wait to see what would happen next.
Throughout the book it shows examples of friendship issues, boy issues, and substance issues. These are things that every high schooler can relate to and is also exposed to. The book shows teens how to deal with these issues and eventually emerge with a positive outcome. This book would help preteens to prepare for true high school experiences, instead of the way it is sometimes glamorized in movies or TV shows. There are many different characters in the book and each one is going through something different, whether it is a boyfriend predicament, friendship dilema, or drug problem. This makes the book more understandable to a wider audience, and can help show kids that they are not alone.
Additionally, The Right Person, through its them of being influenced, can also teach teens the consequences of our actions. Things we say or do affects other people. Even though sometimes we feel very self-focused, this book shows us that we have the power to influence others and should also be aware of the way others can influence us. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series!

[Caroline Forbes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Starting high school and becoming a young adult can present many challenges and difficult choices. At this time, you are trying to find yourself and choose what kind of person you want to be. The Right Person, by Stacy Padula, tells the story about a group of incoming high school freshman at Montgomery Lake High School. Alcohol, peer pressure, and partying causes lots of drama and decisions throughout the book, which relates to many high schoolers today.
The story focuses on Courtney, a religious, good girl who begins to break her morals when she starts dating party-crazy Chris. Although, Courtney’s religious values start rubbing off on Chris, and he begins to want something more than just drinking and partying in his life. The opposite begins the happen to Courtney, as she begins to wonder about the partying lifestyle, and starts to lean farther away from her stern morals.
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.

[Reilly · Rating 5 out of 5]

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. From addressing a growing drug epidemic amongst this generation to opening the door for conversations about self-reflection and development/maintenance of a religious or spiritual relationship with God, Padula doesn’t shy away from the real everyday battles young adults are currently facing.

The story is packed with comical references and details that will make any teen blush from relatability. Small inclusions such as references to needing a “bus note” from a parent to see a friend after school and traveling as a convoy to retrieve food from the lunch-line demonstrate Padula’s insight into the realities of high school life. But, amongst the finer details, her story also offers a critical perspective to parents of how teenage-dom has changed with the new generations. (And how it, in some ways, hasn’t changed at all!)

This first installment of the Montgomery Lake High series easily earns a 5-star review. The variety of characters, with overlapping friendships and familial ties, allows any reader to find familiarity and comfort in one character, while also being challenged by the perspective of another. I cannot wait to continue reading this series and more books by Stacy Padula!

[eva · Rating 5 out of 5]

“The Right Person” by Stacy A. Padula follows Chris Dunkin as he navigates the daunting social world of high school. In the prologue, Chris paints a picture of the story before readers get a chance to witness the plot unfold. He claims that “It’s somewhat of a teenage love story– packed tightly, of course, with all the unimportant drama you’d expect from high school freshmen– but more importantly it is a story of trial, inspiration, revelation, and death.” These words perfectly summarize the story within the pages that follow.
The first draft of “The Right Person” was written when Padula was only thirteen years old. This small detail is a key factor in why the book is so impactful; the words on the page are a direct reflection of the mind of a teenager. This gives the story a very authentic feel, and makes it extremely relatable to an adolescent audience. While other forms of media today may overly romanticize the teenage years, this book shows an honest depiction of a teenager’s struggle to fit in and navigate friendships and romantic relationships.
The story’s main theme is the power of friendship, and how people can make lasting impacts on our lives. Characters get into fights, have falling outs, and lead each other down the wrong paths– just as many teenagers do in their lives– but ultimately, they come together and reflect on their experiences, and allow themselves to learn from their mistakes. At the end of the novel, Chris says, “I can’t honestly guess many of the events will mean anything to me five years from now, but I know the friendships will.”

[Michaella Barcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Montgomery Lake High: 1 by Stacy Padula is a fantastic coming of age story following Chris Dunkin and his friends who struggle with dating, partying, drinking, and drugs. At a young age, Chris Dunkin was introduced to partying, drugs, and alcohol by his older cousins. By the time he becomes a freshman at Montgomery Lake High, he realizes he has a serious problem and needs to change his life. When Chris meets Courtney, the mayor’s straight-laced daughter, he believes she can help lead him to a better place in his life. However, while Chris hopes Courtney can help him become a better person, Courtney hopes Chris can help her become part of the popular crowd.

