Th1rteen R3asons Why
Thirteen Reasons Why
By: Jay Asher
For a first book Asher tackles an uncomfortable subject for many people: teenage suicide. Honestly, I really wasn't sure about this book, but I figured it's a relevant topic in today's society and one that needs to be addressed. Asher did not disappoint me, in fact, he enlightened me.
Hannah is the girl of the main characters dreams. She's pretty and although there are many rumors about her, Clay can't help but think about her. He even got a job at the theater where she worked so he could at least try to talk to her (he's a little shy and the ‘good kid'). The problem is, other people's perceptions of them and their own perceptions of themselves conflicted and weren't talked about in order to be resolved.
Two weeks ago Hannah Baker swallowed some pills. On this particular day when Clay gets home from school there's a box with no return address with his name on it. Inside are cassette tapes, 7 in total, labeled 1-13. He puts in tape number one and can't believe what he's hearing: Hannah Baker's voice.
In the tapes, Hannah details how other people's choices, actions and decisions affected her life in ways they didn't even understand. Some of the things may seem like a minor incident in a young girl's life and certainly no need to think about death, but some of the things are sad, scary and quite major events that would shake anyone's core.
Hannah has provided a map for the people that have received the tapes and the assurance that if someone doesn't pass them on to the next person on the list the entire collection would be made public. Believe me, the majority of the people on those tapes would definitely not want what they did to become public knowledge.
Clay "borrows" a walkman from a sort-of friend and takes the map while he walks through Hannah's story. The story itself is completely believable - it just screams high school and the things that can happen to damage a person's reputation. And Clay is someone we feel for. We really feel his tension as he waits for his name and why he's on the list. What did he ever to do Hannah that would cause her this kind of pain?
Although we're reading Hannah's story her voice is clear and does change from one just telling her story for others to realize their mistakes to one of clear detachment from her own reality. It's scary, sad stuff here, but it's also beautifully written and makes you stop to think how a seemingly insignificant comment or action can profoundly affect those around you.
There is some mild language in the book, but when you look at the twisting emotions behind the words you'll hopefully understand the reason it was used. This is truly an important book - I would think that a majority of teenagers have been the subject of a nasty rumor or have even started them. Maybe they've done something worse, or, maybe they didn't do anything to stop something terrible. This book will help provide understanding and is a great look at the human condition and the things that can push us past our breaking point.
Recommended To:
- Those who really focus on a character and their voice - this tale is truly poignant
- Anyone considering suicide or wondering about their own self-worth
- School bullies (everyone needs a wake-up call at some point)
- Everyone (and I really do mean everyone for this title. If you're in the education field, especially dealing with teens, you'll want to read this, even if it's just for the warning signs. Hannah goes through noticeable/obvious changes and does attempt to reach out, but she feels as though she's been failed, which is not completely untrue.)
Notes on the Cover:
Hannah looks how I picture her in my mind for the majority of the book. There's a wistful/lost expression of her face that really touches you and you really feel while reading the book. I understand her being in the park, but I'm not sure why she's on the swing - the rocket ship would have been more appropriate, but all in all, it's a good cover. It's intriguing and the way the title is also helps pull you in: TH1RTEEN R3ASONS WHY. Do you see it? It's more noticeable on the actual cover - colored letters and so on.
On our shelves!