Understanding 'Gripping' in Context

In the heart of the vibrant city, a small bookshop named "The Literary Nook" stood proudly on the corner of Maple and Fifth. The shop was renowned for its eclectic selection of titles, ranging from ancient classics to modern thrillers. It was often bustling with avid readers, each lost in their own literary worlds. The shopkeeper, Mr. Thompson, was a jovial man who had an uncanny ability to recommend the perfect book for anyone who sought his guidance. One rainy afternoon, a boy named Leo entered the store, his eyes lighting up at the sight of the colorful book covers.

As he browsed through the stacks, he overheard a conversation between two customers. They were discussing the book that everyone was talking about that month, "Chronicles of the Sky." The two women were animatedly agreeing that it was gripping, filled with thrilling adventures and unexpected twists. The word 'gripping' caught Leo's attention. He wondered what it meant. Was it merely that the book was exciting to read, or did it imply something more captivating? Intrigued, he decided to find Mr. Thompson for clarification.