Montgomery Lake High: 1 explores how good kids can fall into bad habits. This book explores the struggles of peer pressure teens face in high school and the need to fit into a new environment that will make people do things they never thought they were capable of. Can Chris Dunkin make the sacrifices he must make to have a better life, or will he fall back into the life of partying and drug use? Will Courtney see the consequences of her actions? Find out in Montgomery Lake High:1.

[Stephanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I try to be gentle with my reviews of Goodreads Giveaway wins, especially with new or generally not-well-known authors. This book needs a lot of clean up work, and Stacy Padula could use a good writing coach. However, the story is a wholesome, teen “drama” (drama is relative) with a Christian bent.

These are pretty normal, mostly good kids and that’s kind of a refreshing change from a lot of current YA novels. I did have a hard time believing these were 14 and 15 year olds, they read more like 16 to 18 to me, but I think overall, the author does a good job of capturing teen dialog and thoughts. Would recommend to teens and preteens as a relatively tame Christian-centered romance or drama.

[Jennifer O'Sullivan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this book! It was a true testament to the challenges commonly faced in high school. Not only would this book give young teens an insight into what is to come, but it also helps parents understand the social pressures that their children may face. The characters were so relatable and easy to love; their ever-changing relationships and the problems they faced left me constantly wanting to pick up the book and know more. This faith-based book was inspirational and a breath of fresh air in an environment where social media seems to praise immoral actions. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a good read, or likes a story about the challenges and rewards of staying true to your morals and finding yourself.

[Jackie · Rating 5 out of 5]

***** 5 stars

This is a sweet story of teen romance and self acceptance. It covers a variety of topics that adolescents deal with when beginning high school (fitting in, finding your identity, struggling with morals, coming in contact with alcohol/drugs, being invited to parties) but sends a very positive message. Catholic/Christian parents will like this book for the moral of the story and teens will like it for the plot and characters.

[Bobbi Jean · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you for the opportunity to review this book as a Goodreads giveaway.

This was a good story about christian teenagers that have had temptations that they gave into, and their way back to God. This deals with drugs, dating, pride and social pressure.

[Timothy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great content for high school and middle school students to prepare them for social situations and internal/ethical battles commonly faced during that time of life.

[BookLover0703 · Rating 5 out of 5]

The first book in the MLH series hooks the reader right off the bat with captivating characters like Chris, Bryan, and Courtney. It is written from a bunch of characters' perspectives, so the reader gets to see the full scope of the story. This keeps you wanting to read more and more. It never gets boring.

[Kathy Church · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good Reading

It has been a long time since I was a teenager. This book bring memories of trying to fit in.

[BostonLABooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book for teens - true to life, totally relatable, and easy to read in one sitting.

[Love To · Rating 5 out of 5]

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, unlike what they experienced in middle school.

The Right Person is centered around a group of friends, all connected by one thing - a shared love of partying. The story focuses primarily on Chris, an athlete who is known for being the “life of the party,” and his new girlfriend Courtney, a girl with a strong moral compass and strong religious beliefs. Each go through almost opposite changes in an effort to please the other, as Courtney begins to attend more and more parties and become closer with Chris’ friend group, while Chris decides to stop partying, getting him in trouble with his “best friends.”

This book is a good portrayal of something that most high schoolers experience at one point or another, and it would definitely be helpful for middle schoolers who are currently preparing for their high school experience. The Right Person serves as a reminder that you can break off from the crowd, and if your friends make you do something that you don't necessarily feel comfortable with, you shouldn’t feel pressured to because these people obviously don’t have your best interest in mind. Just keep being yourself and following your own path, and you will find the right person.

[Bella Gill · Rating 5 out of 5]

The novel, The Right Person, written by Stacy Padula is a wonderful book for high school and college students to read. It portrays the hardships and struggles of relationships throughout the teenage years while simultaneously explaining how the desire to fit in can be both toxic and negative. Teenagers are always put in a position of choosing whether or not they want to drink, party, etc, and the majority of the time their friends’ decisions and attitudes influence what they end up doing. The main timeline in the story is between the characters Courtney Angeletti and Chris Dunkin. Courtney starts off with a wonderful reputation, while Chris is known as a crazy partier. Once they become a couple they start to switch roles and morals. Chris realizes his parties are ruining his life and motivation, while Courtney cannot see past her new popularity status. God and religion eventually motivate these teens to get back on the right path. Teens should definitely read this 5-star book because it is easily relatable and provides a variety of important life lessons.

[Lindsay Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

For so many, high school is the start to a young adult’s independence, an opportunity to attest newly developed characters, morals, and will power. A time to leave that juvenile teen behind, and develop into adolescence. Modern young adult literature depicts high school in an unrealistic way, shying away from the harsh realities and temptations that come with it, a conversation that many are uncomfortable having. To this day, I still reflect on my own high school experience and think “why did I do that?” or “why did I think that was cool?” Award winning author, Stacy Padula, recognizes the need to shed light on the reality of coming to adolescence, hoping to uncover the raw reality and prepare teens for their upcoming battle, something that she (and quite frankly I) would have been grateful for.

The Right Person is a mantra for young adults who are vulnerable to the temptations brought by society and peer pressure. Following Chris Dunkin’s internal battle to come to terms with his substance abuse and find the right path, he hopes his new relationship with Courtney Angeletti can influence him. The Right Person highlights an underlying theme of self-preservation through finding, or in this case, refinding faith in Christ. But what happens if Chris’s “good” influence, Courtney, starts to become diluted by his surroundings?

The Right Person clarifies for so many that life can not be taken event by event, living in the present and hoping that the scale of morality leans in favor of a one-way-ticket to heaven in the end. An overwhelming amount of individuals, teens especially, fail to understand that faith is much more than just believing in God. Faith is devotion, hope, and love; a constant purpose in life. Without faith, societal pressure can easily consume one's priorities, which we see following Courtney and Chris’s relationship. Will they find their way back to God? Read this series if you want to find out!

[Grace Ellis · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Montgomery Lake High Book 1: The Right Person” introduces a large cast of characters, all with their own personal relationships and moral codes. Young teenagers, especially those who have experienced feeling isolated from others, will relate to the drama that sometimes comes with warring friend groups. They may also relate to the temptation, insecurity, and fleeting attraction often induced by peer pressure from people close to them.

This book plainly addresses the problem of substance abuse, especially amongst teenagers. These characters, despite their varying beliefs and moral standards, all stumble and make mistakes, even to the point of lashing out at each other. Readers may find themselves unable to pick a “side” between two characters, which attributes itself to the realism of such situations in real life. At other points, readers are shown a character’s perspective and are witness to how they internally justify their actions. Even when it is clear that a character is being obnoxious or doing the wrong thing, we are made to see them through multiple lenses depending on which character we are watching them through. This humanizes them, even in the moments when they aren’t our favorite.

This book also holds a strong Christian message, especially toward the end. The story isn’t afraid to show that christian kids will be tempted and make mistakes. Instead, it presents tangible characters who go down a dark path, and introduces good influences to guide them down the right one. As titled, the book seems to be emphasizing that not only should young christians try to be with the “right people,” but that they should also try to become the “right person.” Despite the darkness, the story ultimately ends with a hopeful message. I’m interested to see what the rest of the series has to offer!

[Sophia Karnolt · Rating 5 out of 5]

High school expectations and experiences are different for everyone. It’s a learning experience that challenges everyone; you stay true to yourself or fall and get lost. The Right Person, by Stacy Padula, shares the tests some high school students at Montgomery Lake High face as they begin their year. They are faced against social pressures, parties, relationships, and trying to fit in with the popular crowd. This book highlights the struggles most teens deal with as they go through their high school years.
The main character, Chris Dunkin, is involved in a drug addiction and is the life of the party but he isn’t proud of his lifestyle and wants to change it. Courtney Angeletti, the mayor’s daughter, has high morals and very involved with God while attending church regularly. Chris sees her as a way out of his substanced lifestyle but Courtney is fascinated in his bad boy party behavior and reputation. Their lifestyles almost become opposite, as Chris stops partying to focus on his football career and Courtney partying with new friends to fit in. Chris and Courtney’s relationship is important to learn from because not only does it highlight the importance of standing by your morals but it shows how some people just may not be healthy for each other.
This book mentions the hardest challenges teens are faced. It is very realistic and relatable to someone currently in high school or someone who has graduated. I would recommend this book to anyone beginning high school, in high school now or even someone who has graduated. In my opinion, most important lesson in this book was to stay true to yourself.

[Isabelle M · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a homeschooler, many of the concepts and plots in The Right Person, by Stacy Padula, were foreign to me. But this book made me feel as though I were there, in the novel, facing the same temptations as Chris and Courtney. I have never had to deal with drugs, parties, or alcohol. But I would recommend this book for those who are homeschooled, or teens who will be going into highschool, so that they may be aware of these things.

Through this novel, I noticed the harsh effects of peer pressure on a young mind. Chris and Courtney moved in opposite directions in the plot. Chris began to regret his involvement in the party scene, and his alcohol and various drug addictions. Courtney, who once held these things at an arm’s length, begins to let chips in her armor, becoming enamored by the popularity and fun these things seem to bring. I very much enjoyed the ending which simply lays it on the table: these things only bring emptiness, and only God fulfills.

As teens we think we know it all. I know, because I am a teen myself. This book realistically depicts the truth. Each character in the novel has different pasts and social standings, convictions, and lives. It displays the consequences we face by trying to do things our own way, and let peer pressure and popularity (major themes throughout the novel) rule our decisions.

[Mackenzie Wells · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Right Person feels like an authentic glimpse into the lives and minds of high school freshmen. It can be easy to forget or ignore the pressures and social stresses placed on young teenagers, but this story provides an intimate view of the exciting and dramatic world of a group of freshmen at Montgomery Lake High.
Throughout the book, several stories are progressing simultaneously. There is a story about Chris and Courtney, who recently started dating, but are already drifting apart. Meanwhile, Chris’s friends and Courtney’s friends are scrambling to solidify their groups for high school, and establish their place in the world.
I would recommend this book to teenagers entering into, or already in high school. There are important lessons in this book about the impacts of peer pressure and the ensnaring trap of drugs and alcohol. Under all the darkness of painful heartbreak and mistakes, there is a glimmer of the greatest hope available to mankind. Courtney and Chris help each other to find the light which initially drew them together.

[Timmy Weiss · Rating 5 out of 5]

As a group of teenagers enter 9th grade they quickly realize the alarming amount of drama, peer pressure, popularity, and moral dilemmas they will encounter in their high school years. These seemingly innocent teenage behaviors can soon lead to big problems in these teens' lives, especially in their relationship with God. The Right Person, by Stacy Padula, perfectly highlights these obstacles teens face as they enter the stressful scene of Montgomery Lake High and how good kids can be led astray from their morals so easily.
The story mainly focuses on Chris Dunkin: A hard partier, but talented football player, who was introduced to drugs and alcohol at a very young age. Chris suddenly realizes the damage of his ways and starts an arduous journey to remain sober as much as he can. His realization branches from meeting a beautiful and kind-hearted girl named Courtney, whose morals inspire Chris. After they start dating, Courtney suddenly has a change of heart and begins to chase after all the things Chris wants to delete from his life: parties, popularity, and peer pressure behaviors. Their opposite paths lead to conflict and a tougher journey for Chris.
The book accompanies many high school characters who resemble the behaviors and personalities of those in a real world setting. Therefore, this book is critical for students in middle school or high school in order to prepare them for the dangerous behaviors teenagers get themselves into that can have devastating effects on their lives. It also reminds us that God will be with us in our toughest times and when in doubt we should always look to him for guidance.